The first month of a new year is usually a time of resolutions and new ( or repeat ) commitments to do things a bit differently than the previous year . I ’ m no different to you in that sense , and one of my goals for 2023 is to spend less time behind the computer , and more time outside , exploring and experiencing . I want to walk the dogs in different places other than our complex , I want to walk on more beaches with Nicole , and add to the list of lighthouses that we have touched , and the wine farms we have visited for a tasting of a decently wooded Chardonnay or Chenin . I also want to add more roads and trails to those that I have run , have more great chats with fellow runners at local races , and experience more ‘ runner ’ s highs ’ this year . I am therefore grateful that I have already been able to line up at two local trail races in January and enjoy all of the above !
Here in the Cape , we are blessed with a number of trail organising companies that put on really enjoyable events on local wine farms , and I did TrailFun ’ s Summer Series opener at Neethlingshof Wine Estate , followed a week later by Dirtopia ’ s Resolution Run on Muratie Wine Farm . Most of these wine farms also have sections of forest and open veld , or hills where planting vines or trees is not viable , and the trail builders have been given
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permission to open new running or biking trails on the farms , so they really make for great race venues , with a mix of farm roads , jeep tracks , single trail and switchbacks . And bonus , there is good food and good wine waiting at the finish !
Speaking of Great Chats …
As I said above , I would like to spend a little less time behind the computer this year , but that doesn ’ t mean I am not enjoying my job . On that , one aspect of being a running journo that I will never get enough of is getting to chat to so many inspirational athletes , of every level , and then writing their stories . Take this edition , as an example .
Late last year I received an invite from adidas to chat to Olympian Dominique Scott-Efurd while she was back in SA for a big adidas photoshoot , and it was so enjoyable to literally see the joy in her eyes – it was Zoom video interview – as she described being able to surprise her family by arriving on their doorstep unannounced .
Then I interviewed Siya Sokomani , the horticulturist who planted the seed that led to a whole bunch of runners tackling the Cape Town and Soweto Marathons carrying trees on their backs . Listening to him speak so passionately about conservation , environmental education and township greening is so inspiring !
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Next up was a chat with Zubayr Isaacs , a young man who is using running to overcome the challenges of his autism . I first met him , as well as his mother and running partner , Lameez , about two years ago , and it ’ s a true privilege to tell the story of his running journey thus far , culminating last October in his solo run at the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon . The Isaacs family hopes that sharing Zubayr ’ s story , and his successes and milestones , will help other families who face similar challenges .
Another great interview for this editon was with Theo Bierman , who tackled two full Ironman-distance triathlons in a solo challenge to raise funds to help children with cerebral palsy . My own family has experience of this condition , so this article has special mean for me , and chatting to Theo , just like all the other interviewees mentioned here , left me feeling inspired to get out there and run . I think you will feel that way , too .
So lace up those running shoes , friends , and head out to your favourite piece of road or trail . Better yet , go exploring and find a new road or trail to enjoy . Remember to look up and take it all in , and then log it in the memory banks as another great day !
Sean Falconer |
Image : Chris Hitchcock |