Ohana : The Philosophy of Unity
The logo that I designed for the T-shirt has a deep symbolic meaning : It depicts two athletes , with the front athlete glancing back to ensure the other is keeping up . This action of looking back , epitomises the unspoken bond between them . The image embodies the Hawaiian philosophy of ohana – a concept where family isn ’ t just about blood ties , but about shared experiences and mutual respect .
TRAIL
Images : Caleb Bjergfelt , Johann Minnaar , Sulette Ferreira & courtesy Otter African Trail Run
Each marathon and race Johan and I have run holds cherished memories . Yet , a singular , poignant image stands out to me : My son , regardless of our competitive pace , never fails to cast a reassuring glance backward . This gesture , transcending mere sportive camaraderie , evokes a philosophy deeper than the race itself . It ’ s not just about crossing the finish line ; it ’ s about ensuring that we both do so , side by side . The message is clear : Real triumphs aren ’ t just in individual accolades , but in shared experiences and the connections fostered en route .
Drawing inspiration from this spirit of ohana , one realises that the essence of family isn ’ t limited to genealogy . It ’ s moulded from shared moments , mutual respect and the experiences that connect us . On the Otter Trail , each participant , through shared sweat and determination , becomes a part of this extended ohana .
As my son embarks on the threshold of his thirties , I witness an evolution – not just as an athlete , but as a person shaped by experiences and time . The marathons , particularly our Otter Trail runs , were more than mere athletic endeavours . They served as metaphoric journeys , mirroring the unpredictable terrain of life itself . I realise that these races were foundational experiences offering lessons and metaphors for confronting life ’ s challenges .
Our Otter Trail runs weren ’ t just tests of endurance . They were emblematic of the ripple effects our decisions can have . What began as a straightforward decision to participate in a marathon , evolved into shared adventures replete with trials , tribulations , and moments of joy . These runs did more than just challenge our stamina ; they nourished our spirits , reinforced our bond , and created unforgettable memories .
Goggins ’ s Grit : Embracing Setbacks
Our initial decision to run the Otter had seemed so simple , but it cascaded into a series of events that tested our resilience , determination and camaraderie . With every uphill battle and every twist in the trail , we learnt that it ’ s not the big moments – like crossing the finish line – but the small , consistent choices that we make along the way , that shape our lives . One such decision stands out for me . This year , during our fourth and maybe the final time running the Otter Trail , my hope of crossing the finish line was unexpectedly dashed .
Four kilometres into the race , as I jumped off a rock face , I heard a sound like a twig breaking . I tried to walk , but my foot refused to cooperate . I had fractured my ankle , and the immediate consequence was clear – my race had come to a premature end . However , the weight of this moment wasn ’ t solely on my shoulders . My son was faced with a dilemma : To race forward , fuelled by months of training ,
An unfortunate misstep on the rocks ended Sulette and Johan ’ s race
or halt , in light of my misfortune . He chose to stop , and this choice embodied the philosophy of American ultra-marathon runner and author David Goggins : Sometimes the hardest choices demand the greatest maturity .
A wave of disappointment washed over me when I realised that I wouldn ’ t be able to finish the race – this challenge that had come to mean so much to us – yet this unexpected pause also gave me a chance to introspect and reminisce about our shared milestones . I was reminded of Goggins ’ s poignant words , “ Our true character isn ’ t shaped in moments of ease , but rather during adversities .” Over the years , our trail runs had evolved into more than just races ; they became narratives of our intertwined journey . And this is the thing : Running is never just about finishing a race – it is about the journey , the choices we make along the way , and the growth they signify .
Connecting the Dots : the T-shirt ’ s tale
Steve Jobs once beautifully articulated : “ You can ’ t connect the dots looking forward ; you can only connect them looking backward .” This profound observation perfectly mirrors the marathon experience in all our races , and especially the Otter Trail runs . What began as only a race has since woven itself into a rich tapestry of discovery , personal growth , and deep connection .
The distance of a marathon may be finite , but its impact resonates long after the race ends , sculpting our characters and guiding our internal compass . Inspired by Steve Jobs ’ s perspective , I believe we each harbour a guiding compass driven by intuition and unwavering faith . As life presents its myriad terrains , this inner guide ensures our choices remain aligned with our core essence .
Holding these two T-shirts , lovingly wrapped in rice paper , I ’ m reminded of the magnitude of our journey together . The larger one prominently displays a tag inscribed with the Zulu word sawubona – “ I see you .” Yet , after everything we ’ ve been through , we still face a final uncertainty . As every runner knows , the race T-shirt is only to be worn after the race , and only if the race was completed – but we never completed our final Otter . Do we dare wear these shirts as a public testament to our journey ? Or do they remain unworn , but close to our hearts as an intimate reminder thereof ?
About the Author
Dr Sulette Ferreira is a social science researcher and emigration therapist , in private practice in Pretoria , specialising in the study and therapeutic treatment of ambiguous loss . She says that her studies , travels and running have taught her valuable life lessons , to accept what is , to let go of what was , and to have faith in what will be , and she has carried through into her 12 years of running . She has done multiple marathon and ultra events , including the Otter and SkyRun , as well the Two Oceans Ultra . More on her at https :// drsulette . com .
A pic from the 2022 Otter , with the author and her son at the back of this running group
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