C o l u m n
WHAT ’ S THAT YOU SAY ?
THE MILLION DOLLAR QUESTION
Why is it that whenever I put my shoes on for a run the wind picks up ? And then blows straight into my face going out , and when I turn around to go back home , the wind also turns , and blows straight into my face again ? – Ryno Mouton
Gavin Byl : True story . Darwin road has caught me like that a few times . Maybe it ’ s in the name …
READY TO RUN !
It wasn ’ t just the “ big days ” that made this year special , but also the many memorable moments in between and the people I got to share it with ! A huge thanks to everyone who supported me and believed in me ! I hope to build on everything that this year has taught me , and to make the most of every day that I get to do this wonderful sport ! Can ’ t wait to scale new mountains in 2024 ! – Gerda Steyn
FRIGHTENING EXPERIENCE
Was chased by a homeless man this morning . At least I know after all my years of training , I will be able to outrun a zombie in an apocalypse ! He was literally running after me for about a kilometre , and when I stopped to cross the street , he caught up to me and he was asking for something . I said I have nothing on me , and continued running , he then also crossed the street while screaming , “ My lady , what is the time ?” I stopped again , told him the time , and started running again even faster , and he continued to run after me , till I found a man on his walk , who was kind enough for me to walk with him for a bit . It scared off the homeless stalker , because he then stopped chasing me and crossed the street again . Anyone else experience something like this ? – Adeléne Hartzenberg
Crystal Lenore Rich : Sorry for laughing , but I have had the same experience previously , and thought the same thing – at least I can probably survive a zombie apocalypse – and it has indeed made me work harder on my running , so I can be faster than others . Certainly a serious problem , though , and have been considering a small knife or those knuckle spike thingies , but my hands swell when I run , so worried it will be uncomfortable . Horrible that we have to think like this , but it ’ s our reality , I suppose .
Joanne Clegg : Sounds like mental health issues , and it must have been freaky . It ’ s sh * t to feel vulnerable . Got to think twice about running alone .
Sharon Birch Bauser : I run with a pocket siren attached to my running belt . If I feel threatened , I can just pull the handle and the pin comes out . It makes an extremely loud piercing noise and attracts attention . Not totally foolproof , but I feel safer running with it . I always run alone , due to circumstances , and go through green belts often .
Astrid Haupt : I had a homeless man join me on my morning run at the beginning of the year . He was a runner , but homeless , and told me he runs 20km a day . Was actually scratching in the bin when I passed him , and the next thing he had caught up and was running with me . We chatted for a while . Sad story , like so many others out there , but running is the one thing that makes him happy , so he runs .
COMRADES EXTENSION CRITICS
There were some very mixed reactions from the Comrades Marathon community when the event organisers announced on 12 December that the entry period for the 2024 race had been extended by a few days to Thursday 14 December . Just over 1000 slots were still available , out of the maximum allowed 23,000 . Here are some of the comments from Facebook , including a few runners who are clearly still upset about what happened in 2023 ... – Ed .
Beatrice Mag : Next year guys please reduce the entry fees . You know this race is so full of “ joggers ” and it ’ s unfair for a jogger to pay this much .
Lebakeng Tshepi Morobane : I knew this was gonna happen , all the tough talk they gave at the Launch was a plot to make us register on time . Unfortunately , we were not moved and scared . Runners run the show .
Elda Monakisi : I thought u r so strict on closing time , like u do on race day on cutting us off .
Nzimeni George Matinyane : They already budgeted for us 7000 novices .
Gudman SiyaBonga Mkhwanazi : Next time just keep it open till you sell out .
Sbonelo Langa : I will be waiting for substitutions .
Tshepo Medupe : Why did you close it in the first place ? Next year just make it December 23 , finish and klaar .
Lauren Hester Calenborne : Comrades is amazing when it comes to withdrawals and substitutions ... then somehow the rules are extremely strict . But when it comes to entries , and more money , the rules are so easily relaxed .
Sivu Siv : Next time they must open until the total number has been registered . We have the app , mos .
Tim Kilpin : Why have the cut-off date ? Just keep entries open until the full quota has been sold , as this is a given .
Sinethemba Zondi : Entry fees is too much , can it be reduced ?
Dave Frame : Yoh , that road is gonna be packed with runners next year !
Faheemah Limbada : I think Approximately only 18,000 / 19,000 will line up , might be even less . The start line stats have deviated much since Covid .
Denise Schutte : Mmm , bending the rules to fit the pocket much . Those 10 minutes extra for us “ joggers ” at Pinetown could have made it a probable sellout before the closing date ... like every other year . Still bit peeved , even with the 50 % discount peace offering . Hopefully with new blood in the top ranks , things will run smoothly next year , but will first have a look-see before we invest in it again .
FEEDING TIME
And the Post Marathon Munchies has arrived . – Angelo Adams
Images : iStock & courtesy Angelo Adams , Gerda Steyn , Comrades Marathon
10 ISSUE 164 | www . modernathlete . co . za