WALKING
And They ’ re Off …
Suddenly it was time , and the walking began . I had chosen a route that starts with a pretty serious climb up Townsend Road , but then enjoys two and a half kilometres of gentle drop along Kloof Street , a few rolling bits and another climb up Townsend to end the walk . In training , I could break 60 minutes and a real sweat , but I decided to pace myself and allow for the pace of anyone who joined me – and boy were there plenty !
I won ’ t name all the wonderful people who walked with me , but I will tell you that Richard Laskey of Modern Athlete magazine and I walked the streets of Bedfordview at 2am in Choc Cow suits , and we could only imagine a few guys driving home from the jol , seeing us and swearing off drink for life ! I was joined by old friends and new friends , an entire family , and of course , Buddy the bull terrier , who looked after us during the 2am walk on Sunday morning . The miles flew by , and the conversations flowed , with a few laughs , and even a few tears . Not for one
Trails , back-to-back , in early April . But it was all good , because my newfound motto to “ Do Hard Things ” has been life-changing for me , and though I am certain there are tougher and stranger challenges out there , I will continue along my path to a long and ( most importantly ) healthy life .
The Real Superheroes
Two weeks after the challenge , after further fundraising efforts , our Boikanyo Dion Herson Foundation team , led by the incredible Marilyn Herson Bassin , embarked on a mission unlike any other . We visited Tshilidzini Hospital in Thohoyandou , Venda , for part two of our life-changing buggy recycling workshop . But what exactly does that mean ? Let me tell you about the real superheroes we meet along the way .
Nobody messes with Buddy the bull terrier , Mike ’ s 2am bodyguard .
millimetre of the challenge was I ever alone , and I want all of my walking companions to understand how much they carried me through this . I am eternally grateful .
The weather stayed away , and we missed the hailstorm that hit parts of Johannesburg on Saturday night . I think my late mom was watching over me . Sleep was almost non-existent , and I believe I probably totalled four hours in the 48 . When I do the challenge again next year – and yes , I will do it again – I will pay better attention to the sleeping side of things . The biokineticist had provided me with before and after stretch routines for each loop , and I did them religiously . She also made time for me on Saturday when I hit the halfway mark , for a light stretch and some time in the compression boots . ( Another game-changer , but this one is sadly out of my league .)
As quickly as it started , the 48 hours were up , and I had covered 48 miles ( just over 77 kilometres ) over the two days . By the time it was done , I was personally acquainted with every pothole , upturned brick , missing manhole cover , and every street light not working in Bedfordview ! I had walked almost 110,000 steps , burned about 9000 calories , and depleted the last of my reserves , and sometime around 7pm that evening , I hit the proverbial wall . I started to shiver and then sweat , and it was only a few
Halfway TLC with biokineticist Yolande Van Vuuren .
hours later that my body settled down . Perhaps I had simply asked too much of it , with too little sleep , and it had had enough !
I took the Monday off , but by Tuesday I was back at the gym , and walking again on Wednesday morning . And I needed to walk , because my next challenge was the Otter Trail and Tsitsikamma
One lap done , one block on the shirt crossed off !
Superhero # 1 : The Children : These fantastic kids , diagnosed with cerebral palsy , possess unbelievable courage that would put even the bravest of us to shame . I like to think that I “ do hard things ” and challenge my physical and mental limitations whenever I can , but next to these superheroes , I feel so ordinary , and I can only hope my efforts make a difference in their lives . Their smiles , determination and spirit were truly inspiring . We were fitting them all with specialised wheelchairs , called buggies , to give them the freedom and mobility they deserve .
Superhero # 2 : The Families : The unwavering love and support of the children ’ s parents and families were another source of immense strength . Witnessing their dedication in the face of such challenges was humbling . You must see the gentle faces as they speak softly to the children , hold them , hug them , and comfort them when things get too much . I found myself walking the grounds of the hospital , tears streaming down my face , taking a moment to regain my composure and returning to capture what I could . I can only hope my images will give you a glimpse into what I felt , and not just what I saw .
The 6am loop crew reporting for duty .
Last lap done and Sharon can cross off the final block .
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