ROAD RUNNING
I learnt how to keep persevering during the lows that I experienced during training , and on race day , a lesson that applies to life as well – if we don ’ t give up , the finish line will eventually come . I earned my Back-to-Back medal the following year and went on to complete six Comrades Marathons , the last one in 2018 . But little did I know that my health was about to take a drastic turn , and with it , my dreams of running my next Comrades Marathon would be ( temporarily ) shattered .
Declining Health
I became critically ill , suffering from internal bleeding and ulcers , and was eventually diagnosed with Crohn ’ s disease , which depleted my body from head to toe . It felt as though it ripped me apart , both physically and emotionally . I lost weight , bone mass ( resulting in a broken nose ), hair , strength , and the ability to run ( amongst many other challenges ). During this time , I also endured unwanted stares and gossip , felt misunderstood , and was misdiagnosed a few times , too .
About three years ago , I relocated to Johannesburg , and in the hope of establishing some normalcy again , and due to my intense love for running and the running community , I immediately joined the Fourways Road Runners and a social running group , JP Runners . These two running groups quickly became like family to me , offering friendship , fun , and unwavering support during the tough times I was facing . They accepted the frail , yellow ( due to liver complications ) and fragile person I had become . To them , it didn ’ t matter what I looked like on the outside … they appreciated my heart and mutual love for running .
Addicted to hope
In spite of my health being so poor , I still entered the Comrades each year , addicted to the hope that my body would be healthy enough for me to run . At the beginning of 2023 , and after six years of not being able to run the Comrades , I became afraid for my life . My doctor at the time informed me that I couldn ’ t run for an entire year , and the likelihood of ever running again was extremely slim . With the Osteoporosis that had developed , a compromised heart , and severe anaemia , amongst other health conditions , 2023 was perhaps the hardest year of my life . I nearly didn ’ t survive on more than one occasion .
However , still clinging on to hope , in 2024 I entered the Comrades Marathon once again . I had begun seeing a new doctor , and had started learning more about my body and how to better manage my conditions , so I started running again in January of this year . I love long-distance running , and was
Debbie and hubby Bruce at the Sani Pass Marathon in 2016 , before her health issues
determined to complete a marathon – which I did , with the biggest smile on my face ! The Comrades was still a tiny seed planted deep in my heart , and now I had actually qualified again , but we didn ’ t know if it would actually be possible – or wise – for me to run it .
I only found out that I had the go-ahead to run the week before Comrades . My iron levels had been critically low , and if it had not increased in time , it would have been too dangerous to run . I actually hadn ’ t shared my dream of running the Comrades again with anyone , not even my Mom , until the day before the race . However , the outpouring of support since I ’ ve shared my story has been incredible , and I am continuously humbled by the opportunity to share my story and hope it encourages others to stay addicted to hope , too .
So , after six years of patiently waiting , hope finally prevailed and I lined up at the start of the Comrades Marathon once again . All I had ever wanted for the past six years was the chance to line up at the start again , and finally , this year , it happened . It felt like a miracle to finally be there again , surrounded by fellow runners who share the same love for this race as I do , and completing 85.9 kilometres that day turned out to be one of the best days of my life ! I felt stronger and faster than ever while running , and I smiled the entire way . So many runners and supporters said it looked like I was flying . And even as I write this , I still feel like I ’ m soaring , high on joy and gratitude . It feels surreal , like a miracle . Six years of waiting returned six times the blessing !
Six Times the Grit
I prefer not to dwell on the negatives and believe that every day is a new opportunity . I wake up each morning determined to make the most of it . And I want to encourage others to remember that even if things don ’ t turn out as you ’ d hoped , you can still choose to enjoy life and embrace new experiences . The Comrades Marathon has taught me many valuable lessons , including how to handle suffering and challenges .
Cruising at the Irene Running Festival earlier this year
Fourways Road Runners provides Debbie with great support , on and off the road
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