Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 51, October 2013 | Seite 6

Editor’s Letter Image: Cherie Vale / Newsport Media Loving Life W hen people ask me what I do for a living, I tell them that I have three jobs – and I love all of them! Naturally, that results in a few quizzical looks, but I quickly explain: My ‘day job’ is Editor on this mag, which is such a privilege, because I am a runner and a journalist, and this is really a case of having the perfect job. Then there is my ‘night job,’ coaching the women’s soccer team at the University of Stellebosch. I helped start the team in 1999 with a complete group of beginners, and since then the team has gone on to win ?ve league titles and is now doing well in the highest provincial women’s division in the Western Cape. I am naturally incredibly proud of my girls! And then we get to my ‘weekend job,’ doing race day commentary on the microphone at running, walking, track & ?eld, mountain biking, triathlon and adventure racing events. To be honest, I still can’t believe that I actually get paid to talk – or have so much fun. Take for example the recent Totalsports Ladies 10km & 5km running event in Stellenbosch, where I was on the mic in the Rainbow Mile vibe zone about midway along the route. Now this was the third year I had done commentary at this spot, but this year there was a surprise waiting for me: The organisers from Stillwater Sport & Entertainment had brought in the Stellenbosch Fire Brigade to make some foam in the road and create a ‘foam party’ fun effect for the runners. And they’d brought one of their big ?re engines along... So there I was, on the roof of a ?re engine, mic in hand, singing, dancing, waving and blowing kisses, having a whale of a time with the thousands of women participating in the race. De?nitely one of the highlights of my commentary career thus far – right up there with being on Constantia Nek or outside Kirstenbosch Gardens doing vibe commentary for the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon, or manning the mic in the Modern Athlete Smile Zone during the Comrades Marathon. Besides being involved in so many great events and giving something back to the sports I love, what I really love about doing race commentary is being able to interact with, talk to, share a laugh with and hopefully inspire and entertain the athletes. I have always loved the vibrancy and energy of endurance sports, and being on the mic at these events inspires me to want to get out there and participate myself. So next time you see me on the mic at a race, please come say hello, because nothing beats a good chat with fellow modern athletes. And if you have a good story for us here in the mag, feel free to tell me about it. PUBLISHERS Mike Bray & Craig Van der Westhuizen [email protected] EDITORIAL TEAM EDITOR Sean Falconer [email protected] JOURNALIST & RACE EDITOR Lauren van der Vyver [email protected] DESIGNER & JOURNALIST Nicole de Villiers [email protected] ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER GAUTENG Robin Hide 082 777 0988 / [email protected] SALES MANAGER WESTERN CAPE Lynette Higgo 082 835 0668 / [email protected] SUBSCRIPTIONS & DISTRIBUTION Lauren van der Vyver 011 454 1542 / [email protected] EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Salome Scholtz, Ironman South Africa, CMA, Delaine Cools, Tom Cottrell, John Brimble, SSISA, Kasha Dickie, Ray Orchison, Jacques Marais, Pieter Pretorius, Fanus Rossouw, Derick Marcisz & Jacky McClean COVER IMAGE Reg Caldecott IMAGES CMA, Jetline Action Photo, Reg Caldecott, Lauren Van Der Vyver, Kobus Vorster, Emily Armstrong, Heather Horrocks, Peter Rankin, Stephan Griesel, Gail W, Wes Jones, Val Opperman, Jacques Marais, Doug Jones, Robyn Jones, Pieter Pretorius, Fanus Rossouw, Nicole de Villiers, Sean Falconer, Chris Hitchcock, Cherie Vale/Newsport Media & Roger Sedres Sean Falconer IN MEMORIAM The Modern Athlete team was saddened to hear of the sudden passing after illness of Jenny Kearney, who was formerly our Cape-based Advertising Executive. She will be sadly missed by the whole team, and our thoughts go out to her family, especially her brother, and our Publisher, Mike Bray. FIND US TELEPHONE [phone] E-MAIL [email protected] PHYSICAL ADDRESS 92, 1st Avenue, Edenvale WEB www.modernathlete.co.za FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/modernathletemag TWITTER @modern_athlete Modern Athlete is accredited by the ABC with an average monthly circulation of 29 059 (Jan – March 2013). Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon Expo Time! Over the last few years, Modern Athlete has grown its online presence. We’ve shared and have gotten to know all our fans and followers! Not only do we give you all the motivation you need to tie your running laces, but we keep you up to date with the running world and give you the coolest competitions around! Sign up today for the 2014 Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon Expo and make sure that your brand, product or service is seen by the over 50 000 visitors expected at the Expo! When: Wednesday 16 – Friday 18 April 2014 Where: Cape Town International Convention Centre For all exhibition enquiries, contact [email protected] Organised by: Bookings op 4 en soon! ISSUE 51 OCTOBER 2013 / www.modernathlete.co.za