Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 58, May 2014 | Page 8

Have YOUR SAY Got something on your mind that you want to share, a burning question you want answered, or a good story to tell? Then send it to [email protected]. (Note that some letters have been shortened due to space limitations.) ter inning Let W BACK WITH A BANG After a three-year lay-off and the ubiquitous weight-gain that goes with a lack of exercise, I decided to get back on the road. Well, actually, I did not “decide,” my doctor did. My annual check-up in November 2013 highlighted some areas of concern that I knew training would help solve, so reluctantly, I laced up my running shoes and took to the streets of our suburb... slowly, very slowly. Having been a Comrades runner for many years, I thought that it would be easy, but I struggled with motivation and perseverance issues. But the reason for writing is to say that eventually being healthy was more important than an extra hour in bed, or a chocolate. To date, I have lost 16 kilograms, I am running at least 12km a day, and I have a whole new outlook on nutrition. I am blessed and grateful to be back on the road and enjoying the experience all over again. But more importantly, I am glad that I had the check-up AND that I took the doctor’s advice to turn my life around. – David Batzofin, Johannesburg Good to have you back on the roads with us, David, and I hope some new running shoes will motivate you still more. – Ed. THE JOURNEY CONTINUES Image: Flickr I started my road running journey during 2007. Prior to that I use to do track and field athletics and always wanted to do one Comrades. I can remember how far a mere 5km run felt back then… In 2008 I completed my first Two Oceans Marathon and this year I will be taking part in my seventh. I always had a running monkey on my back to do a sub-4-hour marathon, and this year I had the privilege of achieving that goal at the Pick n Pay Marathon, when I ran 3h56m. Going forward, things can only get better. My plan for Two Oceans is to run a 5h30m, and God-willing, I will be lining up to take part in my sixth Comrades, where I am planning to run a sub-10-hour if all goes well. Thank you for a great magazine! – Morné Britz, Johannesburg I’m interested in competing in Masters athletics (35 and older) and have been trying to get more info. I’ve sent various enquiries to CGA and GNA and have yet to receive feedback. Can you perhaps supply me with the correct contact info for someone that would be able to assist me? – Louis De Jager, Delmas You will find the official website for South African Masters Athletics at www.mastersathletics.org.za, or mail them at [email protected]. – Ed. SUPPORT FOR MEL As I am sure that you are aware, a very prominent Pretoria ultra-marathon runner, Melanie Delainey, was hit by a taxi while out running on 24 March. There was a huge response from the running community, about how they can keep updated and show support, so please could you share her support page. It is not a request for monetary offerings from people or anything of the like: www.facebook.com/ melsupport?fref=ts. – Helen Susannah Webb, via Facebook We wish Melanie a speedy recovery and hope to see her back on the road again soon. – Ed. NEED NEW SHOES I went for a run in the first week of January and was chased by a dog. I eventually stopped, stood dead still and the dog grabbed a hold of my one sneaker, biting at it. So winning a new pair of adidas sneakers would be such a blessing! I hope and pray that you’ll make me a winner. I’ve liked, shared and subscribed! Thank you so much! – Kelley Zoë RainChild Petersen, via Facebook Sorry, Kelley, but a lucky draw is a lucky draw, even though you wrote such a compelling note for our online adidas shoes give-away. Look out for more great prizes on our website and Facebook page. – Ed. I love reading letters from motivated runners who are chasing those running goals down! – Ed. Write in and WIN Saucony Shoes! Each month the writer of our winning letter wins a pair of the brand-new powerGrid Triumph 11 running shoes, valued at R1799 (available in men’s or women’s). Find Your Strong with Saucony! 8 ISSUE 58 MAY 2014 / www.modernathlete.co.za WINNERS’ CORNER MASTERS INFO, PLEASE M W Congratulations to all the winners of our FEBRUARY edition competitions HAVE YOUR SAY Win Saucony Shoes worth R1449 for the Winning Letter Kevin Venter (Runnerstalk), Alberton GREAT TRAILS OF SOUTH AFRICA Win a K-way Malin top worth R399 Victor Moiloa, Johannesburg WOMEN’S RUNNING Win a Totalsports Voucher worth R1000 Stacey King, Durban ATHLETES IN ACTION Win a pair of Reebok One Series Cushioned Shoes worth R1299 Brenda Garth-Davis, Johannesburg