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