Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 61, August 2014 | Page 7

LOVE YOUR MAG!

While walking around the Expo, I came
across the Modern Athlete stall, and it was
wonderful talking to the Editor and his
staff. I have been reading the magazine
since inception, but meeting the team that
assemble the magazine was really moving
and wonderful. Modern Athlete keeps things
simple and on the point, the news and
stories are told by the runners and experts
respectively, I like the layout and pictures of
the magazine, and its meaty read is a must for
any person fond of running.
Once more I want to thank you guys for all
the expert knowledge you share with us,
and the race calendars, and not to mention
the free access to your digi-mag. The arrival
of Modern Athlete closed the gap in road
running stories, and every month I look
forward to reading this wonderful magazine.
In the spirit of running, I say cheers to many
years to come, keep up the good work and we
will keep supporting you.
– Muntu Khanyile, Johannesburg

RUNNING TO...
NOT FROM…

About eight years ago I started running.
But this was not a good kind of running. It
was running away, an emotional marathon
that had nothing to do with any sort of
physical activity, but one that had me beat.
All alone in a place where giving up was
all I thought I had. I needed something to
change…
I moved from Cape Town to Durban three
years ago as my journey of searching led
me on, and at the beginning of last year I
took up a different kind of running, one
that started off as a physical journey, but
still today teaches me so much about life.
I bought my first pair of running shoes,
joined a club, Natal Carbineers, and
with every step started to find meaning
again. To find myself. I was surrounded
by something I had lost hope in – caring.
All around so many people with hands
held out to each other, an arm around a
shoulder, a word of encouragement. We
all run for different reasons and take on
different mountains, both physically and
mentally, yet running is our bond. We run
together and without even knowing it we
are helping each other in this marathon
called life.

Was great to meet you, too, and we always
appreciate such positive feedback. – Ed.

My first Two Oceans this year was a deeply
emotional one. The first 15km with those
familiar yet forgotten mountain ranges to
the right of us had me broken inside. My
legs were strong, but my heart was heavy.
I was going to bail, because I forgot I was
not alone anymore. Then a total stranger put
his arm around my shoulders and looked
at me in a way only a runner can, and said,
“Keep pushing... you can do this.” So I
kept pushing on, and with each step these
emotional giants I was facing were crushed.
I finished the race. Together. Changed.

WINNERS’ CORNER
Congratulations to all the winners of
our June edition competitions.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Win Saucony Shoes worth R1799 for
the Winning Letter
Samukelo Ndlovu, Johannesburg
GREAT TRAILS OF SOUTH AFRICA
Win a K-way Dart Hydration Pack top
worth R299
Barry Washansky, Cape Town

Day to day I may feel like nothing is
changing, but when I look back everything
has changed, and without that past, I would
not fully appreciate the amazing present I
have found. Running showed me that. It
has brought a freedom to a life that was
once chained and tied up