Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 66, January 2015 | Page 6

Ma letters

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
[e-mail].
(Note that some letters have been shortened due to space limitations.)

WINNING LETT
ER

RUNNING IN THE FAMILY

Margie finishing the 2014 Old
Mutual Two Oceans Marathon

One of my main aims in training for and finishing
the Two Oceans Ultra was to set an example for my
daughter. If you want something badly enough, and
put in the effort, you will reap the rewards. My entire
family, including nieces and nephews, and some of
my clients, were so proud of me, and the effect had a
very positive spin-off! I had clients who couldn’t imagine themselves
running 5km, but some have gone on to run 42km marathons.
My dad and mom celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in
August 2014, and to celebrate, the whole family from all over South
Africa went away for the weekend. To my delight, I ended up being
woken up very early by my youngest niece, asking me to join her
for a run. She has battled with a stress problem which causes her to
faint many times a day, and she decided that running is a great way
to relieve stress. She hadn’t fainted in 18 days by the time we ran
together, thanks to running! The whole family enjoyed a trail walk
that afternoon and when we got back, two more of my nieces asked
me to go for a short run with them!

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ISSUE 66 JANUARY 2015 / www.modernathlete.co.za

The point to my story is that at one stage in my life I didn’t think I
would ever achieve any kind of sporting excellence. I lacked selfconfidence and discipline. Through running, I have not only gained
a huge sense of self-worth, but have inspired my whole family t