Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 67, February 2015 | Seite 7

NOTHING WILL STOP ME!
I started to run in 2010 at the age of 39 and joined Tygerberg NLC. Having
watched Comrades for the past few years on TV, it was my dream to do it one day.
Unfortunately, when Comrades 2014 entries opened in September 2013, I couldn’t
enter because of financial problems, but I never gave up on my dream. On 13
February 2014, I posted on Facebook that I’m looking for a substitute entry, and
on Valentines Day I was the happiest man on earth! A cycling buddy said that I can
substitute his entry because his wife gave birth and he couldn’t go any more.
Then in April I was involved in a car accident. My car was badly damaged, but
thank God I only had minor neck and shoulder pain from the impact. However, I
had to use all my Comrades savings to cover the costs of the vehicle I bumped into.
Again, I was sitting with financial stress, so I went to the bank to borrow money for
my trip.
Then on our way to Pietermaritzburg, the bus broke down twice and we were
stranded for about eight hours on the roadside. At about 9pm the Thursday evening
another bus came from Estcourt to our rescue and took us to our destination,
arriving there at 1:30am. But on Sunday 1 June, at 5am, I was in Pietermaritzburg,
ready for my first Comrades Marathon, and when I crossed the finish line in a time
of 10:30:28, I went down on my knees thanking my God for carrying me through
this awesome journey. – Ismail Isaacs, Cape Town

If Comrades were an obstacle race, I think you would have won! – Ed.

MAKE EVERY MOMENT COUNT
I am not the best runner, but I enjoy my running, and try to do at least two road
races per month. I recently fell ill with measles and developed a secondary
chest infection, and as a result, I ended up not being able to exercise at all for
a month, let alone run, without gasping for air. I recently returned to my daily
morning runs – even though I have to do this with my asthma pump before
and after – and I feel blessed. It is great to be alive, listening to the birds
announcing a new day. We often take this for granted. What a privilege we have
to do this without restrictions. So run whenever you can. Most of all – enjoy
every moment! – Mariaan Mostert, eMalahleni

Good to hear that you are being careful and listening to your body,
which in turn will mean that you should be running for many years
yet. – Ed.

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