Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 68, March 2015 | Page 11

also ran for The Wildlands Conservation Trust after
being inspired by Brad Brown at a roadshow. I got
my bronze medal that I had been aiming for, coming
home in 10:58. It was the most incredible feeling. I
had found my purpose.”
“It was after my second Comrades, coming in 11:54
after a terrible day on the route, that I got my tattoo
in Clarens. At the bottom, there is a darkness that I
went through, the drugs and negative aspects that
grabbed me to keep me down. That disgusting self.
Then the phoenix rises out of the darkness. The
phoenix has the head of an eagle – something that
can see everything. Every morning it reminds me
where I’ve been, and where I’m going. Out of the
darkness, I’ve become aware of who I am. At the
top, my Comrades number is there. While I haven’t
earned it permanently yet, it’s my commitment to keep
running.”

by a parkrun at Delta Park, and then I stayed for a
cross-country championship that afternoon. I also did
three marathons in 30 hours, driving between three
provinces: The Shaduka Coal in Mpumalanga, then the
night race in Ottersdal, and Johnson Crane the next
morning. I passed out under a tree by the end of it
with three medals around my neck!”

Ambassadorial role

After two years with the Alberton club, Shaun received
a surprise message from the Comrades King, Bruce
Fordyce, inviting him to run as a running ambassador
for the Nedbank club, and he jumped at the chance.
“It was a great opportunity. We created a group called
The Green Machine, and the whole concept is to inspire
each other and other runners. Now, when I see a
‘newb’ on the road, I encourage them to join any club,
to learn and meet new people, and I often get asked

for advice, about what to eat, about race routes, and
if I know about extra entries and things like that. I
love inspiring people, so my main philosophy now is
to spread smiles on the road, especially through my
photos. One of my goals is to run two hours at one of
the ladies’ 10km races, just so I can walk, photograph
and enjoy myself. I’m also running my first ever Two
Oceans Ultra this year.”
“Meanwhile, I’ve fallen in love, I’m looking for a job,
and who knows, maybe there will be little coltpowers
soon? Also, two years ago, I designed this action
figure of me. My face with a Superman body. It’s
called The Phoenix. I wanted to create this