Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 68, March 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.)

MEET THE NEW ME

In the beginning it felt like I
had a sack of bricks on my
back, and it was like I was
trying to breathe through a
straw. I had every reason to give up and go back to the couch, but every month I’d
read your mag and get inspiration from it. Articles about regular people who have
achieved so much and who all started and struggled like me in the beginning.

I’ve now run for five and a half months, I weigh 92kg and have given up
smoking. My blood pressure is normal for the first time in my life and I feel
amazing. I’ve run four half marathons and in the next weeks I’m running my
first 32km and marathon. Your online entries have been a pleasure and today I
ran your Bobbies 21, which was so well organised.
I am the furthest thing from an athlete, but through your suggested training
programmes and advice I have come so far. My daughters are so proud that fat
daddy got off the couch, and even more proud at how I not only run, but I have
as much energy as they do. Being fit, I can now spend so much more active time
with them. Thank you so much for your magazine, you have no idea how it kept
me on the road when I was struggling so much.
Running truly has changed my life! – ‘The New’ Gary Peter

Awesome to hear that we helped you on this journey back to fitness and
energy, Gary. Now keep up the momentum and keep enjoying your new
self. – Ed.

JOIN THE MODERN ATHLETE CLUB
Sign up today for the new Modern Athlete club
and enjoy terrific benefits and exclusive offers!
The Modern Athlete Club is for runners of all abilities, from anywhere in South Africa. The club will operate
largely in a virtual environment, but it will have a real presence at events and club functions, and you will
benefit from the great offers exclusive to our club members:
• Individualised training programmes focused on selected events to help you achieve your running goals.
• Personalised nutritional programme based on your activity levels and nutrition requirements to keep
you performing at your peak.
• Free entry to the Modern Athlete Chill Zones at partner events, taking your race day hospitality to a
whole new level!
• Great discounts and rewards that we negotiate just for you on running gear, travel, race entry fees and more.
• Free Modern Athlete home delivery subscription – get your favourite mag delivered to your door each month.
• Provincial license – a license is required for all races in South Africa.
• Free Access to Modern Athlete Seminars where we bring the sport’s leading personalities and authorities to you.
The Modern Athlete Club is open to all athletes – even if you are currently a member of another club, you can select
the ‘unlicensed’ option and still enjoy all the benefits of club membership.

To sign up, go to www.modernathlete.co.za/page/the-modern-athlete-club
6

ISSUE 68 MARCH 2015 / www.modernathlete.co.za

Club

Images: Fotolia

At 43 I decided to train for
the Comrades. I began in
August, having smoked
40 cigarettes a day for 20
years and not having run
further than the toilet in as
long. I started running. My
starting weight was 109kg.
I went to the local news
agency and purchased your
magazine for advice and
inspiration.