November 2016) in my goodie bag. I must say I find the content of the magazine is very helpful, especially being new in the running arena. I loved the article titled“ Servant of the People,” which covered the story of Coach Linda Hlophe, whom I hope to meet, because I believe he can assist me on this beautiful journey.
Having said that, may I speak to the loud silence of doing good deeds? When I started running, I needed a reason that can keep me motivated to continue, even if it might be hard when you start, especially when one has a big body like mine. Though I knew that running is going to assist me with my general wellness, resulting in weight-loss and consequently a sharper brain, that in itself would not be enough for me.
I recalled how as a child I used to learn by observing behaviour, and when I took a glance at my wife and kids, it clicked that I can influence my family to also take this healthy route with me. If I take my health in a considered manner, then my kids could follow in my footsteps and my family will enjoy the fun walks and running with me. In essence, my family became my focal point, yet I am the one benefiting.
My first official race was the Love Run 10km in Pretoria on 14 May 2016, and it was at that point that I decided that I will run my first 21km at Soweto in November. But before I knew it, because running is as addictive as it is, my first 21km was already at the Jacaranda SABS City Challenge in October 2016 and, and then my second 21km race was at the ARC meeting in Irene, Pretoria. So Soweto became my third 21km instead of my first.
The ultimate highlight was when my wife and kids joined me in the Eco Boulevard race and then joined me again at the Spar Women’ s Challenge in Centurion, and I am happy to announce that my wife is the one now asking me for event dates. I am very much sure that my kids, aged 6 and 11 years old, will be bitten by this running bug, and later in life they will look back and say,“ Daddy you are one in a million.” – Tau Sedisa, Johannesburg
Getting the whole family exercising and investing in their health is indeed a gift that your whole family will thank you for in years to come. – Ed.
MY PARKRUN STORY
In 2014, my daughter Dianne encouraged my husband and I to join the parkrun. I had no idea what it was all about and what the outcome would be! During June 2014, Dianne and her children came to visit us from Johannesburg during the school holidays and she said,“ I am registering you for the parkrun!” She kindly went to get our barcodes printed and laminated, and said,“ Now we run!”
On the Saturday she said that we are all going to do the parkrun, and I said that I wasn’ t ready yet, so my husband, Carlos, my youngest daughter Ash and Dianne went to Nahoon Point to the run. Carlos finished the run in under 25 minutes and they all really enjoyed it, so I began to think that maybe I am missing out. It took me about four weeks to prepare myself to participate, but then I said, I am doing it today!
Very apprehensive at first, I watched all the people gathering on the beach. My granddaughter Lua had said,“ Nana, you can do this,” so that is exactly what I told myself:“ I can do it.” The countdown began, 3, 2, 1, and then I walked all the way, thinking to myself,“ What am I doing here?” But the next week I went back to the parkrun and walked and ran a bit. My time wasn’ t great, but I persevered, thinking,“ What have I missed these past months?”
My timing got better, I am now fitter and stronger, and I have more confidence, to such an extent that I have entered many other running events. One that was very special to me was running the 17.5km Discovery Surfers Challenge in February 2016 with Dianne, a day that I will never forget and one that we are both very proud of. Then I realised that my 50 th Parkrun was coming up in March 2016, so I marked off each Saturday until the day arrived and I was blessed to have two of my sisters, my niece, nephew and husband run it with me.
I am so excited when I hear that I have inspired others to join parkrun and to start running, too. My personal best at the moment is 35:24 for 5km and I am striving to run under 30 minutes. To conclude my story,“ I can do it,” and so can you, and I want to thank everyone who has encouraged me on my journey, especially the parkrun volunteers and organisers – it wouldn’ t happen without your dedication! – Bev Leal, East London
It never ceases to inspire me to hear of people doubting their ability to run, but then just giving it a go and discovering that they can actually do it. Well done, Bev! – Ed.
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