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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