treatment , because TB seems to bring out the hysterical side in people .

TOUGH TIMES

TB doesn ’ t only affect you , it places a huge burden on your family . Sometimes I felt having TB was harder on my parents and family than it was on me . They had full-time jobs and were driving to attend my appointments with me . It was physically , emotionally and financially draining for them , and I was totally reliant on them . It was also difficult for them to accept the illness , and adjust to the fact that despite their efforts to care for me , my condition might become worse .

Also , TB doesn ’ t discriminate , but every time I went to a TB clinic , everybody looked at me strangely . It was as if they were thinking , what is this white man doing here ? Another challenge was going to the clinic for follow-up tests and check-ups : Six months of waking up early , waiting for hours in long queues and sitting in cold waiting rooms at various TB clinics . Even if you were first in line , there was no guarantee that you would go home early . There were times when you were sent to another clinic as they did not have your medication , or your file was sent elsewhere . Some of the staff also seemed unfriendly , impatient and unhelpful .

COMING BACK …

Even when you are declared “ TB-free ,” it still takes months to regain your strength and restart a normal , active lifestyle , but towards the end of 1992 I was able to start running again , and also played cricket and badminton . Such an amazing feeling to run again , true bliss ! Then in 1993 I successfully completed the Peninsula Marathon , Two Oceans Ultra and the Comrades Marathon .

However , the mental side-effects of TB still haunt me . There is life after TB , but once you ’ ve had it , you never forget it , and every time I feel ill , or get any of the symptoms , it sends shivers down

my spine . Even now , writing this 26 years later , I am extremely emotional . So many unpleasant flashbacks ... But reflecting on it all , I realise just how fortunate I was . I had a great support system , transport to regular appointments , was financially able to sustain my nutritional needs essential to recovery , and it is also now clear to me that I was actually given preferential treatment at the clinics .

In conclusion , if you think TB won ’ t pick you , think again , because even fit and healthy people can get TB – I can attest to that ! But TB is curable , and if you or a loved one ever come down with this frightening disease , there is help available – again , I can attest to that . So let us all stand together to fight this disease .

MA Club Focus Ma

Image : Courtesy Jennifer Joynt

HOW DID YOU GET INTO RUNNING ?

I started running in 2010 because I was tired of feeling like a sloth . I was a sprinter at school and thought I might give running a bash . One of the ladies at my daughter ’ s school had run Comrades and I asked her for some advice . Before I knew it , I was up at 4am every morning for a run ! On my first 5km , I almost died , but I persevered .

My first half marathon was the old Vodacom Half in Midrand , with my first half Marathon at the Goss and Balfe Marathon in Amanzimtoti in KZN . I attempted my first Comrades in 2011 , but was taken off the road at 82km ( 7km to go !), at 45th cutting cut-off , and in 2012 I ran to Winston Park ( 31km ) and bailed due to nausea . For now , I have set my goals to do a 10km in 50min and 21km in less than two hours . I will only attempt Comrades again once I know I am faster .

HOW DO YOU STAY MOTIVATED ?

Without a goal you will always have excuses … if it ’ s not too hot , then it ’ s too cold , or you ’ re too tired . When you have a reason to do it , you will get up and go .

WHO IS YOUR GREATEST INSPIRATION ?

My dearest friend Natalie Madies , who ’ s been with me with me throughout my running career . When I want to give up , she says it ’ s a learning curve . If we take too long on a race , we ’ re getting our money ’ s worth . She believes in me , even when I don ’ t , and she is my inspiration .

JOIN THE MODERN ATHLETE CLUB !

If you ’ re in the market for a new running club in 2017 , come on over to the Modern Athlete Club , with branches in Central Gauteng and Gauteng North . This is a club for runners of all abilities , and the club operates largely in a virtual environment , but it has a real presence at events . You will also enjoy a number of extra benefits from your membership , including individualised training and nutritional programmes , and great discounts and rewards from our partners .

To sign up or get more info , go to www . modernathlete . co . za / page / the-modernathleteclub or mail info @ modernathlete . co . za

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