KALMER SISTERS SHOW THE WAY
INSPIRING WORDS
Firstly , thanks for a really great magazine , I look forward to my digital copy each month . I thoroughly appreciate the way you “ keep it real ,” as opposed to dishing out excessive amounts of glitz and glamour , like so many other magazines .
I would like to comment about René Kalmer ’ s column in the January 2017 edition . It ’ s so inspiring to read her account of her battle with her debilitating hip injury , and post-surgery rehabilitation phase of getting back to running . All of this whilst expecting a baby , too ! To me , René represents what it means to be a true sportsperson . It ’ s not just all about winning , but how you handle the knocks and the down times . This applies not just in sport , of course , but also to life in general . It ’ s a tough lesson , but I admire René for taking it on the chin and handling it as positively as she is doing .
Here ’ s wishing you speedy recovery , René , and congratulations on your pregnancy ! I ’ m sure you will come back stronger than ever before . – Nina Bodisch , Port Elizabeth
This letter sums up just how thrilled we are to have René as part of the Modern Athlete team and contributing to the magazine each month . Her positive outlook on life shines through in her column . – Ed .
took part in the Fun Run .
ROLE-MODEL BEHAVIOUR
During the December holidays Christine Kalmer achieved something that I do not think happens often . Taking part in the Somerson 21.1km race in Mossel Bay on 17 December , she was the first athlete overall to complete the distance , beating all the men ! Then , while everyone was in a holiday spirit and in a rush to get to the beaches , Christine patiently stayed for the prize-giving , which took place more than two hours after her finishing . This , I think , is a good example of respect to the organisers and sponsors .
Then on 20 December she was again the first woman to cross the finish line at the Correctional Services 10km Nite Race in Mossel Bay . She did not complain about the route being 400m short , and again patiently waited for the prize-giving , sitting and chatting in an unassuming manner to the youngsters of the Riversdale Superkids group that
It truly was encouraging to observe the behaviour of this lady , a genuine ambassador to the sport of road running . What an example to others , and long may she continue to rake in those wins ! – Des Harris , Mossel Bay
I am privileged to meet many top runners , and I have found most to be humble , unassuming , friendly and approachable . I think most of them realise that the sport is about all the athletes , not just the elites , and many of them like to give back to the sport whenever they can . Long may that continue . – Ed .
THE JOY OF RUNNING
I often get the questions from my non-running friends as to why I sacrifice so much to carry on doing it . My reply is often the same : “ Because I love the sport , the people I meet , the sheer exhilaration of achieving a goal , the true enthusiasm from the crowds , the camaraderie .”
I have been truly lucky to start the sport of running , learning from my dad . He has always had an absolute enthusiasm to run and inspired me to start my humble beginnings at school , doing cross country . But the greatest part of it came when we ran the endurance events together . Just to spend time with him has been an amazing experience , and to stand on a start line with your dad at the beginning of Comrades and Two Oceans is something I will always cherish . The journey together is a strong one that can never be taken away . I have also been so lucky to meet amazing and lifelong friends , making bonds that will never be broken .
The reaching of the goals one wants to achieve is amazing , but just the journey is enough . With running , the effort you put in is the reward you get out . So honestly , I have never seen leaving a party early as missing out on something , or as a sacrifice , as my reward is the joy I get out of running . – Lolly , via E-mail
I know what you mean about forging unbreakable bonds with running friends and sharing those golden moments with special friends or loved ones . That is what has kept me coming back for more running for over 20 years . – Ed .
Write and WIN
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