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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