Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 95, June 2017 | Page 8

He just couldn’t believe that I was totally happy with this technology. One day we
were running a 30km race and I decided to run with his bus. After about 5km, I
heard him ask if he could borrow my daughter’s watch… because his R7000 watch
decided to reset itself. He battled to attach the tiny kiddie strap to his big wrist, but
did a great job in bringing the bus in on perfect time. On our way home, I recall
him saying that he was considering getting one as a back-up! – Shani Hayward,
Cape Town
Technology does sometimes let us down – these days most often because we
forgot to charge an electrical or electronic item overnight – and a back-up plan is
essential... but I think your Pacesetter friend had to swallow a wee bit of humble
pie. His face must have been priceless! – Ed.
I CAN, AND I WILL…
I grew up in the 80s, watching the Two Oceans Ultra and Comrades Marathon
on TV, secretly harbouring a desire to be one of ‘those crazies’ on the road. Alas,
having come last in the egg-and-spoon trials in Sub A, I had it in my head that I
was not a runner. Fast forward a lot of years, through quite a few kilograms and a
desire for change, and I nervously stepped into a running shoe shop looking for a
pair of trainers. Mostly for walking, because I’m not actually a runner...
lining up at the starting
point with other runners.
That was my first run, a
10km race, which I saw
in the magazine. When I
passed the magazine to a
family member, all went
mad as he ran through
the entire house with
the magazine, showing
everyone. To me it was just
unbelievable, and I felt so
great.
I am now running half
marathons which will be
converted to marathons soon,
and my biggest motivation
for running is that I believe it
will change my lifestyle from
good to great! And I trust that God will grant me the courage and good health to
not to stop running.
I’ve taken things at my own pace. Three years later and I’ve completed seven
half marathons, with my sights set on bigger and better this year. I’m one of those
middle-to-back-of-the-pack runners. I love the camaraderie, the jokes, the