Ma letters
Have YOUR SAY
Got something on your mind that you want to share , a burning question you want answered , or a good story to tell ? Then send it to letters @ modernathlete . co . za .
( Note that these letters may have been shortened due to space limitations .)
WINNING LETTER
RUNNING PARTNER VS OTHER FRIENDS
There are generally two types of runners . Those who are able to run alone every single day , and those who prefer to have a partner to train with . When my alarm goes off at 4am there ’ s very little my sleep-deprived mind can comprehend other than finding an excuse to roll over and go back to sleep . But then I remember I made plans to meet my running partner and that ’ s all it takes to get up , get dressed and head out the door . Compare this to my other friends or family . I not sure any of them could even comprehend waking up before 6am , never mind meeting me in the dark to run .
Finding a compatible running partner can be as hard as finding a spouse – not just any runner will be a good combination ! Firstly , you need to be friends . If you ’ re going to be logging a considerable amount of kilometres with this person , why would you choose someone you wouldn ’ t want to spend time with when you ’ re not running . After that , a compatible training partner has to have a comparable pace , must be committed to a common goal , should be supportive and not competitive , and must have a similar sense of humour .
A good running partner has to be more than just company that runs alongside you , and this is why mine is better than my other friends :
• Whilst some of my other friends are my greatest supporters , my running partner understands exactly what I ’ ve gone through – the training , the effort , and all the injuries – and understands that feeling of achievement or disappointment like none of my other friends could .
• Other friends will often try and get me to eat more , but my running partner
understands that my diet is important to my goals , and that my weight is normal for how I expect my body to perform .
• Friends will often question why you are running a marathon or ultramarathon . My running partner just surprises me with random marathon entries and gives me a high five at the finish .
• We plan trips around races , whether we are going to Berlin or Vaal . We ’ re not there for the sightseeing or relaxation , we ’ re there on a mission .
• Lastly , my training partner will carry on running if I suddenly disappear into the bushes . My other friends would probably come looking for me …
If you are fortunate enough to have a good running partner who is willing to put up with your running quirks , hold onto them ! Inevitably goals will change , injuries might occur , schedules will become hectic , people may move away … so remember to tell your training partner how much they mean to you . You can ’ t choose your family , but you can choose your running partner . – Trad Cruickshank , Johannesburg
One of the most quoted tips of running is that having a training partner makes you more likely to train , but I really like the way you ’ ve described it here , Trad . – Ed .
FEELING INSPIRED
Thanks for publishing my Comrades Marathon story , Positive Thoughts , in Issue 79 ( February 2016 ) of your magazine . It was also published in the 2017 Comrades Souvenir Magazine . Seeing my story in this magazine made me want to finish my first Up Run since 2013 even more , and I made it again this year in 11:56:29 . Once again , thanks for publishing my story . – Richard Thabiso Mnisi , Hazyview
Thanks for sending your story to us , and congrats on your medal ! – Ed .
SECOND-HAND MEDALS ?
Many thanks for the latest edition of Modern Athlete , which I enjoy reading even though I am no longer a competitive runner . I ran road races regularly for 20 years
Images : Tobias Ginsburg / Jetline Action Photo , Craig Strachan & Courtesy Trad Cruikshank , Soweto Marathon Trust
8 ISSUE 96 JULY 2017 / www . modernathlete . co . za