Ma letters
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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