EDITOR’ S LETTER
What DOES running mean to YOU?
Over the past 30 years, I have been fortunate to interview some of the world’ s greatest runners, from Bruce Fordyce to Marion Jones. It has been an incredible privilege to delve into their minds and hear their stories. Whether elite athletes or amateurs, the common thread among them is the emotional, endorphin-rich experience of running – something that promotes physical and mental wellbeing. Remarkably, just 20 minutes a day can be enough, yet many of us run much farther without fully understanding why.
Consider the culture of ultradistance races like Comrades and Two Oceans. Completing two ultras within a few months is rarely healthy, and few bodies can endure that strain. Yet society rewards runners who push their limits with blue and green numbers. But is it truly about personal fulfilment, or is it external validation? Many endure these events merely to reach the finish, often in discomfort, rather than genuinely enjoying the experience. Read Sean Falconer’ s“ Last Word” on why the shift in the Cape Town Marathon date may be an opportunity for Saffas to approach their running year differently( page 146). Reflecting on my own running experiences, I’ ve done everything from 5Ks with my dog to marathons under the stars. A back injury forced me to balance running with swimming, cycling, hiking and paddling, which has been my saving grace. Despite doctors advising me to quit running 26 years ago after my first Comrades, I continue to run marathons and carefully selected ultras in beautiful places with interesting people. South Africa, with its incredible terrain and ideal weather, offers endless running opportunities. But with so many races available, we must choose wisely, avoiding the trap of chasing personal bests and longer distances at the expense of our longterm wellbeing.
As I reflect on my journey from a school sprinter to a lifelong endurance athlete, I see how my perspective has evolved. Initially drawn to fast bursts of speed, I transitioned to triathlons and became a firm believer in crosstraining, as many experts advocate. Running is brutal on the body; we have only one set of joints, one spine, one set of knees. Just like cars go through
My happy place: pacesetting the 2024 Two Oceans half
tyres and CV joints, our bodies endure immense stress, especially in road running. Yet I have found immense joy in running, even while embracing other endurance sports.
Jazmine Lowther, featured in our cover interview( page 38) exemplifies this different approach. The incredibly talented Canadian athlete didn’ t grow up just running but also engaged in loads of ballet, soccer and rockclimbing. Her intense cross-training from an early age laid the foundation for her exceptional running career. Of course, genetics played a role, but her diverse training approach undoubtedly contributed to her becoming the winning elite athlete she is today.
This edition we’ re also highlighting two remarkable endurance feats: friends Charles Raw and Matt Murray who completed 35 marathons in 35 days( page 46) and Matt Dove, who took on the challenge of Double Everesting on Sani Pass( page 114). While Matt didn’ t complete his first attempt, his mindset remains unshaken, and he is determined to try again. These stories showcase different motivations, mindsets and capacities. We all have our own reasons for running, but as long as we are aware of the risks and make informed decisions, our choices remain personal and valid.
As you browse through this magazine, let the inspiring stories, breathtaking images and innovative gear serve as motivation – but also as a reminder to make thoughtful choices. As our gear feature( page 30) highlights, modern shoes now boast lots of cushioning, a stark contrast to the minimalist shoes of a decade ago. This advancement makes long distances more manageable, reduces strain on our bodies and makes recovery easier, especially for larger runners.
We are incredibly fortunate to live in South Africa, where running is more than just a sport – it’ s a way of life. However, with so much happening around us, it’ s easy to get caught up in the race culture. Instead, take a moment during your next run, whether at dawn as the sun rises or in the evening under the stars, to reflect on what running truly means to you. We only have one life and one body; let’ s make it count.
Please send us feedback and suggestions on how we can improve your reading experience: runmag @ electricink. co. za @ runmagsa Get more news & views at bikeruntri. co. za
PHOTOGRAPH ACTION PHOTO
18 | RUN FOR YOUR LIFE