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LEGEND
Namibian ultra distance runner Achim Herma has become a local legend in South Africa, not just for holding a Triple Blue Number at the Totalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON powered by BYD and a Double Green Number at the Comrades Marathon, but also for willingly sharing his expertise with runners at local clubs in Windhoek, and beyond. – BY LINDY-JOY DENNIS
Placing frequently on the podium in the Grand Master( 60-69) division of races, the self-effacing Achim Herma would rather do anything than sing his own praises. He jokingly refers to his training insights to runners who seek out his informal coaching style as a‘ lucky packet’ of advice, but with such a stellar running career behind him, undoubtedly‘ luck’ has had very little to do with his decades of success in the sport.
As the holder of 35 TTOM Ultra medals as well as five TTOM Half Marathon medals, in various finishing-time categories, there could be no denying that Achim, most recently the age group winner of Windhoek’ s major August running event, must be doing something right when it comes to running. We caught up with him recently for his thoughts on his stellar TTOM record, incorporating newer training trends versus sticking to the tried and tested, and retaining the ability to enjoy ultra running.
On successfully navigating the challenging TTOM ultra with its notorious climbs, especially Constantia Nek …
Each Two Oceans Ultra is different, and it is always a type of adventure, with a strong feeling of camaraderie and respect for each participant. I learn from and experience valuable lessons during each Ultra, which carries me through to the finish line.
When it comes to Constantia Nek, my advice is don’ t think of going all the way up when you start your climb. Tackle this‘ hill’ one kilometre at a time. Don’ t think about how much further you have to go until you reach the top of the hill – take the wins over the smaller sections, and soon the big victory will follow.
On attaining and maintaining longevity in running …
Listen to your body. Do not ignore or gloss over any warning signs your body gives you. Pay attention as you run, throughout your run. Adjust your training based on what you experienced in a run that may not have gone as well as you expected. Running is challenging, but if you trust in your training, you’ ll be able to enjoy your race a lot more, and getting to the finish line won’ t be quite as daunting!
On the biggest shift in raceday strategy that’ s occurred between medal # 1 to medal # 35, and whether‘ old-school’ techniques and tips are still useful …
Not all new trends are equal, and while you should know your body well enough not to try each new approach, you should stay curious regarding innovations in distance running, and the latest findings. It’ s a balancing act. There have been great advancements in technology, sporting equipment, research in sports( and the discipline of ultra distance running in particular), nutrition strategies and various approaches to research, training and application over the years.
Apply, test and practice what you believe works best for you. That said, the tried and tested so-called‘ old school’ habits are certainly as relevant today as they have always been, and I tend to stick to them above anything else.
Firstly, consistency in your training remains key. Include variations to your training such as hills, sprints, threshold training and long runs. Also include cross-training, such as strength training, gym workouts, and joint-friendly cardiac training such as swimming. It’ s vital to also include recovery and rest days.
Secondly, be goal-oriented. Plan which events you want to participate in, and train meaningfully for them, setting goals. Remain in pursuit of an objective – this need not be a top finish, it could simply be a comfortable finish. This keeps you focused. And finally, nothing beats a winning mentality. Go for what you want to achieve, put in the training and the discipline, and believe in what you’ re striving for. Stay humble and remember to have fun along the way!
On the hardest – or most meaningful – TTOM finish to attain so far …
Usually for me, these would be races where the weather was unpleasant and refused to play along! We are talking very strong winds, rain from start to finish, perhaps hot berg winds, or compromised air quality from recent or nearby bushfires. Personally, these have made runs tough for me, but at the end of the day I managed to make it home to the finish in time.
At times, you can be challenged by these unfavourable weather conditions to the extent that you feel close to your limits of endurance. The upside is that you get to prove to yourself just how much you can endure, and it makes the medal all the more meaningful!
On whether lining up at the start line is still a buzz, or whether it’ s more about the glory of the home straight and adding to that impressive medal tally …
Running is, of course, strongly a mental sport as much as it is a physical one. Given your consistent, considered and hard training, you owe it to yourself to arrive at the start line with the mindset that you’ re going to enjoy your run. Of course, you don’ t have to be farcical about it and pretend that you’ ll also enjoy any struggle you’ ll encounter along the race!
There’ ll be great patches of running, good patches, and challenging stretches. The tough bits make the medal at the finish all the more significant. Getting to the finish straight is always a high, and no medal is ever taken for granted – it’ s always uniquely earned and therefore to be celebrated!
So, embrace the difficult kilometres as much as the easy ones, because you learn more during the tough stretches. This learning is key, and will become part of your training for the next year’ s race. And each race heralds a brand-new opportunity for improving as a runner.
Image: Action Photo SA
The tried and tested so-called‘ old school’ habits are certainly as relevant today as they have always been, and I tend to stick to them above anything else.
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