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My Comrades: Modern Athlete Readers share their experience

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Comrades 2010 was a highlight for many and a disappointment for others. Whether you won a silver medal or finished a second before the 12-hour cut off, one thing bound all of us on the 89.2km long road to Durban… and that was the incredible and unique experience of finishing one of the most gruelling ultra races in the world. Six runners share their race day experiences with Modern Athlete.


GREG BARNES, IRENE ROAD RUNNING CLUB
Race Time: 6:10


I had set myself a goal to finish as close to six hours as possible. The day did not get off to a good start. We left for Pietermaritzburg at 3:20 in the morning, only to find many Durban city streets closed. We eventually followed a bus full of Comrades runners and got on the highway at 4:30.


Luckily we could speed down the highway at a record pace, only to find a wall of cars at the toll gate. We crept in behind a truck and were thankfully through in two minutes. The highway was crawling at 100km/hour, so we decided to take the New England turnoff.


My friend, Neville and I decided to abandon our car with 3km to go, enduring lots of comments from fellow runners about how good we looked. A nice girl offered us a ride which we accepted. We progressed a bit only to come to a complete standstill again.


We jumped out again and sped towards the start. I got into the A block and off we went, adrenaline pumping through my veins! Everything was on track and I made my goal times at each point perfectly, right behind the two leading Russian ladies.


I went through Drummond in 2:59. I overtook the twins and it felt great! With the sound of the helicopter following the leading ladies as my guide, I tried to stay ahead of them. I was doing well up to Cowies Hill and at about 9km to go my wheels started coming off. Dehydration! My eyes became blurry and I could hardly see the road.
I started walking at 45th Cutting.
The spectators tried everything just to get me going again. Someone gave me two water sachets. If it wasn’t for him
I might not have recovered to finish.


From 45th Cutting to the finish line was one blur; it felt as if
I had a curtain over my eyes. I made a decision that the twins would not overtake me and that kept me going right to the end.


The encouragement from the Irene supporters was great and that gave me the extra strength to get to the finish. After two bottles of water my eyesight became normal again and
with a sigh of relief I drank my
chocolate milkshake.


  Comrades 2011 – Let the games begin!

Training Makes Me Sick

Wearing Your Water

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You’ll never go thirsty again on a long run if you take one of these great hydration packs with you. – BY SEAN FALCONER


In trail running and adventure racing, athletes often head into areas where there will be no water available – or no clean, safe water – and they often need to carry not only water, but also gear, food and emergency supplies. This is where hydration packs come into their own: worn on the back like a backpack, they contain a water bladder and a hose that allows you to drink hands-free from the bladder, and most offer additional storage space for those essential extras. Here is a selection of some of the best lightweight hydration packs in South African stores.


 New Balance Hydration Pack
Holding a 1.5L bladder, this pack offers two extra zippered storage pockets, one of which is a prominent external music-friendly pocket with opening for the earphone cord. The NVent back panel configuration enhances airflow and ventilation, and reflective detailing on front and back promote visibility and safety.
R540 @ New Balance outlets


 Ultimate Direction Wasp Hydration Pack
Carrying a 1.8L bladder, its SportVest shoulder straps promote comfort and 3D Airmesh back panel and straps promote ventilation. Two front mesh pockets on the lower straps offer quick access to stores, with two more zippered pockets on the sides of the pack and a stretch mesh pocket on the front, secured by bungee cord. Also has two tie-loops to hold trek poles, and both the bungee cord and logo are reflective (The Wink is the women-specific version).
R980 @ www.hammernutrition.co.za


Adidas Running Backpack Bladder
A small, compact pack with a 2L bladder that is easy to access for filling thanks to a Velcro fastener. It also has zippered storage pockets on the front and side, with the front pocket forming a flap over the top of the pack. The pack features ClimaCool technology in its straps and back padding to help you stay dry and comfortable. The adidas logo is reflective for better visibility in darker conditions.
R749 @ adidas Concept Stores


Salomon XT Wings S Lab Set
An ultra light pack that can be made even lighter by removing the waist belt and its removable pocket. Holds a 2L bladder and has a second zippered pocket, while the shoulder straps offer more storage for small items, and stretch loops on the belt, and quick release cords can accommodate further items. The shoulder straps have Airvent mesh for ventilation, and Airvent Agility back panel pads further promote comfort.
R1 199 @ Cape Storm


K-Way Hydro Velocity 6
This pack has two prominent zips on the front for access to the bladder and storage pockets, and mesh straps and back panelling to promote ventilation. There are openings on both sides, so you can feed the hose left or right, or change it during a run if you choose to. It also has reflective detailing for added visibility.
R250 @ Cape Union Mart


Deuter Hydro Lite 3.0
An ergonomically slim pack with a 2L bladder, zippered storage pocket, mesh straps for ventilation, hip strap for stability, and reflective detailing for improved visibility. The back padding includes Deuter’s Airstripes system: two contoured foam strips with air channels (grooves), covered with highly breathable mesh, and with a ‘chimney’ space between them to enhance air circulation.
R499 @ Cape Union Mart


Hi-Tec Satish 12L
Still relatively new on the market, this pack holds a 1.5L bladder and features a waist belt for added stability, cushioned back panel, a hidden mesh foldover that clips into the top of the pack for wet clothes, and a cellphone pouch pocket.
R279 @ Somerset Sport and other Hi-Tec stockists


  Camelbak Classic II
A lightweight minimalist pack from Camelbak, holding a 2L bladder and extra storage thanks to a second zippered pocket and bungee securing on the back of the pack. Diamond mesh on the back panel and lightweight mesh straps promote ventilation, and reflective detailing on the front and back promotes visibility.
R599 @ Cape Storm, Due South & Sportsmans Warehouse


ALSO AVAILABLE
  Camelbak Charm (1.5L, women-specific) – R549.00 @ Due South
  Camelbak Hydrobak (1.5L) – R569 @ Sportsmans Warehouse
  Camelbak Aurora (2.1L, women-specific) – R749 @ Due South
  Camelbak Rogue (2L) – R799 @ Cape Storm & Due South
  Due South Swordtail (1.5L) – R399 @ Due South 
  Maxed Hydration Bag (1L) – R139 @ Mr Price Sports Stores
  Nathan HPL #020 (2L) – R1 100 @ The Tri Shop
  Salomon XT Wings 5 (Add bladder) – R795 @ Cape Storm
  Sportsmans Warehouse Hydration Pack (2L) – R349 @ Sportsmans Warehouse

Race Walking Shoes

Honouring a Great Friend

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PRONUTRO AFRICANX TRAIL RUN
Sometimes running a certain race goes far beyond the physical challenge. For some it is an emotional journey of dealing with past losses. Marietta Bester, whose best friend and running buddy was killed by a car, shares her AfricanX running journey with Modern Athlete.



A TRAGIC LOSS
In the beginning of 2009 my friend, Sanet Wentzel, and I decided that at least once a year we wanted to do something different, other than road running. Sanet suggested that we run the ProNutro AfricanX Trail Run in 2009. We had an amazing time and were highly motivated to do it again. 


Sadly on the morning of 7 November 2009, while doing her morning run with a friend, Sanet was run over and killed by a car. The driver was allegedly drunk. Sanet was my best friend and training buddy. We had so many exciting adventures planned for the future.


RUNNING FOR SANET
The week before her death we had discussed running the ProNutro AfricanX Trail Run in 2010. She was very excited and had already started planning our training.


A friend who was with her at the time of death told me the last thing she spoke about was the ProNutro AfricanX Trail Run. That motivated me to carry on doing all the things that we had planned. I wanted to dedicate the AfricanX to her because I did not want my friend to be forgotten. She was a wonderful person and she left a legacy to all runners by being so dedicated to the sport.


NEW FRIENDSHIPS
Finding a partner was not easy at first and I was worried that I would not be able to find someone who was committed enough to train with me. Luckily I found Carel Lotz, a dedicated and amazing person. Carel and I did a lot of hill running and off road running around Oudtshoorn. We trained every day except Fridays and Sundays.
We did long runs every weekend. 


RACE DAY
After our race briefing we were taken to the start in buses. The weather was perfect for running. The first stage was beautiful, especially through the Botanical Garden.
Once we ran over the mountain the trail run got very technical. Carel was so supportive
and patient!  


The last part of stage one next to the Palmiet River was incredibly beautiful! Nearer to the end I felt so tired and it was a joy to finally reach the finish line.


THE LONGEST DAY
The second day was the longest stage (42.2km).The first part of this stage was quite easy, but we encountered some difficulty alongside the river. From the 20km mark it was tough going. A never-ending climb up a mountain felt like it was just going on and on. Needless to say it was a relief to reach the mountain top.


Physically I was exhausted and because of that I fell. Luckily I did not injure myself seriously. Emotionally I also took strain and I got to certain stages where I just wanted it to be over, but then I had to find that part inside myself that would carry me through.


On my own I could not have done it. It helps enormously when someone is there with you, going through the exact same thing. Then you become more than team mates; you are helping, supporting and motivating each other. I have enormous respect for Carel. The second day was tough but it added to my life experience. Crossing the finish line was emotional and I wanted to cry.  I felt joy and sadness. In my heart I knew Sanet was there with me every step of the way.


HONOURING A GREAT WOMAN
At prize-giving that evening there was a special award,
‘The Sanet Wentzel Spirit Award’ that was given to a runner who had overcome difficulties in life. The award was given to Jurg Knorr, whose father recently passed away. I felt so proud of my friend Sanet and eternally grateful to the organisers for honouring my special friend. Now I know her spirit and dedication will never be forgotten! 


Unfortunately the last day was cancelled due to the bad weather.


LOOKING AHEAD
My next challenge is the Knysna Forest Marathon on 10 July. It will be my first and I am really excited. Next year I want to run my first Two Oceans 56km and of course tackle the ProNutro AfricanX Trail Run again.


Sanet’s favourite saying was, ‘Life is good!’ She loved champagne and celebrated even the smallest things with a glass of bubbly. She was a remarkable person and enriched my life in a powerful way with her energy and spirit.


She would not have wanted me or others to be sad all the time. She would have wanted us to be happy and enjoy life. I miss her every day and wish she was still here so that I could talk to her. Her spirit is with me every day and whenever I encounter difficult situations, I think of my friend who was such an optimist and who always saw the positive side. I am forever grateful to have known such a person.

A Big Rest After Comrades

A Birthday Present to Remember

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PRONUTRO AFRICANX TRAIL RUN, 7- 9 MAY, KLEINMOND
The ProNutro AfricanX Trail Run takes a clover leaf format, with a return to
the same base in Kleinmond each evening. Stage distances are 25km, 43km and 22km respectively and the terrain varies from beach running to spectacular hidden single track high in the Kogelberg Mountains, interlinked with horse trails, jeep track and a few stretches of hard-pack roads. Kathleen McQuaide-Little of Team Modern Athlete CAPESTORM shares her race experience.



Buying birthday presents for your spouse can be very challenging – or maybe not! My clever husband, Ian Little, offered me an entry to the ProNutro AfricanX Trail Run, and how could I refuse? Spending three days in the mountains on trails meandering through some of the most beautiful areas in South Africa has got to be one of the best presents on offer.


Ian was teaming up with his Cape Odyssey running partner, Viv Williams, aka THE MACHINE and World Triathlon Champ in her age group! Whilst their goals included a podium position, I just wanted to have fun, enjoy the beautiful surrounds and remain uninjured so that I could take part in my fifth Comrades three weeks after the event.


As I work at the Sports Science Institute of SA, finding a race partner was fairly easy and I managed to rope in a regular training partner, Malcolm Collins of UCT Exercise Science and Sports Medicine. We secured CAPESTORM as our clothing sponsor and ran under the team name of Modern Athlete CAPESTORM. 


A SHAKY START
With stormy weather severely damaging the race village, the start of the race was delayed until midday on Friday.


After registration and the race briefing, the buses took us to the start 25km away from the race village in Kleinmond. The pent up energy of 242 teams of runners was tangible and we were relieved to finally get running! It was a pretty impressive start line – which included previous race winners, world class adventure racers and triathletes, not to mention nine-time Comrades winner, Bruce Fordyce. He teamed up with his brother and they arrived wearing hideous fleecy tops, which they wore the whole first day. Needless to say they won the worst-dressed team hands down! Considering I’ve always been incredibly inspired by Bruce Fordyce’s Comrades achievements, it was pretty special having him in the field.


DAY ONE
We started day one, which had 538m of climbing, with some beach running. Then we headed through the Kogelberg Biosphere and up into the mountains where we were faced with a 6km stretch of single track. The final stretch was a 7km footpath along the ocean sometimes on boardwalks and other times on very soft deep sand. We were very happy to cross the finish line after just over three hours, since we were dead keen to put our feet up and to start recovering for day two, which was 43km and 886m of climbing!


After chilling out in the race village we attended prize-giving. The camaraderie that develops in a multi-stage race was clearly evident. With pride I watched Ian and Viv take second place on the Mixed
Vet podium!


DAY TWO
Day two dawned with breathtakingly beautiful red skies; however this was just a warning for what lay ahead in less than 24 hours! After stretching our legs out on 4km of easy running through Kleinmond, we headed onto a further 4km of jeep track before the challenge of the day lay ahead for me: 5.4km single track along the beautiful Palmiet River. But when you have to watch every foot placement, the views are somewhat more limited.


After falling quite hard I was shaken and decided to stand aside and let all the runners on my tail go past me (sorry Malcolm). I just could not bear the pressure of hearing their feet right on my ankles. Once the field was clear my spirits lifted as I trundled along at my own pressure free pace. I was incredibly relieved to get back onto stony jeep track – albeit to tackle the climb of the day, and of the event! This was my type of challenge. It was hot, tough and long but it was also incredibly beautiful and I could now appreciate the views. What’s more, Malcolm and I reeled in all those I had let past and more. 


On the descent Malcolm and I felt strong and ready for whatever was thrown at us. Perhaps it was the phenomenal views that fuelled us, although the well-equipped refreshment stations did their bit too. On top of this we had Malcolm’s wife, Judy, and their cute daughter, Amy, giving us the most vocal support of all!


With 5km to go, we were faced with the final climb of the day. Much to the amazement of those around us, Malcolm and I ran up most of the hill. On the descent we got into top gear and before long approached the finishing straight.


WHAT A SURPRISE!
Imagine our surprise when the race announcer, Paul Velstar, cheered us in as the third Mixed Vet couple! We looked at each other in amazement and were certain he had made a mistake, since we were placed eighth in this category on day one! Ian was there to meet me and he was so proud of our achievement!
He and Viv had annihilated their competition and not only won the mixed vet section on day two, but were now overall leaders of their category.


My very good friends, Sue Ullyett and Mark Wagenheim, (the Ocean Basket Sole Mates) were placed second, so it was a very special day for us to share the podium together. After prize giving we were informed that 100km gale force winds and serious rains were predicted for day three, but assuming they were wrong, we were all set for what lay ahead in the final stage.


DISAPPOINTMENT
After a fairly sleepless night, the predictions indeed became a reality. The day three leg was cancelled.
It was a huge disappointment. However, safety comes first.


We proudly received our finishers’ t-shirts and medals at prize-giving a week later, the very necessary ‘closure’ we needed! Even though our running was curtailed by Mother Nature it was a stunning event and one that I would definitely like to do again next year.


Well done Michael Meyer and his team at Stillwater Sport and Entertainment for this wonderful, accessible trail run. I would recommend it to anyone. I returned to work revived and restored. Mission accomplished!


For more info on the next event and entries visit
www.stillwatersports.com.

Black Belt Runner

You Win Some You Lose Some

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SONETTE NELL, OVERKRUIN ATHLETICS CLUB, PRETORIA
Goal: The elusive Bill Rowan medal (sub-9)
Result: 9:42:33


Start to 30km: I knew I could achieve my goal and physically I was ready. I felt very strong over this section.
30km to 60km: I still felt very strong and ready for what lay ahead.
60km to finish: I was mentally strong and a bit tired, but ready to finish.


What was the hardest part of the race?
I started too fast over the first half. I hung onto a sub-9 hour bus (there were two). The one I was in did not run at the correct pace for a sub-9 hour.


And the best part?
The start. It was the best experience ever! The athletes and the spectators were unbelievable! Another great part was when I finished, of course.


Were there times when you wanted to give up?
No, there was not one single second when I wanted to give up.
I never give up!


When did you realise that you were not going to achieve your goal?
At about 18km to go.


What factors lead to you not achieving your goal?
I started too fast in the first half, which lead to me not having a lot of energy left for the second part.


How did you feel crossing the finish line?
Wonderful! It is always the best feeling ever!


How did you feel physically after the race?
I think all of us who completed the Comrades felt stiff afterwards.


Were you disappointed?
Yes, I was. But now I know which mistakes I made.


Did this discourage you for future races?
No, not at all. It only made me stronger and I am ready for many more to come!


How long are you resting before training again?
I will rest for about four weeks before I slowly start training again.


Will you be back at Comrades in 2011?
For sure!


Are you going to try for a Bill Rowan medal again?
Of course. That is my goal and I will achieve it!


Is there anything you will be doing differently in your training for next year’s Comrades?
Yes, I need to do more strength training and work harder in all areas to achieve my goal.


What are your next short-term and long-term goals?
To achieve all my goals now and in future, to work harder to reach the top where I want to be!

Meet the Elite

You Win Some You Lose Some

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STEFAN WILMANS, WESTVILLE ATHLETIC CLUB, KZN
Goal: Going for silver (sub-7:30)
Result: 8:07:53


Start to 30km: I was very positive, felt strong and ran very comfortably.
30km to 60km: Still very positive and strong.
60km to finish: My legs were getting tired and I was running behind schedule. I then realized that I was not going to achieve my goal.


What was the hardest part of the race?
The hardest part was definitely from Pinetown… so many hills.


And the best part?
Definitely Harrison Flats. I was running very comfortably at that point and felt strong.


Were there times when you wanted to give up?
No!


When did you realise that you were not going to achieve your goal?
In Kloof I was behind schedule and my legs were tired. I could not run any faster to bring my average pace down.


What factors lead to you not achieving your goal?
My legs were too tired after the 60km mark to try and keep a 5min/km pace.


How did you feel crossing the finish line?
Relieved! Although I was disappointed, I still had a strong sense of achievement.


How did you feel physically after the race?
Tired! The way one should feel after running 90km.


Were you disappointed?
No, not really. I think I was more disappointed last year when I missed the silver medal.


Did this discourage you for future races?
Not at all!


How long are you resting before training again?
I will take two weeks off.


Will you be back at Comrades in 2011?
You can bet on it!


Are you going to try for silver again?
No. Now I am just going to run to finish ten Comrades.


Is there anything you will be doing differently in your training for next year’s Comrades?
Yes. I will run more long distances slowly to condition
my legs.


What are your next short-term and long-term goals?
Short-term I want to enjoy the shorter distances, 10/15/21km, and long-term I will be back at Comrades 2011!

Fast and Flat Please!

You Win Some You Lose Some

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REINATA THIRION, RUN/WALK FOR LIFE,
CAPE TOWN
Goal: Finishing my first Comrades (sub-12)
Result: 11:41:36


Start to 30km: Elation at the start and excitement in the first few kays. I worried when I could not keep up with the sub-11 bus (yes, I started a bit fast!). But then I settled into my own pace and rhythm.
30km to 60km: I was disappointed when the sub-11:30 bus passed me and fatigue set in as the too fast start took its toll. Panic set in as the sub-12 bus came by, but I felt relief as I realised that I could easily keep up with them.
60km to finish: I felt better at the 60km mark than at halfway. With 13km to go I had renewed energy, and went ahead to finish before the sub-12 bus.


What was the hardest part of the race?
Around halfway and feeling… tired!


And the best part?
Running into the stadium, crossing the finish line, phoning home.


Were there times when you wanted to give up?
Only once – briefly – did I wish I could just get ‘out’.


When did you realise that you were going to achieve your goal?
When I saw I could easily keep up with the sub-12 hour bus.


What helped you achieve your goal?
Joining Vlam’s bus. And my stubborn streak!



How did you feel crossing the finish line?
Relieved. Emotional, happy!



How did you feel physically after the race?
My legs got very stiff, very quickly. My blood sugar dropped, but some sweet tea remedied that.


Were you happy?
Very!


Did this encourage you for future races?
Absolutely.


How long are you resting before training again?
I’m taking two weeks off running.


Will you be back at Comrades in 2011?
Yes.



Are you going to try for a Vic Clapham medal again?
I’d like a bronze medal, but we’ll see how the training goes.


Is there anything you will be doing differently in your training for next year’s Comrades?
More hills, regular time trials.


What are your next short-term and long-term goals?
Working on my 5km time and running a comfortable 4:30 marathon.

Keep Moving!

You Win Some You Lose Some

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MARIJKE GREVELING, NEDBANK BLOEMFONTEIN ACHILLES ATHLETIC CLUB.
Goal: Going for Bronze (sub-11)
Result: 10:22:40


Breaking the race into three sections, what was the experience like?
Start to 30km: It was difficult because there
were so many people on the road, but after that it got better.
30km to 60km: All went smoothly up to 46km; then I found it more difficult on the uphill at Alverston.
60km to finish: I was on course for sub-10, but my wheels came off at 70km. I walked the last three kays.



What was the hardest part of the race?
The last 20km. From 70km I lost a lot of time and had to walk a lot more because my legs were tired and sore.
And the best part?
From 25km to halfway. My pace was steady and I was full of energy.



Were there times when you wanted to give up?
No. Last year I almost bailed four times, but this year I just wondered now and again what
I was doing there… again.



When did you realise that you were going to achieve your goal?
I always knew I was going to make it.



What helped you to achieve your goal?
I have run a slower second half in my last two Comrades, so I know that if I am at halfway by a certain time, then I’ll be okay.



How did you feel crossing the finish line?
It was great. When I walked down the Golden Mile, a guy at the side of the road jokingly told me I was not allowed to walk the last kay, so I told him nicely that I could do what I wanted, because I was tired. But I still ran into the stadium anyway.



How did you feel physically after the race?
My muscles took a hammering and were very sore, worse than last year.


Were you happy?
Yes, I improved my 2009 time by nearly 17 minutes.


How long are you resting before training again?
I’ve got a sore hip that must recover first, so I will wait four to six weeks. I don’t feel like running at the moment anyway.



Will you be back at Comrades in 2011?
No, I don’t like the up run – I last did it in 2002. I may run the down again, but first I need to strengthen my legs in the gym to cope with the uphills better.



What are your next short- and long-term goals?
Short-term, to rest properly, and long-term, to run a good 3:30 marathon time. And I want to run the Loskop again because it is a great race.

Newbies on the Block

Training Makes Me Sick

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I was very active while at school, however after school there was no more time for the same amount of exercise. About three years ago I attempted a structured exercise and weight loss programme which worked wonders! The only problem is I got sick within a week of starting this programme. Eventually, I gave up as my cold was just not getting better. I have a friend who has started a similar programme recently, after five years of inactivity. I was surprised to hear he also picked up a cold as soon as he started. I am reconsidering starting a structured programme again, but I don’t want to get sick within a week and set myself up for failure again. What is the reason for getting a cold just as I get going? Should I continue and push through my exercise programme while I am sick? And what precautions can I take to avoid getting a cold? –
 RONEL BASSON, JOHANNESBURG


ANSWER
There is a solid body of research evidence that shows moderate intensity exercise actually boosts your immune system while only very intense or endurance exercise might impair it. Moderate exercise has been associated with approximately a 29% decreased incidence of upper respiratory tract infections – therefore I think it was just a coincidence that you got a cold (as did your friend).


The benefits of exercise are so profound and far-reaching that it would be an absolute shame for you not to exercise for fear of getting a cold. Here are a few precautions nonetheless to keep your immune system in top-notch shape.


  Try to manage the stresses of life and ideally keep them to a minimum.
  
Eat a well-balanced, healthy diet with a minimum of five portions of fruits and vegetables per day so as to get all your vitamins and minerals.
  Do regular, moderate-intensity, consistent exercise.
  
Consume carbohydrate beverages before, during and in the two-hour period immediately after your training (especially if training hard and long). Research shows that this helps maintain blood sugar levels, which keeps stress hormones lower. Both result in improved immune function.
  Avoid overtraining and rest if you are feeling a bit worn out.
  Get adequate sleep (requirements vary for different individuals).
  Avoid rapid weight loss (lose no more than 0.5kg to 1kg per week).
  
Avoid putting hands to the eyes and nose (the most common way to introduce viruses into the body).
  Consider a flu-jab in winter.


Modern Athlete Expert
KATHLEEN MCQUAIDE-LITTLE
Sports scientist and Health Promotions and Media Manager
at the Sports Science Institute of South Africa in Cape Town, and a member of Celtic Harriers with many years running experience, including five Comrades and eight Two Oceans Ultra medals.

GOING ORGANIC: IS IT REALLY BETTER?

Race Walking Shoes

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I am a racewalker. Which adidas (or other) shoes would you recommend that are extremely lightweight?
– CELESTE SCHEEPERS, PRETORIA MILITARY WALKING CLUB


ANSWER
Within the adidas range the best shoe for
race-walking would be the adiZERO Adios racing flat model, which is super-lightweight and flexible and thus perfect for racewalking. Interestingly, this is the same shoe that Haile Gebrselassie wore when he broke the marathon world record, running 2:03:58 in Berlin, so if it’s good enough for Haile, I’m sure you’ll love them too!



Most reputable shoe or sports stores stock adidas products, so should be able to contact adidas in Cape Town to order you a pair of Adios.


Modern Athlete Expert
SEAN FALCONER
Running journalist with ten years’ experience of writing gear columns and reviews, from clothing and shoe buyers’ guides to watches, heart rate monitors, GPS units and sunglasses.