Category: Racing

Come the end of the year and there’s usually a mad
rush in the form of end-of-year closing, long working hours before going on
leave, family get-togethers, last-minute Christmas shopping, and ensuring you
have everything bought and packed for the holiday you’ve been planning for the
last six months. So, while you might feel overwhelmed, there’s always a way to
fit training into your hectic schedule.

 

PLAN AHEAD

The best way to approach training over the next two to
three months is to actually sit down and plan. Look at the calendar, identify
the days where you can or can’t train, and decide what session you will do on
the days you’ve allocated.

 

If you plan your training and think about it up front,
you know what you need to do and there’s a good chance that you will do it. On
the other hand, if you’re waking up each morning and thinking, “what should I
run today? Should I do a 10k or 800m repeats? Maybe I should do hill repeats.
Ah, I’ll decide later…” then there’s a very good chance that you’ll simply end
up skipping the session altogether. You’ll probably end up saying, “I don’t
really feel like training today,” or “I’ll do a hard session tomorrow,” and before
you know it January has rolled around, you’ve lost your fitness, packed on the
pounds and have a huge amount of work ahead of you. So plan your training, put
your run session into your diary or calendar, and you’ll find that you have the
time for it.

 

THE WORKING ATHLETE

If work pressure is simply too much, then you’re going
to have to squeeze some training in where you can. Everyone needs to take a
break at some point during their work day, so prioritise that time for a short
quality run. Not only will this ensure that you keep your fitness levels up,
but it will also rejuvenate you and leave you feeling fresh for the rest of the
day.

 

The other possibility is to run to and from work. Now
if work is only 5km or so away, a run there and back is perfect – and it definitely
beats sitting in traffic! But what if you work 10km from home? In that case,
try the following. On Tuesday, drive to work with your running kit and a change
of work clothes for Wednesday, then leave the car at the office and run home
after work on Tuesday, and run back to work on Wednesday morning. Take the car
home on Wednesday evening. Not only is this a great way to fit your training in,
but it also adds something different and adventurous to your training. (Oh, and
shower facilities at work are must-have on this one.)

 

FIND TIME

If you’re going to supper at friends or family, tell
your spouse or partner that you’ll meet them there and run from your house to
theirs. Your spouse can always drive the same route you’re going to be running,
just in case you’ve bitten off more than you can chew and need a lift for the
last few kays. Another option is the gym, as most gyms are open until 10pm
during the week. If you simply cannot get to your run before, during or after
work, try going home and spending some quality time with your family before
hitting the gym and getting in your run on the treadmill. Set it to between 1%
and 5% incline and give yourself a solid 30 to 45min session.

 

You can always fit your running
into your busy lifestyle and schedule. Just give it a little thought and
planning and you’ll come up with many creative ways to do so. If you’re
dedicated to your fitness and goals, then scheduling training will become a
priority.

Gugu Zulu always wanted to drive: “When I was still very young, I remember my mom asked me what I want to be one day and I said I want to be a driver. She asked me what kind of driver I’d be and I always replied with the same thing: I’ll just be a driver.” His dream came true in 1997 when he saw an advert in The Sowetan calling for more black people in motorsport, and he grabbed the opportunity to participate in a development programme with the Isondo Racing Academy.

The Saturday development schools at Kyalami started off in go-karts to introduce youngsters to the sport and Gugu flourished behind the wheel. Two years later, he was one of 17 drivers to be chosen in trials and in 2000 Gugu won the Vodacom Isondo Sports national championship, winning 13 out of 16 races and with two second places. His 11-year career now boasts many podium finishes under his longstanding mentor Sarel Van Der Merwe and racing for Volkswagen SA. “It’s been great to be involved in what I love doing,” says Gugu. “I even got the opportunity to race against F1 driver Sergio P?rez and IndyCar driver Marco Andretti in the USA – on occasions the timesheets show that I was quickest!”

Now, the racing world’s ‘fastest brother in Africa’ will be trading in an engine and steering wheel for pedals and handlebars as he takes on the gruelling ABSA Cape Epic off-road race. “I want to honour the ride in the 10th anniversary of the event,” says Gugu. “It will be a huge tick off my bucket list and I have so much respect for the event – you get average guys racing with the best in the world!”

THE CYCLING BUG BITES
Gugu’s love for motorsport and cycling both began at a young age when he owned his first BMX and collected various car magazines. He would often cycle from Soweto to Randburg and back with friends, taking photographs of cars he admired along the way. “I controlled my own fitness back in high school by riding to Parktown Boys High every day, and after my dad took me to varsity in Midrand a few times, he told me to find my own way to get to classes.” After discovering a hole in the middle of his taxi and landing up in Alexandra on an obscure route, Gugu knew that he needed a bike. “I remember my dad and I going to Makro where I got a mountain bike. I then rode 17km to varsity every day, besides some of the rainy days.”

Gugu soon got involved in mountain biking, and has also completed nine Momentum 94.7 Cycle races and three Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tours. He feels that training for the Cape Epic fits in well with his rally career: “In both cases, you go over rivers and bumps, and cycling has definitely sharpened my concentration in the car!” Another bonus is that Gugu and long-time girlfriend Letshego Moshoeu will be racing the Epic together, and he says he is grateful for an active, adventurous partner.

SHARING THE GOAL
“Letshego was the runner and introduced me to running,” says Gugu, “while I introduced her to cycling. The last three years, we’ve run the Two Oceans Marathon together – she does the ultra while I do the half, and this year the Two Oceans half will be my recovery run after the Epic. Gugu adds that the Epic is but a stepping stone – next they’re planning to work on their swimming to train for Ironman. “Some riders have partners who don’t understand why they compete and train – luckily I don’t have that problem. Riding with Letshego is amazing. We support each other, we have common goals, and we share a healthy lifestyle.”

 

Gugu admits that the Epic will be a big test for him, but most importantly he’s ready to have fun. “I have a very competitive nature, but I just want to cross the finish and enjoy this amazing experience.” Giving back is also important to Gugu, so he will be riding the Epic on behalf of the JAG Foundation and JAG Riders Programme, which focuses on cycling as a means to empower the youth of disadvantaged communities in the Western Cape. “Sport can make the difference – it affects the way you approach life, they way you strategise, discipline yourself and work with people.”

PREVIEW

Entries for the
inaugural AdventureLisa Forest Run opened in mid-December and more than half of
the 100 entry slots have already been filled. “I’ve kept the maximum entry
number low because I love running events where I feel like I’m the only person
out there,” says organiser Lisa De Speville. “As the field spreads, runners may
find themselves running alone on pretty forest roads and trails, surrounded
only by trees and the sound of their breathing. Total bliss!”

 

Forest Run will be
held on a forest plantation near the town of Belfast in Mpumulanga. At 1900 metres
above sea level, it’s a high altitude location, and the route is rolling, with
gentle ascents and descents, and a total elevation gain of less than 1000
metres for the entire 62km course. “It’s a ‘friendly’ course, because there is
no gnarly terrain underfoot and no nasties – like bone-jarring downhills or
slow-slogging ups. Mid- to back-of-the-field runners will be on their feet for
six to 12 hours,” says Lisa.

 

Over the past two
months, she has received a number of questions from runners, and she answers
them below.

 

I’ve never run more than 25km. Do you think I’d make it?

You’ve got two
options. The first is to do the solo run, and you can walk parts of it. My
guess is that the route can be run-walked in around 11 hours if you just keep
moving. The less-intimidating alternative is to enter as a relay pair. The
first runner will cover 35km and the second runner does 27km.

 

I’m a roadie and this is my first trail race. Do I need
trail shoes?

You can do this race
in your road shoes, but keep in mind that if it rains it could be quite sloshy
and slippery, and road shoes don’t have the same traction as trail shoes. As
far as the terrain goes, there is nothing on the route that will jab at the undersides
of your feet.

 

Will there be a pre-race
briefing?

Yes, on race day, you’ll need to check in and collect your race number
between 5:30am and 6:40am, then I’ll do a quick race briefing. Make
sure that you’ve read the race information page on the Forest Run website, because if you contravene
these very basic requirements, you will unfortunately be banned from any future
events that I organise.

 

I’d like to stay at Lakenvlei,
but it is just me and my friend. How can we find other runners to fill an eight-sleeper
chalet?

Give the Forest Run Facebook
page a try (details below).

 

How long does it take to get to
the race venue from Jo’burg?

It takes me 2.5 hours to drive to Belfast from Jo’burg (I’m near
Gilloolies). The turn-off for Lakenvlei Lodge is 10km from Belfast, then
there’s a 6km paved road leading down to the Lodge (the start).

 

Should I stay in Belfast,
Dullstroom or at Lakenvlei Lodge?

The race venue, Lakenvlei Lodge, is convenient for race day, but coming
through from Belfast, Dullstroom and other accommodation venues is easy, as Lakenvlei
is situated between the two towns. Belfast is closer, but it doesn’t have many
options for eating out, so Dullstroom would be a better option.

 

More info at www.forestrun.co.za
or www.facebook.com/adventurelisaforestrun

Our Forest Journey

 

Modern Athlete will be represented at Forest Run by editor Michelle Carnegie and advertising executive Janice Pondicas, who will be tackling the route as a team.

 

Michelle Carnegie: Since the beginning of January I have added longer runs to my weekend
training schedule, with my longest run so far being 26km. Part of my long run
is on trails, which I absolutely love. I am focusing on speed sessions during
the week as well as a weekly hill sessions. I am planning to run the Pick n Pay
Half Marathon to ascertain my fitness level, and I am counting down the days to
Forest Run! What fun it is going to be.

 

Janice Pondicas: In December I started doing gym and now incorporate a weight training
session three times a week, as I need to improve my core and upper body
strength, which is my greatest weakness. I have also started doing trail runs
every Saturday and longer road runs of about 25km on a Sunday. My weekday runs
consist of a lot of hill running, and I ran the Dis-Chem Half Marathon very
comfortably. So far I am on track for Forest Run – just have to stay injury
free!

Brought to you by K-way

WORD
& PICS BY JACQUES MARAIS

 WHY GO

If
you dare to trip into the Northern Cape beyond the uppermost reaches of the
Cederberg ranges, you will discover the hidden beauty of what probably rates as
one of South Africa’s least-known nature reserves, the dramatic Oorlogskloof,
where you will find a combination of caves and cliff-top trails with the full gamut of
everything from desert fynbos to deep-forest single-track.

 

WHAT YOU GET

The arid Northern Cape terrain is crisscrossed by an extensive network
of gravel roads and hiking trails tailor-made for experienced mountain goats.
The main route options generally circumscribe the deep and spectacular gorge –
up to 500m wide in places – eroded by the Oorlogskloof River.

 

WHERE TO RUN

There are a number of trails to
choose from, plus various combinations structured around the existing seven-day
hiking trail. Officially, you can choose from the
options below:

One-Day Circular Routes:

?        
Leopard Trap Day Hike – 15.5km

?        
Revile Day Hike – 17.9km

?        
Sailor Day Hike – 5.2km

Four-day to Seven-day Circular
Routes:

?        
Rock Pigeon Route – 52.2km

?        
Rameron Pigeon Route – 52.4km

 

The annual Oorlogskloof Mountain Trail Runs (part
of the SPUR Country Classics Series) include both 42km and 18km mountain run
options, plus a fun 5km, held every year at the end of April. Due to the
remoteness of this wilderness area, the event is only open to teams of two
runners, to ensure competitor safety, and the event starts and finishes at
Groot Tuin, at the reserve entrance 16km from Nieuwoudtville.

 

The 42km
run route follows a combination of various hiking trails, meandering between
rock formations toward the edge of ‘Saaikloof’ before you dip toward
Spelonkkop. Cross the Oorlogskloof River to follow the contour below cliffs
before dropping down to the river. The normal hiking trail carries on past
‘Eland se Kliphuis’ and into the Rietvlei Valley. Here the route twists and
turns along the valley floor, onto plateaus and escarpments, through numerous
arches, squeezing through narrow cracks in rocks and cliffs. Finally, head back
to Groot Tuin along the escarpment overlooking the arid Knersvlakte, passing
through some dense patches of montane forest.

 

If you plan
to run outside this event, a map with detailed info is available when you
obtain your permit from Nature Conservation in Goedehoop Street,
Nieuwoudtville.

 

Oorlogskloof 42km Trail Run Fast
Facts

?        
Grading: Extreme.

?        
Duration: 5 to
10 hours.

?        
Configuration: Circular route.
Trail markings:  Clay tiles, wooden signs or stone cairns.

?        
Facilities: Basic huts/tents along trail; water in river
year-round.
Cell reception:
No coverage.

?        
Beware: Dehydration,
snakes and loose rocks.

?        
Best
time of year: Winter rains and red-hot, dry summers.

 

GETTING THERE

The
turn-off to Oorlogskloof is 6km east of Nieuwoudtville on the R27; look out for
a sign to the reserve and turn left (south) along a rough jeep-track for just
on 10km to Groot Tuin. GPS:
31?26’38.07″S / 19? 4’13.68″E. Local info: www.northerncape.org.za
/ Tel: 027 218 1159.

 

STAY HERE

Check out
www.nieuwoudtville.co.za or www.papkuilsfontein.co.za.

Most of us know the basic
rules of touch rugby, but in 6-Down, teams have six ‘downs,’ or restarts, to
score a try, after which possession is turned over. When touched while carrying
the ball, a player must place the ball on the ground and step over it – this is
called a rollball – and a teammate then picks up and continues play. “The game
is virtually non-stop, so you need to be really fit,” says Gill, “and there is
a lot of strategy involved. We use a driving strategy to draw the defence in on
the initial downs, then closer to the try line we use line moves.”

 

The sport is played by
teams of six players on a half rugby field, with rolling subs, either in men’s,
women’s or mixed (minimum three women) combinations. “The nice thing about
6-Down is that it is cheap to play – you just need a field and a ball – and you
can play competitively or socially,” says Gill. “Touch is also a great way to
get a good workout, plus it has an enjoyable social side. I have made good
friends through the sport.”

 

SUB-HEADER HERE

Gill (37) grew up in Cape
Town, then studied BA Human Movement Studies at Stellenbosch University,
followed by a teaching diploma. She began teaching at Rustenburg High School for
Girls in Cape Town in 1998, then taught in the UK from 2001 to 2003 before returning
to Rustenburg. Last year she was promoted to Deputy Principal: Pastoral Care,
and she coaches the school’s Touch first team.

 

It was at varsity that Gill
was introduced to 6-Down. “In my third year, some guys in the department invited
us to play, and a couple of us girls thought why not. We had a couple of practices,
then played the Western Province team – and got thumped. A lot of us then
entered the Cape Town league and soon improved.” The following year Gill made
the Western Province team, going on to be selected for the SA squad for the
last three World Cups, in Japan (2003), South Africa (2007) and Scotland (2011),
and helping the SA mixed team finish fourth in Japan and third in SA, then
leading the over-30s senior mixed team to third in Scotland.

 

Overall, the SA team did
well to finish third at all three World Cups, but Gill says getting to these
tournaments is a challenge. “Touch is a small sport and we need to pay own way.
The next World Cup is in Australia, so it may not be SA’s strongest team going.
Also, a lot of younger players come from less privileged communities and can’t
afford tours for provincial tournaments, let alone World Cups.”

 

GROWING POPULARITY

6-Down is now played in a
number of countries, with Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and England
leading the way. “In many countries, the sport was introduced by an Aussie,
Kiwi or SA player who helped get it started,” says Gill. “Here in SA, Touch is massive
in schools in Gauteng, with some schools entering eight teams. At Rustenburg we
have at least four teams each season, and a number of other schools are now
offering Touch. So I’m going to keep playing for now, maybe try for another
World Cup, but soon it could be time to let the youngsters come through. Still,
they need a bit of experience on the field…”

Around 600 eager trail
runners and lovers of good wine made their way to the Blaauwklippen Wine Estate
for the Cellar2Cellar Trail Run & Wine Experience, with the serious racers
first taking on the 20km or 12km trail runs, and then many of them joining the
12km Wine Experience ‘run.’ This took them through the vineyards of
Blaauwklippen, Stellenrust, Dornier, Kleinood, Waterford and Stellenzicht, with
all six participating wine farms, together with a Checkers Odd Bins tasting
station, tempting participants to linger and taste their wine along with
Portobello cheeses, chocolates and Wedgewood Nougats that were on offer.

 

In the serious racing, Matthew
Daneel took top spot on the podium in the men’s 20km Trail Run in an impressive 1:13:23, followed by Dawid
Visser and William Leslie. Thamar Clark won the women’s 20km in 1:37:03, with Linda Kinco-Smith second and Sarah-Jane
Jackson third. Claudia Wesemann was first woman home in the 12km, clocking 1:01:52, with Yolandi
Visser second and Nicola Collins third. Craig Burns took men’s gold in the 12km with a quick 52:52, with Jacques
Jantjies second.

 

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE…

Nicola Collins was one of
many runners that did both the 12km
Trail Run followed by the fun-filled 12km Wine Experience. “To just do the 12km or 20km at
Cellar2Cellar would be cheating,” she said. “The whole experience, atmosphere
and the people you meet along the way is just awesome, not to mention the
delicious wine, cheese, chocolate and nougat tasted along the way. I can’t
think of a more fun-filled way to spend a beautiful spring day with friends.”

When Vanessa Haywood is not busy with a
modelling photo-shoot or an audition for a TV or film role, chances are you’ll
find her hitting the trails, but her lifestyle demands that she often goes
straight from mountain biking and trail running ‘tough girl’ to the glitz and
glamour of modelling and acting quickly, so she has learnt how to keep her hair
in good shape.

 

“I
have really long fair hair and the combination of sun, sweat, elastic bands,
helmets and caps wreaks havoc on my hair! It gets knotty and ends up looking
like an old Barbie doll’s nylon hair after a race – and I also colour my hair,
so the bleach dries it out severely. Fortunately, I use the most fantastic
products that fix all of the damage in an instant,” says Vanessa. She swears by
NAK Aromas Shampoo and Conditioner, which also have leave-in treatment to add
to their range. “It detangles and literally stops split ends in their tracks,”
says Vanessa.

 

Due to having
fair, sensitive hair, Vanessa has found that spray-on sunblocks made by Paul
Mitchell and Redken are great for her hair care regime. “Just make sure when
buying a sunblock hair treatment, that it contains both UVA and UVB protectors
in it.” Vanessa also tries to avoid washing her hair daily, as the natural oils
in the hair get washed away. “One has to wash one’s hair after a race, but
during the week, when training, try to stick to three times a week, especially
if you have long hair,” she advises.

 

SWIMMER’S HAIR

Despite
the fact that swimming is a great way to get fit, with minimal impact on your
muscles and joints, the effect on your hair is not quite so ‘injury-free,’ says
Nadia Bachini, who has been a
competitive swimmer for more than ten years, including competing at the World
Champs (in Italy) and doing the Robben Island to Big Big open sea swim in Cape
Town. She says that all the hours spent in the pool take a toll on one’s hair,
and she should know, given that she does up to 8km in the pool most some
training days.

 

“As a
swimmer, the key to ensuring your hair stays healthy is to wash it after every
swim with a shampoo that does not contain sodium,” says Nadia. “In addition to
this, a mask is recommended at least once a week, to replace all the lost
nutrients. These can be bought from a local pharmacy, and you don’t need the
most expensive brand on the market.”

 

Nadia says
she has also recently started supplementing with Prosana Hair and Nail booster,
which is formulated with vitamins to assist in hair care. “Vigro is also
something I have recently started using, as this brand has a tonic which can be
applied to the hair immediately after a swim, left in and then the hair can be
styled normally,” says Nadia. She also claims that she will leave her hair to
‘air dry’ as much as possible and minimises using a straightener to once in
three weeks.

Dis-Chem Half Marathon & Rehidrat Sport
5km, Central Gauteng, 13 January

Taking
line honours this year was Elroy Gelant, who cruised the last stretch as he grabbed
victory in 1:06:00, 14 seconds ahead of defending champion, Desmond Mokgobu, whose clubmate Lucky Mohale was third over
the line. While Desmond was relatively happy with his performance on the day, he
admitted to not being in quite the same shape as the previous year: “The course
is a great one, but I was not fit enough this time around. I took the lead at
18km, but it was very challenging and I fell back to second.”

 

In the women’s race, a strong
performance by the Nedbank club saw athletes in green claim three of the top
four spots, led home by Irvette Van Zyl to claim her
fifth Dis-Chem title in a time of 1:17:47. She was followed home by Charne Rademeyer of Bonitas (1:18:16), with third and
fourth going to Nedbank’s Christine Kalmer and Nolene Conrad. “I
am happy about my win and form so early in the season, but must admit that I
was pushed very hard by Charne!” said Irvette.

 

RESULTS

Men

1. Elroy Gelant (NWU
Pukke) 1:06:00

2. Desmond Mokgobu (Mr
Price) 1:06:14

3. Lucky Mohale (Mr
Price) 1:08:46

4. John Chebii (Mr
Price/Kenya) 1:08:48

5. Paul Nyamachere (Mr
Price/Kenya) 1:09:21

Veterans: 1. Johannes Kekana
(Bonitas) 1:10:25

Masters: 1. Isaac Mahlangu (Sasol)
1:24:29

G’masters: 1. Dave Wright (RAC)
1:38:15

Juniors: 1. Armand Burger (Vaal)
1:41:55

 

Women

1. Irvette Van Zyl
(Nedbank) 1:17:47

2. Charne Rademeyer
(Bonitas) 1:18:16

3. Christine Kalmer
(Nedbank) 1:19:59

4. Nolene Conrad
(Nedbank) 1:20:27

5. Zola Pieterse
(Unlimited AC) 1:24:07

Veterans: 1. Melanie Jennett
(Fourways) 1:35:28

Masters: 1. Pam Hampton
(Sunninghill) 1:52:54

G’masters: 1. Penny Visser (Breakthru)
1:56:37

Juniors: 1. Nobuhle Tshuma (Elim)
1:33:39

 

5km Men: 1.
Dominic Khoza (Bidvest) 14:59

5km Women: 1. Lebo
Phalula (Mr Price) 17:41

 

 

THEY SAID IT…

Modern Athlete was at
the finish line to ask some of the runners how their Dis-Chem run went. Here’s
what they had to say.

Chris Kubeka (1:58): “I led the sub-2:00 bus today and
it went well! The course was fine and the crowd on the bus was full of energy.
After Christmas, people have to work hard on this route and near the end we had
to pick it up!”

Simagele Jeaneth (1:50): “I started a little
late but got back into my rhythm. It’s my first Dis-Chem race and I really
enjoyed it – very well organised and it brings a lot of people together.”

Duduzile Zulu (1:52): “I started really well
and it is a fantastic route with lots of ups and downs to test you out. It’s my
first Dis-Chem race and I loved it! It’s definitely an event I’ll come back to
next year.”

Saleman Mohomed (2:10): “I have run this race 10
times and I keep coming back because it’s one of the country’s best half
marathons! I had to work hard throughout, but it was enjoyable!”

Kate Martin (2:10): “It’s my first half marathon ever! I
didn’t train as hard as I should have and it was really tough, but it is a
great course and the water points did so well.”

Kim Savage (2:12): “There was a mix on the course –
ups, downs and flats with a huge climb near the end. I mixed it up with running
and walking and I will definitely come back next time around.”

Elias Maaroganye (1:27): “It was not my best
performance, but I loved the route – it had different obstacles. There are no
issues with the organisation and atmosphere, it’s a great day.”

Isaac Ramoroka (1:22): “I got my half marathon
PB today, so I am very happy! There are a lot of great runners here and the
atmosphere is very friendly, too.”

Sibusiso Mathe (1:46): This is my first Dis-Chem
race and the water points were amazing. I enjoy myself when I run and this is
the biggest race in January – I really liked it!”

-End-

“It
was the best of times and the worst of times,” says Retha Schutte, who teamed
up with friends Machelle Bremer, Lindsay van Aswegen and Lena Faber to take on
the gruelling challenge of running from Umhlanga to Cape Columbine in 42 days
in November-December last year. “Physically we were all in good shape, but
emotionally it was very tough,” she explains. “The whole trip was humbling, and
we have so much to be grateful for.”

 

THE NEED TO SHED LIGHT

The
team wanted to spread awareness about their cause on their running journey, so
with a community service team in place, comprising Retha’s husband Herman, life
coach Kudzai Shoko and clinical psychologist Eugene
Viljoen, they visited township schools and abused homes, chatting
to women and children affected by abuse. “Nobody knows how big the need is,”
says Retha. “Every 17 hours a rhino is killed in this country, but nobody knows
that every 17 seconds abuse and rape occurs! There needs to be more focus on
that.”

 

Not
only did the team give up their time to listen to the stories of the victims,
but they gave back where they could. “In Umtata, for example, we saw their
biggest need was pots, pans and a DVD player,” says Retha, “so we contributed
that and it made a difference, however small.” It was an emotional experience
for Machelle and Lindsay, too. “Visiting the homes was an emotional
rollercoaster,” says Machelle. “We’d have such a runner’s high after our run,
and then go into the homes and our hearts would break, which would bring our
feet back to earth.” Lindsay, too, felt fortunate after meeting the victims and
pointed out a simple need: “Children just want to be held,” she says, “while strangers
identified with us and took the time to tell their stories, which is a small
help to them.”

 

HEADING SOUTH

Before
bedtime each night, the team would set out each runner’s leg for the next day’s
route. Starting at 4:15am, the days sometimes stretched until 11pm, as the team
had to set up camp at various stages. They also sometimes had to hike up
mountains after their long day’s running to physically touch one of the
lighthouses, but it was still a definite relief when the team got to that ‘touching’
stage of the day. “Just like a woman in an abusive relationship, a runner goes through
a lot of ups and downs on a long run,” says Retha, “so it was a tiring,
frustrating, emotional six weeks, but an exceptional experience.”

 

While
there were some running clubs and individual athletes that joined the team for
various parts of the run, Retha hopes there will be more involvement from
runners in the future. Also, on route the team was approached by locals who had
heard of the cause, and wanted to know more, or make a contribution. “One
cyclist passing us even gave us R80 for the cause – it was such a surprise!”
says Lindsay.

 

“The
main thing is to challenge runners,” says Retha. “Charity starts at home, so
look at your community and how you can give back. It can be something simple,
like your old shoes or pillows. Some people just need someone to listen.” And
that need is ongoing, so the team won’t be stopping now that their run is
complete. “It’s not an issue only in South Africa, but worldwide,” says
Lindsay. “Usually, no one realises what’s going on in the home. We are too busy
to realise that there are scary things happening in our communities.”