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Why do you run?
It’s a question I get all the time, and I have several answers: the love of getting into a groove, the quiet comfort of being by myself on long runs, and the satisfaction that comes from unexpected friendships.
One of the most exciting parts of preparing for Comrades is meeting other runners through the magic of social media. I recognized recurring themes, particularly from women training for the race. In honor of International Women’s Day today I wanted to share stories of two women from different parts of the world also preparing for the The Ultimate Human Race. In the Comrades Marathon women are a distinct minority– so CHEERS to these women for toeing the tough line.
Comrades Marathon Women From Around the World
Meet Dee Schutte from South Africa
Running is the ultimate sport where I am in competition with myself, its me, the road and my thoughts, Being a full time working mom of 3 gorgeous girls, a wife, a friend and everything in between, being able to run, how slow it may be, is the real me-time that only I can have just for myself, even when running in groups. And the road is one place where I do not really care about my flabby thighs, and mommy-belly, all sweaty and red-faced. I just love to run!
I had Comrades on my bucket list (before age of 35) since primary school, the ultimate challenge for one who is not an athlete by nature, what a challenge it was. In hindsight it was more of a mental than physical challenge and being able to complete the race within the allocated time with my hubby by my side was euphoric. Words can’t describe the feelings and thoughts that races through your mind when you cross that finish line. I did it, and it was all me. Yes, had the support, had the preparation done, the hope, the trust… but it was me, and just me who got me there in the end. What a moment to remember!
For me it is definitely the ultimate race. This is my second Comrades (my second down run). Took a “gap year” to have another baby. So its almost like novice training again. But just bit more hectic with juggling first year of school for my eldest, a 4 year old and a baby! I am looking forward to the challenge once again. This time round we’l be trying to break the 11 hr mark, but on the day I still would like to finish…even if it is in 11:59:59! Then one up run on the cards for 2017 then I am done with Comrades (famous last words as people would say).
The best part of Comrades is the support along the road, people chanting your name as you have been friends for ever! Runners, seconders, strangers sharing the pain, the joy, the tears. Very humbling experience!
Meet Cathy Hopkins from Canada
I run because it gives me space to be who I am.
It provides me with choice. I can choose to be alone but not lonely, to laugh, and even cry, about everyday life. While running with others, I connect with a complete stranger as we struggle to get through the walls in a long race.
Running has been the greatest gift of my adult life, opening up an entire world for me to embrace and be embraced by. It’s taught me to appreciate what and where I am in the present moment, to learn from the past, plan for the future, but to live in the now.
Meet Kirsty Brits from Namibia
My journey to Comrades started in 2012 when my little girl was born. I am a personal trainer and had given classes until the day before I delivered her so within a day I was ready to go after a C-section! I was back on the treadmill within 3 weeks. I then started training while my daughter slept – always on a treadmill. I also have a son who was 3 at the time. Thus all my training happened around them!
I ran my first half marathon at Two Oceans when my daughter was 6 months. Thereafter, I felt the need for a greater challenge and went on to enter my first marathon on my daughter’s first birthday. My sister then challenged me to run Comrades with her having run a 4h24marathon which meant that I had qualified. A few months before our race – she got a stress fracture in her tibia and had to stop running completely.
I ran my first Comrades in 2014 (10h57) and my Back to Back in 2015 (10h24). And will be there for my third soon!
I run because I love running. It makes me a better mom. It keeps me sane! I met a great group of runners who have become my very dear friends in the last year. I have gone from training for my first Comrades on a treadmill to running 6 times a week (often twice a day) with an amazing running partner and usually a few others join in. With his experience and guidance – I have gone from a 4h24 marathon to3h49 this year. It has been gradual and careful.
The happiness I feel after a run and the total feeling of accomplishment and pride after an amazing race is like a drug… At least this one makes my 3 year old and 6 year old proud!
And here I am, in Texas, easily able to identify with these three women. I have no real understanding of the specifics of their life circumstances, yet their words resonate with me so deeply.
And on the 29th of May, when we toe the line in Pietermarizburg to run for nearly half a day to Durban, we’ll be joining the thousands of other women who, no doubt, know just the feelings we’re all experiencing.
Run on, Comrades Marathon women! Let’s show them what women from all over the globe are made of.
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