CC Comrades Corner - The Nedbank-LVCC Legend Interview - Lala Majola

Lala Majola

Gold	Wally Hayward	Silver	Bill Rowan	Bronze	Vic Clapham	Total
0	0	0	0	13	0	13

*Its worth noting that Lala's 1st Comrades in 1993 was a "Bill Rowan" - 08:30:34

When did you run your first Comrades and why did you decide to run it?
LM: 1993.I ran it to improve my sporting lifestyle.

What motivates you to keep running, and go back each year?

LM: The challenge and knowing I can still make it.

Who awarded you your Comrades Green Number? 

LM: I was too tired to bother.

Did you wipe the sweat off your hand before shaking theirs?

LM: No.

How many times did you decide that you would 'never run that race again'?

LM: It has not happened as yet.

And when do you think you will actually mean it?

LM: N/A.

What would you say was your most memorable moment at Comrades?

LM: Seeing the finishing line in 2002 after 6 years layoff.

What was your best Comrades time, and what did you do differently that year to 'make it happen'?

LM: 8.30.it was my first,so it was fear that contributed to my good run.

What spectator chirp do you detest the most?

LM: Run man,that white Mrs is gonna beat you.

If someone offered you an ice cold beer at the top of Inchanga, would you be tempted?

LM: Maybe someday.

Does your family still support you on the side of the road as much as they did on your first Comrades?

LM: Yes,they do.

How many pairs of shoes have you bought over the years?

LM: About 22.

And how many times have you bought your wife flowers?

LM: Can’t remember.

What time are you hoping to run this year? 

LM: 9.30.

Do you have a 'mantra', quote, thought or inspiration that you draw on when you're going through a bad patch?

LM: It's my life.

What short advice can you offer to a 'Comrades virgin'?

LM: Respect that “Big Man” called the “Big C”.

Where do you think most runners go wrong?

LM: Deceived by perceived level of fitness.

Where is halfway on the up?

LM: Drummond.

Your Comrades hero?

LM: Myself.

What do you eat the the day before, and what's your routine?

LM: Standard.

Which is the worst hill?

LM: 45^th Cutting,I always ask myself why I entered.

Whats the lowest amount of mileage you've ever run comrades on and the most?

LM: Around 400km.

Lala Majola, 1 May 2013. Photo by Toy Dupper