CHAIRMAN'S CHATTER
I want to start off by congratulating all the runners that
attempted the 87km test on Sunday 2nd of June. For once I was
relieved that I didn’t run. Seeing runners at the 60km mark in Cato Ridge just
made me realize how difficult the day was. To the runners that ran this
Comrades for charities, well done and I sincerely congratulate you on your
effort. Well done to all you finishers. For those who did not make it, well,
next year will be easier. That’s for sure.
A huge thank you to my seconding staff! Being a runner, one
doesn’t always appreciate the effort the supporters put in on a day like this.
Stan and Juanita travelled down especially to support our runners at 60km. Urna
joined them too and it definitely created a very jovial atmosphere on an
otherwise very dusty stretch of road.
Please look out for our HALLS race to be hosted in July. We
will need all the help we can get on the day and on the Friday for setting up.
There are some runs coming up during June and July which
will be hosted by the other clubs in the area. Please see if you can support
these.
The aches and pains function held on Saturday 8 June was
well attended and I would just like to thank Mark and Helen for organizing the
event. Thanks to all that attended the fun afternoon and evening (for some of
us). I really enjoyed watching our members socializing together and sharing
their Comrades stories.
Please note that our Thursday afternoon time trial will
start at 17:15 for the June and July.
See you on the road
Steve.
Comrades, I was reminded on Sunday, is not a race. Perhaps for some it is but for the vast majority it is a journey simply taken on your own two feet between two cities that happen to be separated by a road that never fails to remind one of one’s own humanity.
This year it proved that training -although essential to its completion is not the overriding factor but rather the day itself which determines what kind of a Comrade you are going to be at the end of it.
The day produced some results for our club that many may be thrilled, disappointed, nonchalant, devastated or ok with. In the words of those who participated in the Unogwaja challenge “no matter if you started or finished we are all equalled by merely pitching up for its reckoning”. And no matter how you chose to do that on Sunday be proud and grateful that you did and that we are all here safe, healthy and sound to share that.
For some it meant the emotional brave decision to not even start (illness, injury) for others realising that for the same reasons that they would be unable to continue the race, for others not making certain cut offs, for others finishing but not attaining their original goals, for some fighting nausea and cramp and weather conditions of an unusually harsh nature. And luckily for some a great day of self-discovery, challenge and success! All of which is to be admired and congratulated.
I’d like to thank everyone I saw along the way that gave their time, support, encouragement. And most especially to Juanita, Stan, Urna and Steve for their effort in travelling and ensuring that the club had their seconding points.
Take time to recover, celebrate, and contemplate. Don’t listen to those who may offer alleged expertise in your outcomes unless they are positive and encouraging! Comrades is not only being brave on the day. It’s what makes you take on the challenge and about how you decide to go about it the next time round that count!
40516.
- Please complete a Comrades questionnaire that will be mailed to you. Prize for best story!
- Watch out for our new virtual coach section to our blog. Run your first 10/21/42km with our panel of experts!
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