Running In Circles Newsletter - Comrades Special 2nd Edition

CHAIRMAN'S CHATTER

Thanks to each and every runner, supporter and friends for attending our Comrades derby held on Saturday 25 May. It was fantastic to see so many faces. I would like to take the opportunity to thank Mopani Pharmacy for the goodie bags. Sven Musica for the Comrades photo. Moses from MOZMAS for the shirts. To Petro and Shaun from UGEZI for the comrades tog bags, those who helped with table cloths and set up. Also to MARK GREEFF for doing a fantastic job as MC again and last but not least to the 2013 running committee for organizing a lovely gathering. Thanks guys!

Apologies to those who had already left but we made an announcement at Derby that the club would be donating R2000 to Paul’s Miles for Marrow Foundation which is in support of the Sunflower Fund. Please click here for details should you wish to make a personal donation to this worthy cause and why Paul has decided to run for this cause. Good luck Paul!

Reminder of muffin run on Wednesday starting at 4.45 am from LVCC. 

Transport for disadvantaged athletes. We have arbitrated to the best of our ability to get this transport organised, however, we are still awaiting an outcome and the details. All runners who have been authorised only for this will be notified. Thanks to Gladys for her efforts in this regard.

Seconding stations LVCC Comrades 2013. Please note the following:

• PLEASE DO NOT RELY ON THESE POINTS – if for whatever reason one is not available we do not want you to have your run disrupted in anyway. There is more than enough seconding and water tables provided by the organisers.  We as a club endeavour to provide these points as a support to our runners.  We will have extra sandwiches, salt, potatoes, Vaseline, water and your bags with us.
• To get your personal seconding bags for these points. Hand them into us in a marked container provided at time trial at LVCC on Thursday 30^th May at 17.00. Please do not include water, dairy or meat or anything that can go off as this will be disposed of immediately.
• Rules for seconding bags.  Sealed ziploc or plastic bags with your name and comrades number clearly marked in permanent marker. Indicate 30km or 60km point.

CLUB SUPPORT POINT 30km

CLUB SUPPORT POINT 60KM

All that remains for me to say is “good luck to all our runners”! I’m looking forward to see each and every one of you along the route. It is and will always remain a fantastic personal achievement to compete in this run.

ANNOUNCEMENT FOR FINISH AREA FROM NEDBANK.

We will use Highway Function hiring this year to host us at the finish. Come to our national Nedbank Running Club marquee tent to celebrate your race and to exchange war stories with fellow athletes. We will make sure our top National as well as International Comrades athletes will come to the tent as well for you to meet them. The menu will consist out of a boerewors roll as well as a hot dog for each runner and two drinks of their choice.There will be a variety of beers and ciders. We want to issue a special request to all Nedbank runners to visit the Marquee because your specific Nedbank Club is paying in advance for the catering and we do not want to waste food and drinks.This is also an easy regognisable spot where your family and friends can meet up with you after the race.

Nedbank Tent Site at the finish in Pietermaritzburg.

COMRADES COUNTDOWN

29 May 2013
MUFFIN RUN LVCC traditional run from cc to Helette and Pieter’s house at Shandon estate. 4.45am from LVCC Run with jackets to wear when cooling down and having a muffin!

30 May 2013
HANDING IN OF COMRADES SECONDING PACKETS NB> Please ensure these are all marked clearly. And don’t get upset at the volunteers if they can’t find your bag.

02 June 2013
COMRADES second points at 30kms (Nedbank Green Gazebo) and 60kms (Nedbank Blue Gazebo).

03 June 2013
BREAKFAST at La Spaggia Umhlanga Beach front next to Cabana Beach at 9am Join the stories back from the battlefield! Please note that this is a self-pay event. Head for GPS coords of beachfront Cabana Beach.

08 June 2013
ACHES AND PAINS post comrades results, stories and pay outs! At LVCC. Details to be confirmed. 

CC Comrades Corner - Andrew Dollenberg

Packing for Comrades

In order to ensure that in a few days time you have a medal in the bag, best you focus on packing that bag now...

Things to put in-

For the day:

• Your running shoes. More people have finished with them than without...
• ChampionChip - you will need this at registration, but fix it to your shoe now anyway. Such a small thing it is easy to forget it.
• Your socks - well run in, but not worn out
• Running vest and shorts - the ones you have run in for the last couple of months. Nothing new that is stiff and can cause chaffing.
• Sunscreen - You are going to spend a lot of time out there, whether you like it or not. So pack the sunscreen. 
• Hat and sunglasses - if you are used to running with them, take them along. Old story of don't try anything new...
• BodyGlide, Loobit, Vaseline, or your favourite speed grease product - to prevent friction and burn. 
• Lip balm - your own. Don't accept vaseline from the side of the road... if you need more detail why, just ask.
• Plasters - for toes, heels, blisters and nipples.
• Gloves - cheap disposable goodies for the start. It can be cool in the morning. These are also very useful snot absorbers.
• Old T-shirt - your oldest running T. It can be cool at the start, and you will be standing there for the best part of an hour. So this can keep you warm while you stand around as well as for the first few km's. Also guaranteed to make a local supporter very happy.
• Watch - the old tried and trusted time piece. With full battery power.
• Pacing chart or running plan. Your mind may not be able to do the maths.
• Gels - Jolt, Vooma, Gu, whatever you have been training on.
• Breakfast bar - pack one in for the start. It is a long time between leaving the hotel and the gun. A nibble while standing on the line will help.
• Meds - your myprodol, immodium, valoid, etc (not that I condone the use of any of this).
• Toilet paper. Don't bargain on the porta-loos being stocked. (Meds and toilet paper in a bank bag)
• Sense of humour and loads of energy - you're gonna need both!

Other things that are good to have:

• Your own pillow. For a good night's sleep before the race
• Alarm clock. Or two. You can't afford to oversleep on this one.
• 'Track your runner' - register for friends / family that want to know how ya' doin'. Supporters can SMS your race number to 38132 to get updates throughout the day on your progress.

Things for the finish:

• Towel
• Tracksuit
• Dry clothes
• Fresh socks
• Bag for the smellies
• Cash - for the boerrie rolls and pancakes (and beer)
• Pre-arrange a meeting place for friends and family. Nothing worse than traipsing around for hours looking for people. A sure way to ruin your entire day...

And a few things to do before you leave home:

• Cut your toenails. Don't leave this to the day before the race or your toes will be sensitive and susceptible to a beating
• Shave - whether it be your face, legs or armpits - again, sun, sweat and freshly shaved skin do not go well together. Don't leave this for the night before the race.

Note that these final preparations don't include any long runs. So don't.

Good luck, and travel safe.

Regards,
Andrew

CC Comrades Corner - The Yellow Number Interview - Riaan Nel

A Green number or permanent Comrades number is awarded to participants who have managed to complete 10 Comrades Marathons which don't have to be consecutive.  On race day, runners doing their 11^th or subsequent runs wear a green race number.  Runners doing their 10^th run (going for their green number) wear a yellow number to distinguish them from the rest of the running field.  Runners wearing this yellow number get fantastic support from fellow participants and supporters.  Immediately after completion of a runner’s 10^th run, they are guided into the Green Number Club where a Comrades “Legend” will present them with their green number. Photographs are then taken to capture this special moment. We look forward to seeing Riaan's picture!

Riaan Nel

Gold	Wally Hayward	Silver	Bill Rowan	Bronze	Vic Clapham	Total
0	0	0	2	5	2	9

When did you run your first Comrades and why did you decide to run it?

RN: 10 years ago in 2004 – moved to Polokwane from Port Elizabeth and needed to do something drastic to keep sane, decided to RUN….

So this is your yellow number run? How does it feel?
RN: I’m getting more excited about it, especially after the recognition that I’ve received at the novices dinner last week (Thank you ML and Petro!). Have not had much time to really think about the magnitude of the “achievement” – sure it will strike me on Comrades day though!

Which Comrades legend are secretly hoping will shake your hand and award you your green number?
RN: Bruce Fordyce, although he will be too late as I’ll probably beat him! Alan Robb is a quiet legend – definitely my favourite.

Are you going to come back again and run in your green number?
RN: Yes.

And then run in it again the other way?
RN: Yes.

Will you try qualify ahead of the green numbers in future, or just accept an E seeding?
RN: Now you have me thinking….tempting to just accept such a top seeding!

You have a high pressure job that involves travel. How do you fit it all in?
RN: Like this year – not very well!

It has been said that you have the ability to run perfectly to your game plan. How do you do this?
RN: By knowing what I’m capable of doing with the amount of training that was done….the experience of a few years’ running does help.

What short advice can you offer to a 'Comrades virgin'?
RN: Be realistic with your race day goals, eat and drink plenty and KNOW that you have trained well. Show some respect to the hills and do your best to enjoy as much of the day as possible. Shed a tear as you cross the finish line…..

What was your best Comrades time, and what did you do differently that year to 'make it happen'?
RN: 8h52 – I was 9 years younger then and focused on shorter, faster training efforts….

What are your race plans - anything special for the 10th? Or just running it like the others?
RN: I had plans to beat Venessa this year, but realised she will not take it well so I’l let her win this one. Bought a ticket on THE BUS last week.

Which race was tougher to prepare for - your first, or your tenth?
RN: Definitely the 10^th – had to convince myself often that now was not the best time to give it all up.

What "green number club" privilege are you most looking forward to?
RN: Definitely to register without the long queues at the expo. 

CC Comrades Corner - Murray Anderson - #90FOR90

Dear friends, runners and other online folk,

I will be running my third Comrades this year and this I am running for my sister company Jam SouthAfrica .
I would like you to sponsor each KM I run this year. Please share this poster too. 
#90for90

Murray

CC Comrades Corner - Andrew Dollenberg

Comrades pace charts

Planning your race day is as critical as the last 6 months of training.

Below are a few pacing charts for the up-run. These come from Don Oliver - acclaimed coach and runner, and have been widely published and used in the past.

Here is an Excel based pace chart / calculator, which I have found particularly useful in the past. It gives 5km splits, and allows for a varied pace taking into consideration the hills and undulations. Also, it is colour coded, which makes it simple to use when your brain starts shutting down as you get further into the run.

Remember though - a pacing chart is only a guide, and the only guarantee on offer is that your day will not match any pace chart. Your pace chart is like a teddy bear - just there for comfort. It is a nice reference as to where you plan to be when, especially when you reach the point that you can no longer do the maths.

Make sure you choose a realistic finish time, based on your fitness and training that you have put in this year, and plan your pace chart (and race) on that. And consider taking 2 pace charts with you - the Plan A, and a backup Plan B. If the wheels fall off, at least you have another realistic goal, rather than just an option of 'hang in until I finish'.

Too fast is worse than too slow. NEVER go ahead of your planned race pace. It will catch up with you later. If you find yourself ahead of your pace chart, especially early in the race, then consider slacking off a bit or even taking a walk break. There is no such thing as 'time in the bank'. The bank charges interest, and often demands a balloon payment at the end.

Good luck with the final preparations!

Bill Rowan sub-9 hours Up Run

Kms to Go	Stopwatch Time
80	0 hour 44 mins
70	1 hour 42 mins
60	2 hours 41 mins
50	3 hours 37 mins
43 - Halfway	4 hours 15 mins
40	4 hours 40 mins
30	5 hours 40 mins
20	6 hours 41 mins
10	7 hours 43 mins
5	8 hours 20 mins
Finish	8 hours 50 mins

Bronze Sub-10 hours Up Run

Kms to Go	Stopwatch Time
80	0 hour 50 mins
70	1 hours 52 mins
60	2 hours 55 mins
50	3 hours 56 mins
43 - Halfway	4 hours 37 mins
40	5 hours 04 mins
30	6 hours 12 mins
20	7 hours 21 mins
10	8 hours 31 mins
5	9 hours 15 mins
Finish	9 hours 50 mins

Bronze Sub-11 hours Up Run

Kms to Go	Stopwatch Time
80	0 hour 52 mins
70	2 hours 00 mins
60	3 hours 10 mins
50	4 hours 19 mins
43 - Halfway	5 hours 00 mins
40	5 hours 30 mins
30	6 hours 44 mins
20	7 hours 59 mins
10	9 hours 16 mins
5	10 hours 06 mins
Finish	10 hours 45 mins

Vic Clapham Sub-12 hours Up Run

Kms to Go	Stopwatch Time
80	1 hour 08 mins
70	2 hours 17 mins
60	3 hours 29 mins
50	4 hours 40 mins
43 - Halfway	5 hours 30 mins
40	6 hours 00 mins
30	7 hours 20 mins
20	8 hours 41 mins
10	10 hours 03 mins
5	10 hours 54 mins
Finish	11 hours 36 mins

CC Comrades Corner - The Nedbank LVCC Novice Interview - Coral Niemand & Sandy Mclagan

Coral Niemand

When did you first put on a pair of running shoes and head out the door?
CN: About four years ago.

Do you remember how bad that first run felt? 
CN: Yes! It still feels bad!

Do you realise that you might feel like that again at the end of Comrades? 
CN: Just praying I get to the end!

Which event and when was your first road race? 
CN: Kaapsehoop 10km - 2010.

What inspired you that you had to run Comrades - even if it was 'just once'? 
CN: LVCC running buddy’s and I would so like to tick it off my bucket list.

Do you realise that you probably won't run this race 'just once'? 
CN: Not sure, it will all depend on the outcome,

Who has inspired you along your journey to Comrades 2013? 
CN: Too many names to mention but ALL the LVCC members that we run with, they have been so encouraging, they are my inspiration.

Who is your Comrades hero? 
CN: All the people that finish!

Who is supporting you on the side of the road on race day? 
CN: Hopefully the spectators as Keith says he is going to play golf in Maritzburg and will meet me at the end.

Have your supporters accepted the fact that you might be grumpy, unfriendly and miserable when they see you along the route, and that they just need to 'let it be'?
CN: Which supporters???

What lesson have you learned from running that you will definitely be implementing on 2 June? 
CN: Vasbyt!  

What horror story have you heard that you fear most might happen to you during the race? 
CN: Struggling to get to the finish line before the gun!

What advice can you give a non-runner, who might be aiming for their first 10km? 
CN: That they must join a club, they will make great new friends, and before they know it they will be entering a marathon and  perhaps even Comrades!

What do you think you might think about over the 87km between Durban and Pietermaritzburg? 
CN: I would like to think about how grateful I am for all my blessings and PLEASE GOD get me to the end!

What part of the Comrades route are you fearing most?
CN: All of it!!

How do you plan to celebrate your first Comrades medal? 
CN: Huge HUGE  smiles! Definitely some tears, LOTS of hugs and most probably some pain pills!

When will your next run be after Comrades?
CN: Maybe when the mornings are not too dark and cold!

Sandy Mclagan

When did you first put on a pair of running shoes and head out the door? 
SM: 22 years ago after watching Comrades, lasted for a few months, never got further than 10kms.

Do you remember how bad that first run felt? 
SM: Yip, thought only people without brain cells run Comrades.

Do you realise that you might feel like that again at the end of Comrades? 
SM: Trying not to think about it.

Which event and when was your first road race? 
SM: Kaapsehoop 10km 2010.

What inspired you that you had to run Comrades - even if it was 'just once'?  
SM: It was Coral’s brainwave.

Do you realise that you probably won't run this race 'just once'? 
SM: At this moment 1 is enough!

Who has inspired you along your journey to Comrades 2013? 
SM: So many wonderful members of LVCC.

Who is your Comrades hero? 
SM: Bruce Fordyce.

Who is supporting you on the side of the road on race day? 
SM: Hopefully Steve and Joe will have patience and wait for us! Rob going to have an early game of golf and thereafter he will look for a spot on the side of the road.

Have your supporters accepted the fact that you might be grumpy, unfriendly and miserable when they see you along the route, and that they just need to 'let it be'? 
SM: That’s why golf seems to be a better option.

What lesson have you learned from running, that you will definitely be implementing on 2 June? 
SM: Keep moving forward and have fun.

What horror story have you heard that you fear most might happen to you during the race? 
SM: Not drinking or eating enough.

What advice can you give a non-runner, who might be aiming for their first 10km? SM: Join a club and members enthusiasm will help.

What do you think you might think about over the 87km between Durban and Pietermaritzburg? 
SM: Hopefully Coral and I will be together so we can keep chatting and not think too much. Otherwise I will be thinking about how to get thru 10kms at a time.

What part of the Comrades route are you fearing most? 
SM: The whole route.

How do you plan to celebrate your first Comrades medal? 
SM: A bottle of red wine.

When will your next run be after Comrades?
SM: Ask me that after Comrades.

Sandy & Coral. 2 May 2013.
Photo by Sven Musica - Phonix Capture Media House.

CC Comrades Corner - Murray Anderson-Ogle's 2011 Comrades Pt. 7

Murray blogged about his preparation for 2011 Comrades on Runner's World.It was his first and like this year's run also UP. Truly inspirational! We will be posting his blog entries as part of our build up to Comrades 2013.

JUNE 8, 2011

I have wanted to say this for six months: ’I am a Comrade’. Not quite Mao’s last dancer or a Cosatu cheerleader, but rather a Comrades finisher.

What do you say when you have achieved your goal? A goal that took six months of consistent training, missing nights out, early morning wake-up calls, physiotherapy, Friday night television (it’s not so bad) and changing your life for the simple goal of running a footrace?

A footrace that once a year captures the imagination of South African, and the world’s, population. A day when ordinary people accomplish the extraordinary, and forever become part of the Comrades family.

My personal experience of Comrades was that of an intensely personal journey of discovery, through conquering my own limitations and my identity, realising how anything is possible and that you only have to want it. Many self-help gurus, psychologists and charlatans offer advice on how you should change your life. My advice: run Comrades to the best of your ability and at some point along the journey, a few answers will be etched onto your soul.

Comrades is just a day of your life but the journey towards Comrades is the best, worst and most sublime experience of your life. Enjoy the journey, take Al Pacino’s prophetic words into account “on any given Sunday anything can happen”: never is this more pertinent than on Comrades Sunday.

For the past three months, a few of us had worked towards a goal of sub nine-hour finish and a Bill Rowan Medal. I achieved my goal, running an 8.55. Delighted as I was my victory almost felt hollow and bittersweet, as I was the only who achieved our shared goal.

The Tuesday before Comrades, Iain who had coached and led us through the training programme, who was competing in his 20th consecutive Comrades, fell ill. He was admitted to hospital and was released on the Thursday before Comrades. He was granted medical permission to run the race and lined up at the start and for the first 10 km’s our group kept to our schedule of a sub nine-hour.

In the days leading up to the race, my knee had begun to ache. It is something that had bothered me intermittently throughout training. I panicked and panicked hard, and immediately consulted a physiotherapist at the expo. The physio immediately diagnosed it as something to do with my calf tendon. Weird. So I got it strapped and prayed that I would finish. Nothing like entering Comrades and not knowing if you would ever finish. Initially, my knee felt fine but at about 8-10 km and up Cowies it began to hurt: that dull throbbing ache. My plan then was then to look for a first aid stand and get re-strapped, which I did and I took some pain killers for good measure.

Suddenly my race took on a new dimension, and I said to myself “ get to Camperdown” within enough time and you can then walk it, if needs be. Luckily, I am not sure if it was the new strapping or the painkillers, luck or the ghosts of my father and step-father whose footsteps I was retracing (maybe it was they who smiled on me), but as soon as I hit Fields Hill, I was pain free and I stayed that way till the end. Don’t get me wrong – it still hurt, but it was the hurt you expect.

In my haste to reach Camperdown , I dropped my group and never saw them again and for the duration of Comrades, I stuck to my pace chart for an 8:55 finish. Only later in the race did Petro, who was also aiming for her first Bill Rowan, leave Iain, but only at the 25 kilometer. She eventually finished in a time of 9. 18. Iain eventually finished in about 11: 20, his first Vic Clapham medal and according to him he had never worked for any other medal, Silver included. (Iain, forever an optimist, now has the full set of Comrades medals, the most any mortals can achieve in the race).

What I learnt from my experience, for anyone reading this who wants to chase a time, is that you have to be selfish, and all the training in the world can be for naught if it’s not your day. However, watching Iain come in showed me the definition of ‘vasbyt’ and discipline. These are qualities I think I have finally come to understand and even possess, as my own race nearly fell apart on numerous occasions and only my dream propelled me on.

After leaving my crew, I pretty much ran my own race, making new friends, especially one special man called Walter. Walter and I met up somewhere before Little Polly’s and ran together till the end, pacing and motivating each another to the finish line. It’s a funny thing, where with a complete stranger you start choosing your running targets; i.e. run 100 meters and walk ten and anything with a slight rise you walk. And what do you know, we finished with 5 minutes to spare and we both got our Bill Rowan. Walter, I am not sure who you are but thank you. I will always remember you.

As I write this, I have mixed emotions of my experience. It was beautiful, tragic, terrifying and heartbreaking but like anything in life that is worth having it is the only way.

It’s too early to say whether I’ll be back next year, but I take treasured memories home with me. My favourite is probably finding my late father’s plaque at the wall of honour. I had looked for it for a while, and was about to give up; I just was taking a picture when suddenly there it was, almost like it was calling to me.

I know that I will continue to run, but now I want to try some trail running and my next goal is a 43 km trail run. I have been super jealous of the Kaapies and Natalians and how gnarly and fabulous their trail runs seem. Finally there is one in my area called the Num- Num trail run. I cannot wait, even though it will be rough, tough, and cold; it will also be beautiful as it passes through some of the Lowveld Escarpment’s greatest scenery. It’s happening on the 16th of July and I hope to see you there.

Me on tv..

@my dads plaque on comrades @just b4 halfway

Number and club colours- sneaky pain killers top right

Party in the front business at the back. My new hoodie from my mates-how awesome..I am the zebra.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5 

Part 6 

CC Comrades Corner - The Unogwaja Challenge 2012 Documentary

Hi fellow runners,

I've posted about the Unogwaja Challenge before but here is their documentary that was launched a few days ago. Watch and get excited about their cause and the Comrades Marathon! 

Published on May 16, 2013

This is the documentary of the 2012 Unogwaja Challenge, the second year of this magical journey of the heart inspired by Phil Masterton-Smith's feat of 1933.
The Unogwaja Challenge sees a team of team of 5 individuals push themselves to the limit, both mentally and physically, as they cycle a grueling 1677km from Cape town to Pietermartizburg in just 10 days, followed by running the Comrades Marathon on day 11.

The Unogwaja challenge was initiated to follow the footsteps of Comrades legend Phil Masterton-Smith, who was affectionately known as "Unogwaja" which means 'The Hare' in Zulu. Phil Masterton-Smith was involved in two of the closest finishes in Comrades Marathon history, when in 1930 he narrowly lost to the great Wally Hayward. The following year in 1931, he battled against Noel Burree, and crossed the finish line meters ahead to claim Comrades Victory and become the youngest ever Comrades winner at the age of 19.

In 1933 Masterton-Smith couldn't afford the train fare from Cape Town to run the Comrades, so he cycled over 1700kms from Cape Town to Pietermaritzburg, and then competed in the grueling marathon, crossing the line in 10th position.

Tragically Phil Masterton-Smith was killed in action on 5th June 1942 by a mortar bomb, defending the Gazala line during the siege of Tobruk in World War II.

This ultimate story of passion, willpower, courage and determination was mirrored by four young men in 2011, who followed in the footsteps of Phil Masterton-Smith 78 years later. Team Unogwaja succeeded in cycling 1677km's in 10 days from Cape Town to Pietermaritzburg, and then running the Comrades Marathon on day 11. The event was extremely successful and attracted substantial media interest. This has secured it as an annual event, currently sponsored by Avis, together with various second-tier sponsors. The Comrades Marathon Association has associated itself with the Unogwaja Challenge, providing all necessary support and endorsement.
For more information on The Unogwaja Challenge, visit www.unogwaja.com

THE STORY BEHIND THE RED SOCKS:

Red Sock Friday, is an initiative created by John McInroy, one of the founders of The Unogwaja Challenge.
Its inspiration comes from a true South African story of courage and friendship:

The story belongs to Sidney Feinson, a South African war veteran. Feinson joined the army in 1941. He was captured during the Battle of Tobruk, along with 97 other South African soldiers, and sent to a prison camp in Italy. After 12 months imprisonment, Feinson and two friends managed to escape with the help of a beautiful young Italian woman and a priest. They made their way to the Swiss border, hiding in homes and churches along the way in order to escape the German troops.
Feinson and his friends decided to make a pact to commemorate lost friends, those who didn't manage to escape, and those who died in battle -- they would wear red socks as a symbol of friendship, unity and remembrance.
It is this story of brotherhood and human connection that initiated the Red Sock Friday movement -- an international phenomenon dedicated to fostering the same spirit Feinson and his friends grew as a tribute to their friends and the journey they all shared.

The phenomenon has taken hold around the world, with 'Red-Sockers' embarking on their own journeys, inspired and passionate about the lives they lead, and collecting their own stories to share with one another. Subscribers to the movement wear their Red Socks every Friday. And at various sporting events, challenges, expeditions, marathons etc, people can be seen wearing their Red Socks.

The Red Sock link to the Unogwaja Challenge is obvious, and makes for an interesting back story.
All of the participants of The Unogwaja Challenge wear their Red Socks for the duration of the event, and provide a recognized platform for other like-minded people around the world.

Courtesy of UnogwajaChallenge Youtube Channel.

Toy Dupper

CC Comrades Corner - Andrew Dollenberg

Words.

A picture speaks a thousand words.

That's all.

Andrew.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

Part 7

Part 8

Part 9

Part 10

Part 11

Part 12

Time Trial Results and Statistics

Please visit http://nedbanklvcc.clubtrials.com for comprehensive results and statistics on all our time trials and runners from February 2013 up to date.

Here's an example of what you can see on the site:

Race Report - Selati 2-in-1

In scenes very recently reminicent of Loskop, the lightning and thunder began at just passed midnight Saturday morning. I was still awake and hurriedly added a second skins and proceeded to do what can only be described as an edward scissor hands/project runway late night  styling a rubbish packet to stay dry if necessary. (NB. I have recently taken great emotional strain following an opinion about my Nedbank running shorts and their alleged unfabulosity at Sudwala) . A 5am meeting at spar a few of us departing in an early morning downpour. Things were dark, I was tired and the pending thought of 21kms in sugar cane was not a beacon of appeal.

Upon arrival I was forced to revisit my outlook. There Deon Valks and his Malelane crew had everything  so organised to the point they had even the weather gods hold back the storm to the gorge and Nelspruit  (sorry to all those who chose for whatever reason not to make the trip) but we got a great dry run. Slightly spectacular lightning and some wind but all in all another great Selati. The course had been maintained and with recent harvesting it was more open than usual.  The water points out did themselves and the Selati Hawaiian theme and the Agricultural table at the almost turnaround point was phenomenal.  A reminder of what a privilege it is to run in Africa next to the Kruger.

Race results are as below for the 10km and link for the 21km results follows.

http://www.protime.co.za/race-results/2013-results