When did you first put on a pair of running shoes and head out the door?
I have always been an active person and trained frequently so cannot really recall that first run. I started running a bit more than usual at the time when Elsa started training for her 1st Comrades in 2012. Lol you cannot be totally unfit if you married to Elsa.
Do you remember how bad that first run felt?
I can remember all the 1st runs after a break in training. They all felt pretty bad.
Do you realise that you might feel like that again at the end of Comrades?
I have accepted that I will definitely have bad patches during the run and will be exhausted after completing it.
Which event and when was your first road race?
I can remember my 1st 21km race. It was the PWC half marathon in 2009.
What inspired you that you had to run Comrades - even if it was 'just once'?
The inspiration comes from my brother. He is a paraplegic and I know how much he wants to run Comrades. So if you have a dream, make it a reality before circumstances prevents you achieving it. What also made me stop the procrastination was a lot of peer pressure.
What inspired you that you had to run Comrades - even if it was 'just once'?
The inspiration comes from my brother. He is a paraplegic and I know how much he wants to run Comrades. So if you have a dream, make it a reality before circumstances prevents you achieving it. What also made me stop the procrastination was a lot of peer pressure.
Do you realise that you probably won't run this race 'just once'?
Yes, if you look at history most runners do it more than once.
Yes, if you look at history most runners do it more than once.
Who has inspired you along your journey to Comrades 2016?
Have to say my wife Elsa and all the people in our club that is busy training for Comrades 2016.
Who is your Comrades hero?
Growing up in the eighties there can only be one person – Bruce Fordyce.
Who is supporting you on the side of the road on race day?
Hopefully all the people I know from Nelspruit.
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'?
Probably.
What lesson have you learned from running that you will definitely be implementing on 29 May?
You will always have good and bad patches in races. Accept it, get over your negative thoughts and enjoy the journey to the finishing line.
What horror story have you heard that you fear most might happen to you during the race?
It must definitely be missing the cut off gun at the finish line.
What advice can you give a non-runner, who might be aiming for their first 10km?
Just keep training. The feeling you get after completing a run when you are fit, is hard to beat.
What do you think you might think about over the 89km between Pietermaritzburg and Durban?
10 to 11 hours is a long time on the road. I will probably think about the meaning of life and whatever else will get me to the finish line.
Just keep training. The feeling you get after completing a run when you are fit, is hard to beat.
What do you think you might think about over the 89km between Pietermaritzburg and Durban?
10 to 11 hours is a long time on the road. I will probably think about the meaning of life and whatever else will get me to the finish line.
What part of the Comrades route are you fearing most?
After reading a lot of books and listening to all the guys that have completed Comrades, it will probably be the last 30-35 kilometres. In Star Trek terms, I will boldly go where I have never gone before.
How do you plan to celebrate your first Comrades medal?
Let's 1st finish the race before deciding how to celebrate it.
When will your next run be after Comrades?
Probably 2 - 3 weeks after comrades. After all this hard work and training I definitely don’t want to lose all the fitness I have gained.
Johan Eksteen
When did you first put on a pair of running shoes and head out the door?
The odd afternoon run of 3-4 km has always been a way of relaxation for me after a study session, but my first 10km run only came in 2011. It was the Hall's race in July.
Do you remember how bad that first run felt?
I enjoyed it so much, the excitement. The tiredness at the end soon was forgotten and I was hooked.
Do you realise that you might feel like that again at the end of Comrades?
I'm trusting that the excitement overshadows the extreme tiredness towards the latter part of Comrades.
Which event and when was your first road race?
Hall's 10km 2011.
What inspired you that you had to run Comrades - even if it was 'just once'?
After reading a lot of books and listening to all the guys that have completed Comrades, it will probably be the last 30-35 kilometres. In Star Trek terms, I will boldly go where I have never gone before.
How do you plan to celebrate your first Comrades medal?
Let's 1st finish the race before deciding how to celebrate it.
When will your next run be after Comrades?
Probably 2 - 3 weeks after comrades. After all this hard work and training I definitely don’t want to lose all the fitness I have gained.
Johan Eksteen
When did you first put on a pair of running shoes and head out the door?
The odd afternoon run of 3-4 km has always been a way of relaxation for me after a study session, but my first 10km run only came in 2011. It was the Hall's race in July.
Do you remember how bad that first run felt?
I enjoyed it so much, the excitement. The tiredness at the end soon was forgotten and I was hooked.
Do you realise that you might feel like that again at the end of Comrades?
I'm trusting that the excitement overshadows the extreme tiredness towards the latter part of Comrades.
Which event and when was your first road race?
Hall's 10km 2011.
What inspired you that you had to run Comrades - even if it was 'just once'?
Since childhood (St 4, 1987) I watched Comrades with wide eyes. Following Bruce Fordyce's march to another victory. I've never thought that I have it in me to do such a race, actually not of even me doing a marathon!
Do you realise that you probably won't run this race 'just once'?
I've prayed for the privilege of running it once. If I am blessed with good health, maybe more..
Who has inspired you along your journey to Comrades 2016?
The dedicated runners at LVCC, but specifically Schizelle Theron and Karen Cilliers whom I followed on their preparation journey since 2014.
Who is your Comrades hero?
Caroline Wöstmann.
Do you realise that you probably won't run this race 'just once'?
I've prayed for the privilege of running it once. If I am blessed with good health, maybe more..
Who has inspired you along your journey to Comrades 2016?
The dedicated runners at LVCC, but specifically Schizelle Theron and Karen Cilliers whom I followed on their preparation journey since 2014.
Who is your Comrades hero?
Caroline Wöstmann.
Who is supporting you on the side of the road on race day?
My wonderful wife, Karin. She's supported me unselfishly on all the important races thus far.
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'?
She knows, but it's still not going to be easy to brave.
What lesson have you learned from running that you will definitely be implementing on 29 May?
Don't rush, try to absorb every moment and never give up.
What horror story have you heard that you fear most might happen to you during the race?
To pass out somewhere along the way, only to wake up in hospital the next day! (happened 2y ago to a friend of mine from Kroonstad).
What advice can you give a non-runner, who might be aiming for their first 10km?
Enjoy the privilege of being able to run/exercise! There are many whom are handicapped and can only dream about running.
What do you think you might think about over the 89km between Pietermaritzburg and Durban?
In the beginning only excitement, later staying focused, later fighting off cramps, later remorse.., later being emotional towards the end. In between, think : Hydration,Nutrition,Electrolytes.
What part of the Comrades route are you fearing most?
60km onwards...
To pass out somewhere along the way, only to wake up in hospital the next day! (happened 2y ago to a friend of mine from Kroonstad).
What advice can you give a non-runner, who might be aiming for their first 10km?
Enjoy the privilege of being able to run/exercise! There are many whom are handicapped and can only dream about running.
What do you think you might think about over the 89km between Pietermaritzburg and Durban?
In the beginning only excitement, later staying focused, later fighting off cramps, later remorse.., later being emotional towards the end. In between, think : Hydration,Nutrition,Electrolytes.
What part of the Comrades route are you fearing most?
60km onwards...
How do you plan to celebrate your first Comrades medal?
Thank God for this whole journey. The next day a breakfast with the club and my wife!
When will your next run be after Comrades?
2 weeks later starting with the club runs again!
Mirandi Bekker
Thank God for this whole journey. The next day a breakfast with the club and my wife!
When will your next run be after Comrades?
2 weeks later starting with the club runs again!
Mirandi Bekker
When did you first put on a pair of running shoes and head out the door?
I have had a love-hate relationship with running for many years, but starting running seriously in 2010.
Do you remember how bad that first run felt?
I do, I huffed and puffed for 3km, and couldn’t walk for days afterwards.
Do you realise that you might feel like that again at the end of Comrades?
Maybe not the huffing and the puffing, but I do know that I will not walk normal for a few days.
Which event and when was your first road race?
Elands 10km in 2004.
What inspired you that you had to run Comrades - even if it was 'just once'?
From the time I watched my first Comrades on TV (I was probably eight), I have always told my family, one day I am going to run the Comrades.
Do you realise that you probably won't run this race 'just once'?
I do.
Who has inspired you along your journey to Comrades 2016?
The A-team: Janine, Lianda, Beth, Nadine, Justyna, Sandy, Colleen, Christelle, and Jennie.
The A-team: Janine, Lianda, Beth, Nadine, Justyna, Sandy, Colleen, Christelle, and Jennie.
Who is your Comrades hero?
Bruce will always be the boss, but I must say I really admire Caroline Wöstmann.
Who is supporting you on the side of the road on race day?
A friend of Lianda will be on the road, and also the two Nedbank tents at 30km and 60km.
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'?
I know the Nedbank tents knows what is waiting for them, but I’m not sure about Lianda’s friend, she has to deal with me, Lianda and Fanie.
What lesson have you learned from running that you will definitely be implementing on 29 May?
Consistency, and my plan is to be consistent on the day.
What horror story have you heard that you fear most might happen to you during the race?
I fear over-hydration or under-hydration, not sure which is worst, but I have heard horror stories of both.
What advice can you give a non-runner, who might be aiming for their first 10km?
Always try and enjoy every moment, and have fun on the road.
What do you think you might think about over the 89km between Pietermaritzburg and Durban?
I will do a lot of praying, for strength, courage and I will probably have the cut offs in mind.
What part of the Comrades route are you fearing most?
Inchanga.
How do you plan to celebrate your first Comrades medal?
Celebration will start with me running into the stadium, onto the grass, crying, laughing, absolute excitement because of the achievement. I will probably be celebrating for a very long time.
When will your next run be after Comrades?
The Charity run at Riverside Mall.
Lianda Wells
When did you first put on a pair of running shoes and head out the door?
December 2013.
Do you remember how bad that first run felt?
I remember how good it felt.
Do you realise that you might feel like that again at the end of Comrades?
Would be awesome to feel good at the finish line of Comrades.
Which event and when was your first road race?
Sudwala Screaming Monster 2014.
What inspired you that you had to run Comrades - even if it was 'just once'?
My uncle ran it 11 times.
Do you realise that you probably won't run this race 'just once'?
Yes.
Who has inspired you along your journey to Comrades 2016?
All the awesome LVCC Nedbank Club Members.
Who is your Comrades hero?
Every Runner who puts in the time, effort and sacrifice to do Comrades.
Who is supporting you on the side of the road on race day?
My friend - Desire.
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'?
I do not think they know that it may happen.
What lesson have you learned from running that you will definitely be implementing on 29 May?
Put one foot in front of the other (repeat).
What horror story have you heard that you fear most might happen to you during the race?
That my toenails might fall off.
What advice can you give a non-runner, who might be aiming for their first 10km?
Get a very good babysitter.
What do you think you might think about over the 89km between Pietermaritzburg and Durban?
That My husband will be admitting me into a Mental Institution.
What part of the Comrades route are you fearing most?
Fields Hill.
How do you plan to celebrate your first Comrades medal?
By sleeping next to it.
When will your next run be after Comrades?
Skukuza.
Tyrone Hinrichsen
When did you first put on a pair of running shoes and head out the door?
Before Virgin Active did their revamp, the old treadmills had a 20 minute cut off time. After the revamp I climbed onto a treadmill, to do my usual 20min cardio, before pushing some weights around. After the 20 minutes, the treadmill didn't stop with the usual - "you have reached the maximum time limit, get off now because there's other people who want to exercise too, don't be a treadmill hog!". I checked around to make sure there was no queue of irate treadmill people, and I carried on. Sure there would be a 30 min cut off.....there wasn't. So I carried on expecting the timer to cut off any time. It didn't, I ran for a whole hour! Can't remember the distance or the pace but I felt good enough to take it to the next level......run outside.
Do you remember how bad that first run felt?
Sure enough, after a few long treadmill sessions, I decided to run from home to gym. I was terrified. Told my wife to come fetch me if I wasn't there within an hour. I made it in about 40 minutes. (Sonheuwel to crossings is just under 5km) Stiff, sore and clueless.
Do you realise that you might feel like that again at the end of Comrades?
Still feel like that after every race....Stiff,sore and clueless
Which event and when was your first road race?
First official race was Halls, I only did the 10k, July 2015.
What inspired you that you had to run Comrades - even if it was 'just once'?
My old man...he did the Comrades once in 1954 in 10:34:14. Those days it was a silver medal and only 34 completed. Ran in cork sole sandals and one cup of sweet black tea!! Every family get together he would wear his comrades blazer ( still had gold thread comrades emblem on the pocket) just to show us boys that he's achieved something we still haven't. Sadly he passed away early last year, that's when two of my nephews and I decided to do the Comrades.
Do you realise that you probably won't run this race 'just once'?
Let's see if I finish this one first. If I don't throw my Tekkies into the Indian Ocean.
Who has inspired you along your journey to Comrades 2016?
My fellow club runners, I draw a bit of something from everyone.
Who is your Comrades hero?
Bruce Fordyce. Remember one year us laaities ran alongside him for a couple of meters at a Comrades. We were at top speed and he just smiled and cruised away.
Who is supporting you on the side of the road on race day?
My wife Vanessa. Really worried I miss her in the crowd though.
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'?
Yes, we've agreed that I may not be myself.
What lesson have you learned from running that you will definitely be implementing on 29 May?
You can't outrun someone who takes walk breaks.
What horror story have you heard that you fear most might happen to you during the race?
Stomach upsets and the wall.
What advice can you give a non-runner, who might be aiming for their first 10km?
Build up slowly. Enjoy it! Previously running any distance was for punishment (veld school).
What do you think you might think about over the 89km between Pietermaritzburg and Durban?
Not much. The first half I'm going to be all chirpy but I think come the second half its going to be about putting one foot in front of the other.
What part of the Comrades route are you fearing most?
The steep downhills.
How do you plan to celebrate your first Comrades medal?
Bunnie chow and beer with the family on the beach.
When will your next run be after Comrades?
Ok I'll go look for my Tekkies hopefully washed up on the beach and start all over with Halls.
My wife Vanessa. Really worried I miss her in the crowd though.
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'?
Yes, we've agreed that I may not be myself.
What lesson have you learned from running that you will definitely be implementing on 29 May?
You can't outrun someone who takes walk breaks.
What horror story have you heard that you fear most might happen to you during the race?
Stomach upsets and the wall.
What advice can you give a non-runner, who might be aiming for their first 10km?
Build up slowly. Enjoy it! Previously running any distance was for punishment (veld school).
What do you think you might think about over the 89km between Pietermaritzburg and Durban?
Not much. The first half I'm going to be all chirpy but I think come the second half its going to be about putting one foot in front of the other.
What part of the Comrades route are you fearing most?
The steep downhills.
How do you plan to celebrate your first Comrades medal?
Bunnie chow and beer with the family on the beach.
When will your next run be after Comrades?
Ok I'll go look for my Tekkies hopefully washed up on the beach and start all over with Halls.
