All runners have personal goals when they run a race, whether it is to finish in a certain time or to just get to the finish line before cut off. Modern Athlete spoke to four athletes about their goals for Comrades 2010.
My First Comrades
Reinata Thirion, Run/Walk For Life, Cape Town
When did you start running and what inspired you to start?
February 2005. I needed to get out of the rut I was in, to meet new people, and the washing machine had started shrinking my clothes! Since I didn’t have time for both exercise and socialising, I joined Run/Walk for Life and combined the two.
What draws you to Comrades?
The challenge.
What is your goal time and what training have you done?
11:30 would be great. Loads of long runs with hills, and back-to-back weekend runs.
What were some of your PBs this year?
I ran a PB at the Cango Marathon in Oudtshoorn, finally breaking the 4:30 barrier.
Do you follow any special eating programme?
Although I’m not a vegetarian, a lot of my meals are. I avoid fried foods and most of my meals are pretty much fat-free. Before a long race I eat more carbs. I’ve got a weak spot for sweet stuff though.
What is your race plan for the big day?
It’s hard to say since it’s the first time. I will focus on not going too fast while I’m still feeling fresh, holding back in the first half, taking frequent walk breaks, and making sure I drink enough.
Are you nervous?
Not yet, but I will be! I don’t think it has sunk in that I’m running Comrades yet.
What are you most looking forward to?
The last kay… crossing the finish line… phoning home to say I did it!
What do you plan to do after the race?
Definitely a long soak and food! I’ll take a week or so off running, then enjoy running without any particular goal for a while, before focusing on the next one
Any words of advice for anyone considering taking up the sport?
Don’t do too much too soon. And always make sure you enjoy it.
Going for Bronze
Marijke Greveling, Nedbank Bloemfontein Achilles AC
When did you start running and what inspired you to start?
I’ve been running for 35 years. I always watched Bruce Fordyce and thought I’d like to run Comrades one day.
How many Comrades have you completed and what draws you back?
Four. I love the race. I said in 1988 that I wanted to run it in 1995, but people told me a woman should wait till she is 30, so I waited and ran the big one in 2000.
What time do you hope to finish in this year?
Under ten hours.
Is there anything you would do differently this year compared to previous races?
I don’t think I have done enough kilo’s this year. At Om Die Dam, from 43km, it felt like my legs just couldn’t go anymore.
What type of training have you done in your preparation for Comrades 2010?
After the last Comrades, I started running again at the end of September. In January I picked it up and now I’m doing the big mileage, averaging up to 80km a week.
What were some of your PBs this year?
I qualified with a 3:55 marathon.
Do you follow any special eating programme?
I eat normal healthy food, with pasta and an energy drink for carbo-loading. In the mornings before a training run, I eat bread with peanut butter because I struggle with my blood sugar levels.
What is your race plan for the big day?
Generally I start slowly and finish fast. I did this in 2000 and 2005 and had good runs, whereas in 2002 I walked most of the second half.
Are you nervous?
Yes, because I struggled when I went further than 42km at Om Die Dam.
What are you most looking forward to?
The support along the route.
What do you plan to do after the race?
I am going to rest for a few weeks only, as I want to run a good time at the Masters Marathon in East London in September.
Any words of advice for anyone considering taking up the sport?
Build up slowly – don’t run too many kays, too quickly.
The Elusive Bill Rowan…
Sonette Nell, Overkruin Athletics Club, Pretoria
When did you start running and what inspired you to start?
In May 2007. I woke up one morning and had the urge to go for a jog. My husband and children are my inspiration.
How many Comrades have you completed and what draws you back?
Two. The challenge and the atmosphere; it is the most amazing race I have ever run.
What time do you hope to finish in this year?
8:45.
Is there anything you would do differently this year compared to previous races?
I would have a better race strategy.
What type of training have you done in your preparation for Comrades 2010?
Hills, speed work, distance and strength training.
What were some of your PBs this year?
I ran my qualifying race in 3:38 at Elands Valley.
Do you follow any special eating programme?
Yes, I eat very healthy. You are what you eat!
What is your race plan for the big day?
I am going to run according to my splits.
Are you nervous?
Of course!
What are you most looking forward to?
To hanging my Bill Rowan medal around my neck.
What do you plan to do after the race?
To work even harder towards my next Comrades.
Any words of advice for anyone considering taking up the sport?
Be enthusiastic about the sport and enjoy it! It is hard work, but worth the sweat.
Going for Silver
Stefan Wilmans, Westville Athletic Club, KZN
When did you start running and what inspired you to start?
In January 2002. I went to the gym for a couple of years but got bored. I wanted to compete in a sport. My wife suggested we join a running club since we enjoyed doing the fun runs that were hosted on the beachfront once a month.
How many Comrades have you completed and what draws you back?
Six. That elusive silver medal and getting my permanent number draw me back.
What time do you hope to finish in this year?
Sub 7:30.
Is there anything you would do differently this year compared to previous races?
In training I would run more quality sessions and rest more before race day.
What type of training have you done in your preparation for Comrades 2010?
I train six days a week with two days of double sessions. A typical training week consists normally of one hill session (ten 300m), one track session (five 1200m) with a 1min slow jog between sets and one pyramid track session (two 1200m, two 900m, two 600m, with 1min slow jog between sets). I also run one cross-country session of 8km. In between the quality sessions I run 10-12km easy road running. On the weekends I do a slow run of 25-30km if I’m not doing a race.
What were some of your PBs this year?
I have not done any PBs this year. I ran the Buffalo Marathon in East London hard and finished in a time of 3:06.
Do you follow any special eating programme?
I eat fruit at least once a day and drink a lot of fruit juice. All the training makes me crave Chelsea buns and doughnuts!
What is your race plan for the big day?
I am going to make sure I am rested and carbo-loaded. I want to get to halfway in at least 3:45, but not faster than 3:35. I want to use the downs in the second half to make up some time.
Are you nervous?
Not at the moment but I’m sure I will be on race day. No matter how many times you have run Comrades, when you line up at the start you think of the long road ahead and you wonder if you have done enough.
What are you most looking forward to?
Crossing the line and getting my elusive silver medal.
What do you plan to do after the race?
Rest for at least two weeks and then start getting into things again with comfortable running. My next goal will be in September: Mont-Aux-Sources 50km Mountain Challenge.
Any words of advice for anyone taking up the sport?
Start slow and do short distances before moving on to longer distances. Don’t do too much too soon and do not run Comrades in your first year of running!
