Run For Fun - jam4joy

“Run. Because zombies will eat the untrained ones first.” – From the Zombie Apocalypse Survival Guide

I wasn’t always into running. I wouldn’t have considered running fun, not at all!

Alma told me the other day, while running you need to Endure until you Enjoy… It is tough, but when you endure through that toughness, that’s when you get stronger and fitter and, believe it or not, eventually you’ll actually enjoy it!

When my good friend, Nobis said I should do a 21km with her a few years ago, I considered it a joke! But that’s when I started running more regularly. The first few times we did 5km I felt like I was dying, like in a literal way. I couldn’t run 1km without stopping! With lots of support and patience from Nobis I actually ran that 21km!

Geetha has also taught me alot when it comes to running and fitness. It’s about consistency. Geetha has taught me how to “plod.” Plodding is sort of a mixture between running and walking. Plodders enjoy chatting while plodding. Plodders don’t aim to win. Those who plod aim to finish the race with no injuries. Plodders know they are winners just for showing up. I like plodding. Geetha has also taught me to do a little bit of different exercises every day. (Not that I always do something, but I try to.) O, and Geetha has taught me to make mean curries!

It’s enjoyable to go for a run with your crew! Running has taught me that I can do tough things- not just when it comes to sport but life in general. It has taught me resilience and to not give up when things are tough. Running also makes you realize that “bietjie, bietjie maak baie.” Take it one step at a time.

For me to stay motivated, it helps that I enter myself into races that motivate me to train. Training with others is a must! I couldn’t have run all the times I have run if it wasn’t for the support of others. Other people keep you accountable. People that don’t run, when they hear that you ran a half marathon, they ask questions like: “Did you win?” 🤣The aim was never to win. To finish is to win. I have learnt not to put myself down just because other people run faster.

I used to always admire the runners I know. People like Aunty Margie, Geetha, Nilo and Chantal. I still run at a slow pace. I’m like that tortoise in the classic story, The Hare and the Tortoise. Because I run slowly, I brush off thinking of myself as ‘a runner.’

But today I am claiming it, I officially consider myself as a runner and I now I actually run for fun!