Who would have thought going into 2020 that the year would have turned out the way it did?
Many of us hit the ground running in 2020 with fitness hopes and dreams – and we dare not even mention the Comrades hopes and dreams.
The first shattering moment was when our very special 75th Jackie Gibson Marathon was cancelled – just a few days before the event! Our club soon decided to carry all this year’s entries over to 2021.
Then the next Earth shattering blow – running became illegal for a while – and we know what addicts runners are!!
Until 1 May 2020, a number of our members ran in circles on their balcony, circles around their yards, took up skipping – and home exercise videos also became a firm favorite!
Day One of Lockdown – Keke Segone showed all of us what an over achiever truly looks like
Shadi was another runner that maintained her fitness during lock down
Why we should believe people when they say runners are crazy:
Soon the day that we had all been hoping for arrived:
1 May – our misery ended and we were allowed to exercise between 6am and 9am
I don’t think any of us have EVER been this excited to run outside our gates – and boy did we come out in our numbers
Some of us took this opportunity to shed much of the lockdown weight we had gained!
And who can forget the birth of our First Virtual Race!
The bittersweet one for runners, though, was when we woke up 14 June 2020 where many of us had the hopes and dreams of lining up to Chariots of Fire- instead we woke up to Comrades Race the Legends. It may not have been the same – but it was still a special day in the end
Comrades Novice – Conrad, woke up did his 21km
Fezile and a few of our tougher (read crazy) members put themselves through the 45km
Another one of our 45km crazies – Monti:
Sir Brian came back strong and did 21km
Tseke refereed some of the 21km runners – to ensure that no world records were broken
For those of us who need a little motivation – here are some virtual races for you to have a look at:
The Justice League Series – this is a DC super hero themed series of events in aid of Head Start Kids. Their core objectives are to eradicate malnourishment, activate the key and critical age-appropriate learning and ensure an optimal child development. Entries will cost you between R160 and R190 and includes a Super Hero kit. The next running of this event is 9 August and the theme is Wonder Woman. For more information check out justiceleagueseries.co.za
The Cape Town Marathon has now also joined the virtual run party – distances range from 10km to 42.2km – the cost ranges between R50 and R180 and entries can be purchased from Web Tickets. All finishers will receive a virtual medal and certificate.
virtualrun.co.za is hosting a series of 4 trail runs; upon completion of the 4 events (R168 per event) you receive a 4 piece puzzle medal, a t-shirt and running bib.
Facebook and Strava also has a whole host of running challenges to keep you motivated.
We may all be apart (for now)…
However, let us remain unified in the spirit of running by staying fit, healthy and active but always adhering to the lock down rules! We are not only responsible for our own health and safety – we are also responsible for ensuring that our behaviour keeps those around us safe too.
Remember:
Run alone – where possible – we know that this is not always safe for ladies.
When running in groups – ensure that you maintain your social distance
Wear a mask or buff when running
Carry your own water and do not share your bottle
This too shall pass and soon we will all be running as a family again
Until such time – share your fitness achievements and challenges on our Facebook and Whatsapp Groups 🙂
Stay safe, stay healthy and stay active!
We wish you and your family health during these trying times
Johannesburg Harriers Athletics Club 