Kwa-Thema – Sunday Crew hosted a send-off session on Sunday at the Vergenoeg shops (Eytoro) for runners who will be competing in the Comrades Marathon.
According to the club’s communications officer, Thabo Mosheledi, the platform was created for veterans to share their experiences and equip the new Comrades entries.
“Monitor your heart rate closely. Ignoring this important number had been the detriment of many fit runners.
“If you get the flu, it places a huge strain on your heart. Then when you run in that condition, your heart rate will shoot up, and that may lead to a heart attack,” explained Tshepo Mahlangu.
Mahlangu, who will be taking on the ultimate human race for the fifth time, said that rest is as important as training. He also encouraged the runners to stay hydrated before the race.
“You cannot try to hydrate too late into the race. If you drink your normal two litres every day, on race day you drink a glass in the morning,” he added.
Lesiba Mmotlana, who would also make his fifth appearance, warned the runners to be careful not to use worn-out running shoes.
“The quality of your shoes affects your postures. A common mistake that most runners make is to only have one pair of running shoes.
“When you only have one pair, your shoes will wear out quickly. Eventually you won’t have the support you need and the shoe will confirm to the shape of your foot. This can lead to injury.”
Mmotlana encouraged novices to alternate three to four pairs of running shoes at a time. Steward Selepe, a Comrades green number holder, reminded the runners of the importance of their diets and how food will fuel them on race day.
“I recommend carbo-loading. This means that you consume carbohydrates in the day leading to the race. Do not worry too much about weight gain. During the race, you will burn many calories,” he said.
The 97th Comrades Marathon will be the 49th up run on June 9, starting at the Durban City Hall at 05:30 and ending 12 hours later at the HollywoodBets Scottsville Racecourse in Pietermaritzburg.
It will cover 85.91km.
