Last updated 2001-06-08

I don't pride myself on being this virile hunk, but I do try to keep fit as best I can. I've dabbled in long distance running, having completed a standard marathon, two 32 km (20 mile) races and several dozen half marathons. Most of my running took place around 1998.

Although I have never been more than an also-ran, I felt a tremendous sense of accomplishment from running. I'd been through a spell of ill health after a 1988 accident. During that period, I had no idea that I'd ever be able to walk without effort again, much less that I'd be able to complete a marathon (42,2 km/26-odd miles). It took about ten years before I did, but in 1998 I managed to complete the Benoni Northerns marathon. I ended up right at the bottom of the field, but it didn't matter. The mere fact that I could do it, was an overwhelming high.

I'm toying with the idea of attempting Comrades, South Africa's (and possibly the world's) most popular ultra marathon. This race is run annually in mid-June. It is run alternately uphill and downhill, between Durban and Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu-Natal province. The distance is more than twice a standard marathon, making this hilly course a supreme challenge. So far, I have not seen my way open to set aside the huge amount of time required to prepare. However, if 24 500 entrants took the plunge and entered the 2000 race, surely it must be possible for mere mortals!

Before my accident, I also did some cycling and rock climbing. I'm quite keen to get back into both these pastimes one day, when I get the proverbial "Round Tuit".

In 2000 and the early part of 2001, I regularly got my pulse racing three times a week when an old university buddy and I chased a small rubber ball around the squash court. I have yet to find a better way to get an all-round workout in half an hour, without being bored stiff. Perhaps we'll manage to resume this pattern, after we were deprived of our regular venue when our gymnasium folded.

February 2001 brought an unanticipated element of excitement on the sports front. My sister in Cape Town talked me into enrolling for the 109 km Cape Argus Pick 'n Pay Cycle Tour, as I just happened to mention that I'd be in town on the day, due to business commitments. Subsequently, due to another unfortunate slip of the tongue, I was also enrolled for the Robben Island 15 km Run on the previous day. Seeing that I had only run four times in the previous two years, and never more than 10 km, and that I hadn't cycled seriously since 1980, there was some serious work to do. Oh well, nothing focusses the mind quite like having one's back to the wall! However, serious preparation was not to be, as I ended up with a bout of sniffles for much of the month available for preparation. In the end, I managed to survive both events. The weekend was quite an experience, and you might want to read the story elsewhere on this Site.

I've since done two more cycle races, of 56 and 95 km respectively. I'd love to do it more regularly, but the time just doesn't seem to be available right now.

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