I’d like to introduce you to Bruce Fordyce.  Bruce won the Comrades Marathon 9 times in the 80’s.  Now I have to confess, Bruce was part of some of my earliest childhood memories – waking up at 5am to watch the start of the Comrades and then being glued to the TV for the rest of the day until I saw him running over the finish line, arms in the air… Of course back then I didn’t even contenplate running, I was more concerned with getting back at my brothers and ballet!

What made you decide to start running?

I started running on June 17th 1976 (major date!) as a result of sadness following the 1976 Soweto uprisings in which we Wits students had been involved. My girlfriend had also recently broken up with me so I suppose suppressed libido is a good reason, and I had also met a couple of Witsies who had run and their enthusiasm was infectious.

Why the Comrades Marathon?

Comrades was and is part of the South African culture.  If I was going to start running it could only be to run Comrades. (Please direct any negative comments to Bruce!!)

When you are out front in a race, what goes through your mind?

At the front of the race my emotions were  fear, panic and then great joy and sadness.

What is the impact racing like this has had on your body?

Intense racing at stupid distances has left me very stiff and unsupple but otherwise all the other side effects are beneficial.

In my experience I’ve learned some valuable life lessons from endurance racing (like Vaseline has many many uses), what have yours been?

The most valuable lesson that I have learnt from endurance racing is that the worthwhile things in life are always those for which you have to strive for and work for. Winning the lottery might be nice but winning the lottery of life is more satisfying.

Obviously winning a race like the Comrades 9 times gives you “celeb” status, what are the best things you’ve gotten out of being famous??

Fame, if only limited fame, gets you upgrades on plane flights and tables in full restaurants

If you could give 3 points of advice to a newbie what would they be?

Don’t hurry the process. It takes years to achieve your true potential.
Start slowly in races.
Injuries always win

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I’d like to introduce you to Sharon Fuchs.  Sharon is the first woman to have led a bus, the first of which she did last year with Stuart…

How long have you been running for?
I started running in about Feb 2007.

What made you decide to start running?
Funny that, I’d been walking for ages, Charmaine’s husband (old comrades runner) said to her that I walked well, I should consider entering a marathon, run the downs to qualify and then I could do comrades too.  Silly suggestion but the seed was sewn…

I was training for the natal 50km walking champs at the time. I completed the race with your mom (yes, my mom walks AND runs – total over achiever) I spoke to her at the end and asked her if she thought I “had what it takes” – she said she did…

I had missed the official cut off date for the Indian Ocean Marathon and said to myself that if I could get an entry then I’d try, if I didn’t then I’d write it off. Well, I got my entry the next morning. (almost to my horror) and did my first marathon (until that day, the furthest I had run was the 10km Stella Royal!)

What was it like leading a bus in the Comrades, knowing you were the first woman to do so?

I didn’t realise at the time that I was the very first,  as far as I knew there was some lady doing the 10hour bus too… turns out I was mistaken… go figure!

Leading a group of people towards a goal in a race as taxing as this takes a lot of energy as well as keeping focused on the race, what was going through your mind?

Not really anything, I think if you think too hard about it you could well chicken out! You go with a mind to be focused, you know that you have a lot of people depending on you. You can’t fail, it’s not an option.

How did you prepare mentally for this?

Practice. I did a lot of races where I made a point of doing the pace I intended for Comrades. The toughest was the Mannix Monster.

Did you have help?

With Stu last year it was fabulous, we worked towards the same goal – he works on a 5km stratergy, I work on 1 k at a time.  I managed to get my hands on his pace strategy before the race to make sure we had the same objective, I had to keep on track which is why every kilometre matters to me.

Will you do it again?

Oh yes. it was incredibly awesome!

What is the most important thing that endurance racing has taught you?

No two races are ever the same – not the same distance or even the same race .  It always changes,  when you think you know what you are doing – you don’t!! It is part of what makes it incredible! I also know – beyond all shadow of a doubt I am not a mountain goat, those ultras in the mountains are not for me. My self-preservatoin is far too strong!!

What is it that keeps you going on these long races and running in general?

Well, some people die at the finish which is why for now, just keep on runin sista! keep on runin

I stumbled across a great write up on Sharon by another runner on one of the running forums I’m on, have a look to see what other people have to say http://runnerstalk.myfreeforum.org/about1858.html

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I would like to introduce you Craig Vivian.  Craig ran the entire Comrades with me this year.  Our mothers both compete in many full and ultra marathons together and it is through them that we became friends.  Craig’s mom ran the Comrades this year with a broken foot – and she finished!

What made you decide to do the Comrades?
There were a few reasons:
(1) I had completed 2 Two Oceans and felt like I was ready to step it up a level.
(2) I was asked by a charity to run for them to raise money.
(3) I’m 27, my mother is 60 and she was running her 6th Comrades. I had no excuse really.

How long have you been running for?
I have been long distance running since the beginning of 2007 when I did my first marathon and Two Oceans. I’ve always been fit though throughout school and university, through shorter distance running and playing sports.

What was the most difficult thing about the training?
I found the two most difficult things about training were:
(1) The length of the training. It’s hard to train solidly for 5-6 months.
(2) The personal sacrifices – whether it’s not going out on a Saturday after the rugby because of a Sunday race, or just sacrificing on sleep. It was all worth it though

What was the most difficult thing during the race?
Being my first Comrades, it was difficult to get my mind around running +-90km. I always seem to have a bad period during a race, usually around the 3rd quarter. Your legs aren’t fresh anymore and you’re still not that close to the finish. My mind sort of goes walk about. Luckily in the Comrades, this period came with 18km to go, I knew that if I could hang on until 10km to go, I’d be alright which is what I did.

Was it as hard/easy as what you expected?
The Comrades was easier than what I expected purely because in the three ultra marathons (anything over 42.2km) I have done, there were stages where I got bad cramps in my legs. In the Comrades, I had a couple of scares but no painful cramping. The recommendation to go out slow in the beginning really worked.

Did you have any epiphanies about yourself during training or the race?
You have a lot of time to think when running for just under 11 hours. I ran the whole race with a friend and I definitely feel that the Comrades experience made us closer. I also felt after finishing the race that I shouldn’t be afraid of any challenge, being work, personal or sport related.

Would you do it again and what would you change, if anything?
I am definitely going to do it again. I have already told the charity I ran for this year to sign me up again. Training wise, I would concentrate more on quality training, this year I focused too much on just long distance running. You do need this but I feel that additional speed training and some strength training in the gym is also important. I would also like to a much better time, 10h:52 minutes is a long day at the office.

* I would like to add that it was such a change running with someone for the entire race.  Last year I ran half of the way on my own and it becomes very boring.  I’m really glad we experienced this incredible race together (that’s him on the left in the picture in case you were wondering)!

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I’d like to introduce you to Stuart Wainwright – in case you missed my Comrades Marathon Race dissection, Stuart was the guy who brought our sub-11 hour bus in.  Stuart doesn’t only limit himself to crazy races like the Comrades, but competes in the 100 mile Washie as well – “Obsessed? Maybe, but I prefer passionate” is what he said!!

How long have you been running for and what made you decide to start running?

I started running in 2004. I had been playing rugby in the UK, and decided that I was sick and tired of spending most weekends in hospital, so started looking for a new sport.

My dad and I were at gym on Saturday afternoon, and he said that he was running a 21k the next day and suggested that I joined. I agreed somewhat hesitantly… The race was sent the wrong way and turned out to be 24+kms – I nearly died and couldn’t walk for 3 days. The next weekend I ran another one.

In Dec 2004 we decided to do the Two Oceans 56km. I ran the last qualifier for the race in 4h57 (you have to run a marathon in under 5 hours to qualify), once again nearly died, and then ran the Two Oceans a month later in 6h57 (you have 7 hours), experiencing a new level of pain. The rest just fell into place.

What made you decide “I think I might do the Comrades”?

My dad grew up running comrades. He ran 17 consecutive Comrades by the age of 34, and was the youngest to get a green number (10 runs). I never really thought that I would get into running and as a 104kg rugby player, highly doubted it! Things fell into place, and before I knew it, I had to run one with my dad. I brought him back in 2007, after a 16 year break to run his 21st. Now it’s a part of me. It’s what I do. I can’t imagine a life without running.

What made you decide to become a bus driver – and why the sub-11 hour bus?

Last year I took the 12 hour bus. It was for a number of reasons. I was running the Washie 100 miler (160.9kms) in July and felt that Comrades would be the perfect long slow training run. I had also been running in the 1000km challenge and run more than 50 marathons or ultra marathons in the previous 12 months, and felt that the 12 hour bus was safe.

This year I wanted to better my Washie time, with about 15 marathons less than last year and a lot more 100 miler experience, I decided that I was capable of running (or trying to run) sub 9 at the Comrades, but then ruining my chances for the Washie OR I could take the 11 hour bus and get to the Washie with fresh legs – Hence my 10h52m time. It is the perfect training run for Washie, in timing and distance.

It takes a lot of energy to motivate other people on a race of this length, how do you prepare for that?

Honestly, I have very little preparation for motivating people. I kinda just wing it. I try to have as much fun as possible, and offer as much help as I can. Working with another pace setter makes it a lot easier though. After doing it alone for 89kms this year, I had no voice left, and my throat and ribs hurt from shouting at the top my lungs. Well worth it though.

Are there people who help you on the day, running with you and taking the flag when you need the loo?

As I mentioned, I did it alone this year. So, when I needed a widdle stop, I simply slowed the bus, and directed boys to the left, and girls to the right. It was one the funniest sights that I have ever seen on the road… 300 guys all standing shoulder to shoulder having a wee. Would have made an awesome photo!!

If push came to shove I would hand the flag to someone that had been in the bus for a long time, and then catch up with them again…

How does the Comrades compare with other endurance races?

Comrades is the greatest ultra marathon in the world, simple as that – not for its difficulty, but for the entire event. The crowds, the runners, the sheer number of participants, and the unparalleled organisation.

There are races that wouldn’t accept Comrades as a qualifier because they are so difficult. Comrades is supported the whole way by crowds and organised helpers. Other long distance races normally result in a true understanding of the phrase “the loneliness of the long distance runner”, while Comrades is never lonely.

Life is about lessons, what have you learned from running endurance races like the Comrades?

Endurance running teaches you to finish what you start, no matter how much pain, discomfort or misery you are in. It teaches you to work for your goals, and it teaches you to understand what is within reach and what is not. Everyone takes something different from Comrades and the lessons keep coming thick and fast for me. I hope that one day I can run it as an old ballie (South African slang for old guy), and still learn something new about myself.

Aside from what it teaches you about yourself, it shows you what other people are really made of. I have always said that it brings out the real person, and before I get married, I have the condition that my partner will join me on a run, of whatever distance she can handle, to bring out the real person.

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I’d like to introduce you to my dad aka Bruce aka Popsicle.  I’ve mentioned seconds many times before on my blog, I even wrote a Guide to being an Awesome Second – which is why I thought it would be a fabulous idea to ask my dad a few questions, especially since I think he is the Worlds Best Second (of course the word nepotism springs to mind but this is MY blog, so basically I can do what I want)!

Do you enjoy being a second?
Yes, I do

What is your favourite thing about being a second?
Seeing my runners coming through at my check points, laughing and enjoying themselves

Do you sometimes just want to leave it up to someone else?
No (Didn’t even hesitate here…)

What is the most difficult thing about being a second?
Getting to the next check point, fighting traffic and finding parking, all before the runner comes past.

Does it ever inspire you to run?
Sometimes I think it might be easier than seconding by putting a number on my chest and running, but NO I have no inspiration to run

Seeing us in distress is difficult for you, why do you keep coming back?
It is difficult but it is my runners’ passion and I will support them

Being the Worlds Best Second is a tough job, what would you say to other prospective seconds out there, aspiring to be as fabulous as you?
As a second you will be shouted at and ignored, but they need you and it is rewarding seeing their faces full of appreciation when they cross the finishing line – and I am always so proud of them.

* Just to make a few things clear, by ‘my runners‘ my dad is referring to my mom, me and any other runner who has trusted him to be waiting at the designated points with their food/energy stuff/vasteline etc for a long race.

**  My dad is also the official club photographer and has an uncanny ability to take the most awkward pictures of you (my mom is still seething from the one taken after she had just thrown up and was feeling rather retched)

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I’d like to introduce Russell Mackintosh – Russ ran his 10th Comrades Marathon this year – this entitles you to a permanent number and entry to the exclusive “Green Number Club”

Here are the questions I thought were important along with Russ’ answers:

How long have you been running for?

I started running to keep fit for rugby in 1985 when I was at UCT. I eventually took running up as my main sport when I gave up cricket in 1993. I ran my first marathon in 1994 (Winelands Marathon) and my first Comrades in 1996.

Out of the 10 Comrades you have done, how many were good runs?

I had one absolute “dream” run (9:05 on the up run in 2006), probably 4 more runs that were not too shabby, and the rest were in the “I’m never doing this again” bracket.

What made you decide “I think I’ll do 10 Comrades”?

When I was in std.9 I watched the Comrades on TV and saw a guy called Colin Goosen collapse on the final bend and then crawl the length of the home straight to claim the last gold medal. I decided then that I wanted to run the Comrades some day. JUST ONCE.

And I did that in 1996, and I was content. But then you go down to the club and the guys are standing around having a few beers, and eventually the talk turns to Comrades, and before you know it the trip to Durban is planned and you’re on it. I can’t believe they caught me like that . . . 9 times!!

What type of mental preparation do you do?

A couple of things: I try to develop a positive mindset by focussing on the good races I have run recently; I go over the route in my mind and try to recall how I felt at various stages on my good Comrades runs; I remind myself that bad patches are nearly always temporary; I like to drive the course before the race, because it scares the sh*t out of me and reminds me to treat the race with respect.

When do you start training and how many km’s do you do?

I start training about 6 months before the race and generally do about 1200kms in that time, although this year I did 1500km – obviously too many junk miles, because the extra 300kms had no positive effect on my performance. Ideally I like to have five runs of 42km or longer in that period, and generally peak at about 100km a week, about a month before Comrades.

What is the most important thing you have learned by doing endurance sports?

Participating in endurance sports has taught me that if I set myself a goal and work towards it, the seemingly impossible gradually becomes possible, and eventually achievable.

What does your family think about it?

I’m fortunate in that my wife has run 7 Comrades Marathons and we do a lot of our training together.  It helps that your partner can relate to your mindset and emotions in the lead up to Comrades, and vice versa.  I have a daughter (15) and twin boys (11) who have grown up in a running family and so don’t know any different. My daughter has been up to Comrades twice and loves the vibe on race day. Hopefully one day I’ll have the opportunity to take one (or more) of my kids through their first Comrades Marathon.

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I’d like to cover categories like First time Comrades runners, Bus Drivers (Pace setters), People who have overcome insane things to go on to run the Comrades, Green Number runners (10 Comrades or more), Seconds and foreign runners who come over here to take part in this crazy race.

I’ll be making a few changes around the blog too, just to make it a bit more stream line (especially since my occupation is online marketing and specifically social media – which is embarrassing to admit given the fact that I’ve done so little on this blog), so please let me know what you think along the way.

Looking forward to interviewing some great people and sharing what I find!!

Photo Credit:  PakyuZ

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