Pace Yourself

Most Runner’s Guide to Smarter Recovery and Peak Performance Welcome, fellow runners and fitness enthusiasts. When runners talk about training, we often focus on hard workouts and tough hills. But here’s something important that doesn’t get as much attention: your body improves and grows stronger when you rest. Without proper recovery, even the strongest runners can stop making progress. Here in South Africa, with our varied weather, rich traditions, and demanding races like Comrades and Two Oceans, recovery is more than just a science, it’s something we learn to do with care. This is how most runners are getting better at resting, eating, and performing through smarter recovery. 1. Making the Most of Local Foods Good recovery starts with what you eat. South Africa has plenty of wholesome, easy-to-find foods that help your body bounce back: Rooibos Tea : This caffeine-free tea is full of antioxidants that help your body manage stress and stay healthy. Some studies are looking into ...

How Inclusive Community Race Events Can Transform South African Townships Welcome, fellow runners and fitness enthusiasts. Running has long been recognized as one of the most accessible forms of exercise. All it usually takes is a decent pair of shoes, a safe route, and the will to keep going. In many places, though, the reality is far more complicated. Race entry fees, limited training spaces, and the lack of resources can discourage people from participating. Community race events have emerged as an inspiring answer, bringing people together, boosting local economies, and breaking down the barriers that once prevented wider involvement. Inclusive race events are not just about finding a place to run; they can uplift entire neighborhoods, instill pride, and deliver true social and economic value. Whether it is a morning fun run in a local park or a township-based half marathon that welcomes both elite and casual participants, these events show how running can be a driving force for e...

How Running Transforms Your Mind, Body, and Life Welcome, fellow runners and fitness enthusiasts. It feels like ages since I last posted on the blog! Life has been keeping me on my toes, but I'm so excited to be back and chatting with you all about one of my greatest passions: running. Today, we're diving deep into a topic that's close to my heart: "Beyond the Finish Line: How Running Transforms Your Mind, Body, and Life." I think we can all agree, running is more than just putting one foot in front of the other. It's a journey, a relationship we build with ourselves, with the road, and with the world around us. Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or someone who’s just started jogging around the block, there's something truly transformative about the act of running. It’s like a secret ingredient that changes the way we think, feel, and live. Let's explore how running can boost your mind, strengthen your body, and help you live a richer, more fulfi...

Chilled Steps, Clear Mind Welcome, fellow runners and fitness enthusiasts. There’s something almost spiritual about waking up long before sunrise, lacing your shoes while the world sleeps, and stepping outside into the quiet dark. On the morning of the 24th of July, that’s exactly what I did.  I started my run at 4:01 AM, greeted by a crisp 12°C chill that stuck to my skin and quickly seeped into my bones. Within ten minutes, I couldn’t feel my fingertips. And by the time I returned home, I was so frozen I struggled to unlock the front door, my hands stiff, numb, and barely functional. But in that discomfort, something shifted. That morning’s run 21.61 kilometres in the dark, on cold asphalt, with no music and no company, reminded me why I started running in the first place. The Reason Behind the Madness Most people wouldn’t understand voluntarily running for over two hours in the cold. But for runners, especially those of us who’ve been doing this for a while, these sessions bec...

A Review on the Expenses Associated with the running Welcome, fellow runners and fitness enthusiasts.  Running is often hailed as one of the most accessible sports, all you need is a pair of takkies and the open road, right? While it’s true that running has a lower barrier to entry than many other sports, the costs can add up quickly if you’re serious about performance, comfort, and injury prevention. From high-quality footwear to nutrition and race fees, let’s break down the real expenses of running and how to budget wisely. 1. Footwear: The Foundation of Every Runner’s Budget A good pair of running shoes is non-negotiable. According to a 2023 study by Stellenbosch University’s Sports Science Institute, wearing worn-out or ill-fitting shoes increases injury risk by up to 40%. Dr. Sarah Collins , a Cape Town-based podiatrist, emphasises that runners should replace their shoes every 800-1000 km, depending on gait and terrain. Price range: Entry-level takkies: R 1 200 - R 1 800 (...

7 Ways I Revive My Passion for Movement Welcome, fellow runners and fitness enthusiasts.  There was a time not too long ago when my running shoes gathered more dust than mileage. It wasn’t burnout in the traditional sense. It was a quiet drifting, a sneaking inertia that made the idea of lacing up feel more like a chore than a calling. That bothered me. I’m someone who has built a life around movement. From morning jogs along the quiet backroads to late evening stretching sessions while my kids played in the lounge, motion wasn’t just part of my routine, it was part of me. Losing that spark felt like losing a slice of identity. So I went back to the drawing board. Not to chase motivation, but to reset it. What follows are seven deeply personal, practical ways I reignited my passion for movement, with a few expert nods and real-world tools that can help you too. 1. I Revisited My ‘Why’ - And Let It Evolve When I first started running seriously back in 2015, my “why” was clear: I wa...