Running trend has locals on the go

MOSSEL BAY SPORT NEWS - A new study done by ASICS shows that since Covid-19 forced the world to go into lockdown, a new found love for running has blossomed.

The study, conducted to better understand and support the changing needs of runners, spoke to 14 000 regular exercisers across 12 countries.

The study shows that since the start of lockdown, more than a third (36%) of regular exercisers are more active now than before.

Also that 79% of runners say running is currently helping them feel more sane and in control. 65% of runners say that the mental benefits of running far outweigh any other form of physical exercise and 73% of runners want to keep running as much as they are now after the Covid-19-pandemic ends.

Local trend
This trend seems to have also taken root in Mossel Bay. Mossel Bay Advertiser editor, Suzette Herrer, from going to gym weekly, had to find new ways to exercise during lockdown. During level 5 and 4 she started running in her yard. With gyms still closed, she has since hit the road and does 3,5km. "I feel great and moreover, it is a nice personal challenge. Every time, I try to go further and faster."

Local athletes are reported to have stuck to their running regime throughout lockdown despite the challenges. This includes Libuseng Moeti and Lindiswa Magxidolo from KwaNonqaba who stuck to their running commitments, seeing Moeti participate in the historical Race the Comrades Legends, a virtual Comrades Marathon on Sunday, 14 June. This was initiated when the Comrades was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Moeti completed the 21,5km stretch.

Another local woman, who chooses to remain anonymous, also tackled the 21,5km run. A fibromyalgia sufferer and not so fond of crowds, the virtual Comrades was the ideal challenge for her. "Thanks to the race being virtual, old school friends of mine, all Mossel Bay girls, now living around the globe also participated, which made the experience very special.

At the 10km mark, she says, an old injury nearly finished her race. "To stop would mean I'd given up on myself. Yes I'm not a typical athlete. Yes I have fibromyalgia. Yes I'm middle-aged. But I chose to finish the only Comrades I can ever legitimately enter, even if it killed me.

"I laughed at myself all the way and then, when it was fine, I gave myself a hug and said I knew you could do it."

She says her active time running was 3.5 hours. "I'm really proud of that and can only hope that next year I'll be able to improve on this. I plan doing the 40km next year."

Libuseng Moeti after her race.