Couch to 10Km comes full circle at the Absa Run Your City race by Moira Oliver
The Beginners – Group 1, 2025
I looked out at a group of anxious or perhaps excited faces at the FHAC Beginner’s course orientation and felt the excitement of guiding these potential runners to their first 10km race. I knew nothing about them but already I believed in them because they had shown up.
We gathered at the club on the first Monday evening. Me with my trusty whistle, one long blow to start running and two short blows to walk. It is the only way to communicate to a group of 20 plus people who walk and run at different paces. Pavlov’s theory prevailed and they responded immediately. Our first session was 20 minutes long and we ran for 60 seconds and walked for 90.
Zeta Booysen and Ken Stuart arrived to help, and it was great having them on board to make sure the speedsters were taken care of and did not get lost. They also played a huge role in encouraging the group and sharing their knowledge and running insights. We were also joined by some participants from our previous program that we did in November last year and it was good to have them back on board.
Fast forward 4 weeks and these ladies and gents were making good progress and getting fitter and stronger each week. Every Monday and Wednesday they showed up and slowly became runners. Each week we ran a little further along the Time Trial route and every week we walked a little less. Unfortunately, we had a few who had to pull out of the program due to injuries, niggles or life getting too busy, but the core continued. We dealt with ferocious wind, potential downpours, dubious bra action, breathing and talking while running, tights falling down, running in the dark and headlights running out of juice, the downside of running in cotton shirts and for some, a lack of belief in their abilities. Slowly and surely, they progressed and at the end of the eight weeks they ran 5km. That is a big deal if you have been sitting on the couch for a few years.
12 brave souls signed up for the Absa Run Your City 10km race on 11 May. There were a few who did not feel ready or were still nursing a niggle or two, but I have faith that they will be back and will get to do their race.
Blommie booked a bus, but it wasn’t big enough and he had to book a bigger one. The group was very excited about the cooler box on the bus and placed their post-race beverage requirements with alacrity. I think they were more excited about this than the race.
Race morning arrived and we set off for Woodbridge Island in Milnerton for a 9am start. The vibe at the start was amazing, music, dancing, coffee and most importantly of all plenty of porta loos for those first-time nerves. I lost sight of my crew as we slowly made our way into the starting pens, but I knew that they were all going to make it because they had laid down the right foundation, shown up consistently and had a race day strategy. Run, walk and reset at 5km was the plan.
Kira and Zeta still smiling
Everybody finished and loved it (mostly) Was it tough? Of course, it was tough, but they could do tough. Did they have fun? Yes, judging by the results and the war stories. Will they be back for more? Absolutely. Are they runners? Without a doubt.
I am so very proud of each and everyone of them for committing to this challenge and seeing it through and I look forward to what lies ahead for them.
Proudly displaying their certificates. (this is not everyone, a few had to leave early)
P.S Two of the runners from the first program have already done a 15km race and they are planning on doing a 21km later this year!
Possibilities are endless.
Moira Oliver
