The Comrades: Ultimate Human Race

June 20, 2012 by Guest Blogger

The Ultimate Human Race: breaking my virginity

By Percy Mbatha

It was Sunday 3^rd June 2012, the day of the Comrades marathon and it started with drama, MX and I slept at a friend’s house (PMB) about 600m from the Comrades Marathon starting point. We woke up in time but we found ourselves running late with a bag full of our clothes trying to get to the Tog bag truck. In my mind I was thinking if the truck is gone then we have to run with the bag. As we approached the starting point, you could see and smell the great atmosphere. I was really overwhelmed to see so many people singing and doing their last warm ups, all with one goal in mind “Durban here we come”.

Different race groups all in jubilant mood, embracing each other, laughing and some just listening to their thoughts and thinking about the job ahead. With all that, I was still looking for the Bag area, running to the front only to be told it’s at the back. Finally I found the bag area, and we were right at the back of the runners. Then there was a short prayer and then the Comrades music. That song just tells you now it is the time, all your preparation, your hard work will be tested now and there is no turning back. 5:30 was the start of the race, but I could only reach the starting mat at 5:36 just to show the number of runners at the start. My spirit was high, shouting screaming and whistling, and the support from the community along the route was overwhelming. I was just looking forward to the Drummond (Halfway mark). After 38km gone from 89km, I felt this nagging pain on my left foot, I ignored it hoping it would go away but it didn’t. I was 2km away from the halfway and I walked for the first time as the pain was unbearable. I passed halfway at 4:55 went to our support team for treatment and back on the road. Needless to say the spray didn’t work.

I was frustrated and angry at my foot which seems to be giving up on me. I pushed myself, run, walk but it got worse. By now I couldn’t even put my foot down flat, so I was limping (nice) with 30km to go. I was so upset with myself because I felt like I was wasting time and there was actually nothing I could do. So I started cramping on my right leg because it was taking too much strain. The will was there to take the pain all the way to the finish line. “I am not a quitter” was ringing in my mind all the time. Thinking of all the time and effort I had spent preparing for this day and the sacrifices my family had to endure, waking up early on weekends for the races and training, money spent on travelling expenses. The number of people I had asked to watch the race on TV and to send through short messages as sms if they wanted to check my progress. NO, I couldn’t quit. I had my cell phone with me the whole race and I got enough support and inspiration from my wife and daughter at home (JHB). She just said “don’t worry about the time baby, just finish the race, you are almost there”.

The good thing was that I had accumulated enough time during the first leg of the race that I could afford to walk (limp) a kilometre or more without running. The longest distance on the race would be the last 10km. It felt like the kilometres were longer and exagarated, but I had to take km by km. I had 1hr 45min with 8km to go, so I could afford to walk all that 8km and I did! Normally I could have done that 8 in 45min the least, but it took me about 1hr 15min, even walking was a mission. Then funny thing happened when I was less than 1km, I saw my long lost cousin that I hadn’t seen in 16 years, but was planning to go see him the following day. As we were speaking, he was outside (spectator), this other guy from outside the fence screams at me saying I was about 4min from cut off (no watch). So I started to limp and run as fast I could, I ignored the pain and the cramps; I was just saying “they cannot cut me off after so much suffering”. Finally I was inside the stadium, still running and the crowd I believe they were calling my name, I was just asking myself, where is the finish line? As I saw the clock, I was filled with excitement and the time was 11:31, which means I still had 29min on my time. I had made it; I had broken my Comrades Marathon virginity! I was still standing; I wanted neither massage nor medical help, I couldn’t even drink one glass of beer, amazing I say.

There are many lessons I learned along the route and also discovered many things about myself. If I put my mind on something, I can achieve it. Yes, sometimes it might be hard, filled with obstacles, but I just need to persevere. Test your strength, courage and leave emotions out. Work hard on your goals and dreams and push for success. Leave a space for disappointment because in life we may not achieve all we want to achieve. Appreciate the support of your family and community and be able to take criticism.

Lesson number 1: Invest in good running shoes; train hard and your mind must be in the right place. Comrades 2013, I’m there!

Written by Percy Mbatha

Submitted by Nomfundo Setshedi

Wow!! Congratulations brother. This is amazing. I was there with a water stand. The whole atmosphere was exciting even for us spectators. The longest race I’ve done is a 10k, hopefully I’ll do the 2 oceans and one day comrades. This is inspirational. I’m getting goosebumps just thinking about that day. Congratulations, not everyone can do what you just accomplished

SilentBloggar on Thu, 21st Jun 2012 6:30 am

So eventually what was the problem with the foot? Did you have it checked out post race? Nice read, cha mina I’ll never do the comrades, I’ve always been a 10km runner tried to graduate to half marathons (21km). Hello I almost died, my body was all kinds of painful.

lwandie on Thu, 21st Jun 2012 7:28 am

Well done Mr Mbatha very inspiring read,that level of enduarance always amazes me and says a lot about what the body and mind can do if given a chance …I’m still on the 3 mile mark ,with my morning jog ,I’m hoping to give it a go in a 5k Race for Life event, in my hood soon.

Biskiti on Thu, 21st Jun 2012 8:30 am

Awesome stuff Percy! Yho, i could never put my mind around doing the comrades, i mean not even on a bike. Let’s just say some people are born runners, while the rest of us are merely boJohnnie Walker…lol.

The determination and dedication is admirable, and i guess we would go very far as a nation if we put that kind of dedication on other spheres of life.

And what is this i hear of Mamabolo’s (Comrades Winner) doping allegations? Any developments on that front?

mzuaqe on Thu, 21st Jun 2012 8:46 am

Somebody summarize torho

Fluffie on Thu, 21st Jun 2012 8:57 am

Wow congrats maan! Kudos to ya! It’s an achievement I must say. I ran the Trail run for 5km at night, tjoo challenge was the darkness hehehe but I made it
Running keeps the body healthy but it needs some determination.

switpie on Thu, 21st Jun 2012 9:06 am

I broke my running virginity this year by doing nike run jozi. Twas quite a nice experience I should say. 10kms and felt fresh after like I could run further nje. Thinkn of doing more of running.

amyoli on Thu, 21st Jun 2012 9:08 am

WOWZA! lovely lovely read. deathby me crossing fingers that you make it to the end!

Fluffie on Thu, 21st Jun 2012 9:11 am

LOL @Biskiti ka boJohnnie Walker
Haai I think it’s sabotage shem ka Mamabolo! so unfair!

lolo on Thu, 21st Jun 2012 9:18 am

Andicingi ndileqe umoya for eleven HOURS and some change mna!!!!! NEVER SHEM!

I don’t get it!!!

Towards what END?

So you run from PMB to DBN????? BIG FAT HAIRY DEAL!!!! WHO CARES?????

Okay , I’ll admit that I’m just a teeny bit jealous! Mna the most I have ever endured was “mincing” umchamo from 2am to 6 pm ! I was visiting my inlaws in some rural setting and I was not willing to risk being “loyad” by the locals so that I could sleep with the comfort of an empty bladder!

lolo on Thu, 21st Jun 2012 9:21 am

Meant 6 am

gossipgirl on Thu, 21st Jun 2012 9:21 am

Wow thats a great story,i have been running 10KM and upgraded to 21km run those comfortably so and did half ocean at the 2oceans…and i ran my 1st 42Km comfortably. next year im advancing to full 2oceans and comrades! only in the name of fun. Well done Mr Mbatha have you done a 1miller? thats another challenging race hope to do it before im 35 lol

inURdreams on Thu, 21st Jun 2012 9:34 am

Congratulations Percy! Personally I would never Ever run the comrades marathon,hayi shem I don’t even wanna test my strength in that kinda way*hides*. But big up to you man. Mna I’ve once ran/walked 10k’z and lemme just say I’m grand for LIFE with running!Anyway congratulations again.

sweetie on Thu, 21st Jun 2012 9:47 am

very inspiring indeed sir,this shows that the mind plays an important role in achieving every kind of success and goal,

@JohneighGALAXY™ on Thu, 21st Jun 2012 10:09 am

Well done to finishing the race of Champions. The Comrades is never about being the 1st to make it beyond the finish line. It’s about endurance, strength, and prestige. All participants are Champs in the own right. I’m still preparing for mine in 2 years time by familiarising myself w/ minor running leagues, these 3km/5km/10km races are excellent for gearing up for the Race of Champs. WELL DONE SDUDUZO MBATHA

lolington kwaaa on Thu, 21st Jun 2012 10:14 am

Ever since I was old enough to understand how powerful the mind, I still cannot believe that there are people who are soooo motivated in life! I salute people who do such things, I have great respect for them, the amount of patience they have, the drive, the right mindset! It truly is amazing!

With that said, I can never shame! I’ll stick to enjoying gym!!

gossipgirl on Thu, 21st Jun 2012 10:17 am

Lol @Johnneigh 3,5 and 10 u shave a very long way…time to upgrade!!!

Nthoentle on Thu, 21st Jun 2012 10:44 am

Well done Percy! 8 people ran the comrades here at work and 6 finished. They inspire me shem. I must just pop my 2nd bambino in 2014 then ill start training for the comrades. The longest I have ran is 30km, I want to TRY and run the 42km in Soweto in Nov but ill see. I loveee running. I just wanna do the comrades twice and finish both times then that’s it for me! Def on my bucket list! Well done Percy

mzuaqe on Thu, 21st Jun 2012 12:11 pm

RE: Then funny thing happened when I was less than 1km, I saw my long lost cousin that I hadn’t seen in 16 years, but was planning to go see him the following day.<—– AND???

DrDee on Thu, 21st Jun 2012 12:18 pm

@Fabu are you here?Can I please have a skin consultation Doc?@ nthontle let’s do The Comrades gal.I also love running.I did the 42km in Ireland last year and was in bed for 3 days straight after that.

bumbum on Thu, 21st Jun 2012 12:55 pm

I wish I had it in me kodwa ngabe nginamanga, I hope one day I can just do 10 Ks nje bakwethu.

Kwaaaaaa@Lolo uphambana ne beat uthetha ngomchamo kuthethwa nge comrade apha.

Off the topic, do guys still choma ngama cheque book nama cellphone ay’7 then kwi till akhiphe ama R200 notes for a can of coke….jtoh ngivele ngaqhuma ngahleka I couldn’t help it.

Nthoentle on Thu, 21st Jun 2012 1:05 pm

Let’s go @DrDee nana! Wena u are an all rounder mos! Intelligent, rich, beautiful, successful, athletic! Aaahh I hate u. Kwaaaaaa I’m kidding gal

sxylin on Thu, 21st Jun 2012 1:24 pm

kwaaaaaaaaaaaaaa @Nthoentle i was gon say the same thing about Dr Dee cos ayyi no im the laziest bum i can never wake up and run the only 2 times ive ever ran was cos of my students at the academy and whenever id go to the gym it would be just for yoga ! ayiiiiiiii Dr Dee seriously you are blessed i need your life! Can motivation be infectious i beg

lolo on Thu, 21st Jun 2012 2:02 pm

@Bum bum I endurance yi endurance love! Try holding in your pee for four straight hours then come back here and tell me I don’t deserve a gold medal or something!!!

DrDee on Thu, 21st Jun 2012 2:36 pm

Kwaaa @nthontle,rich and beautiful,I wish.And intelligent not really,I just work very hard for my 50%.

DrDee on Thu, 21st Jun 2012 2:41 pm

@sxylin you are lucky you don’t put on weight.I have to work hard to remain a size 10 nana.

fabulicious on Thu, 21st Jun 2012 3:16 pm

Hai wethu @drdee I don’t wanna shine on Percy’s shine.
Let’s wait for ‘anything goes’ tomorrow

@JohneighGALAXY™ on Thu, 21st Jun 2012 4:48 pm

@GossipGirl: sweetie I was advised to start with these smaller ones before attempting boma-40km races. I must say 5km & 10km races are nothing now. I run them w/o any pain…

bumbum on Thu, 21st Jun 2012 5:43 pm

@Lolo hai kalokhu uyay’ deserver nyani noba kuyi bronze nje, mna soze ngayenza lonto. I will be tausing and turning and 30 minutes is too long.

Eyh2Jee on Thu, 21st Jun 2012 11:42 pm

Lmao Lolo,hay uyawubamba umchamo.
Mchamo Comrade Marathon neh.I can also percevere when it comes to umchamo.I can sleep esp. in winter ndinomchamo,and pee in the morning. *dead*
Mna do respect you Lolo shem,I deserve the silver and you deserve the gold
What happened kante with the long lost cousin????hay is this a movie or series kante.
Otherwise thanks for the good story,and it was soooo long,but I onLy read it because of the term *Virginity* lmao hay cha ubuvejen bundiphethe.

Eyh2Jee on Thu, 21st Jun 2012 11:48 pm

My virginity:Its my first time blogging using a fone.Tjo!!!Its hard work bathong.I should go back to using a computer,hay cha kwanele.But my virginity gone bazalwane…
Ndaah VhoSundani (incase you read this)

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The Comrades: Ultimate Human Race

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