Part 1: Siyabulela’s Journey To #WeRunJozi

Earlier this year, on the 21st of March, I participated in Nike’s Run Jozi 10 km Race (Race number 01942). The race saw about 10 000 runners “take back” the city of Johannesburg, starting from the Mandela bridge, through the CBD and Hilbrow.

I finished in an hour and 6 minutes. I wasn’t pleased with the result, so I vowed to better my 10 km time. This meant more running and more inspirational tunes loaded on the ipod.

I started by running every second day, pacing myself between 5km and 8 km, depending on what the body could handle. As any runner would tell you, it is very important to listen to your body. Rest if that’s what it demands.

Much to my delight, Nike launched We Run Jozi at beginning of September, as part of the “We Run” series, now if you didn’t know, Jozi is one of 34 cities around the world participating in the series and this time the number will double to 20 000 runners. The journey begins at Katherine Street in Sandton and ends at Alexandra township. A portion of the race registration fee will benefit youth athletes in that community.

Just Curious obviously noticed my enthusiasm so I was approached to run the #WeRunJoiz race on their behalf. Of course I agreed, I run for any reason nowadays. Heck, I sometimes prefer running home after visiting friends or to be dropped off at the mall so I can run home. Running is easy, writing not so much, but I accepted the challenge.

I just finished an 8 km run, in and around 40 minutes, so I’m guessing there’s some credibility there. The race is in 10 days, on the 7th of October but I have a couple of 10 km practice runs under my belt, so I should be fine endurance wise.

For the next week I’ll follow the last week on the 10 KM Programme below (stolen from the interweb) to maximise technique, then I’ll update you by the end of next week.

I will also be tweeting some of my preparations so check me out on Twitter @SiyabulelaS using the #WeRunJozi hashtag.

Those of you who are running, how are you preparing for the race?

By Siyabulela Sekeleni

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