An inspiring journey of passion, perseverance, and six Comrades Marathons
Introduction
In this enlightening interview, we delve into the extraordinary journey of Zisiwe Mnothoza, a dedicated athlete from Stellenbosch University Library who has completed six Comrades Marathons. Known for its gruelling distance and challenging terrain, the Comrades Marathon is not for the faint of heart. Zisiwe shares her inspiring story, revealing the immense dedication, rigorous training, and unwavering determination required to conquer this iconic ultramarathon. Through this conversation, we gain valuable insights into Zisiwe’s experiences, motivations, and the profound impact this journey has had on her life. Join us as we explore the essence of endurance and the spirit of a true marathon runner.
Q: What inspired you to start running, and what motivated you to participate in the Comrades Marathon?
A: Athletics has been my hobby since my early school grades. During my school days, I was a track and field athlete both in primary and high school. That didn’t end there; my interest and tireless involvement in athletics, specifically in running, grew even more when I got to university. I challenged myself even more by joining long-distance races gradually as I was still not quite sure which race exactly I fit well into. Evident that this is like a calling to me, I used to participate in races where we never received or per se never expected any prizes. When we were lucky, we would receive goodie bags as a motivation to do more and not be demotivated. The more I participated in different races, the more I got an opportunity to meet different runners. I started networking, and someone mentioned something about the Comrades Marathon, which triggered my interest even more. I started doing a bit of research about it, and I decided to challenge myself and joined just to see how far my body could carry me. Today, under my belt, I have recorded six Comrades Marathons with no regrets for the chance I have taken. If given the chance again, I would grab it with both hands because running the Comrades Marathon has helped me a lot in my life and given me an opportunity to meet different people. It also helped me to jump out of the introvert space.
Q: Can you describe your training regimen in the months leading up to the marathon? How did you prepare physically and mentally?
A: Before Comrades 2024, I followed a training program that helped me achieve my goal. The preparation was not easy, but I always reminded myself of the people rooting for me, which eased my mental preparation because I always glued my mind to my goals. One of my goals is to make my supporters proud. The training was challenging, especially as race day approached because it was dark during the winter season, and I was training alone during the week. I had to be brave and train in the mornings close to where I work because it felt safer. I chose one spot to train in because I was familiar with the area and knew there wouldn’t be any obstacles.
Q: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during the race, and how did you overcome them?
A: The challenge I typically face during races is cramps, but luckily this year I didn’t experience any. I conducted extensive research on cramps, so I knew how to prevent them.
Q: Do you have any memorable moments or highlights from your Comrades Marathon experiences that you can share?
A: Highlights of the Comrades Marathon include the incredible support from colleagues, friends, and family. Being the first woman to finish in my club is the ultimate achievement.
Q: How has participating in the Comrades Marathon impacted your life, both personally and professionally?
A: The Comrades Marathon has taught me discipline, consistency, and proper time management. It has also taught me the value of sharing (UBUNTU) during or out of the race.
Q: What advice would you give to someone who is considering running the Comrades Marathon for the first time?
A: The advice I would give to someone considering the Comrades Marathon is to commit, be consistent, stick to the plan, and not follow every piece of advice you receive. Everyone is different, so not everything that works for someone else will work for you!
Theresa Schoeman