New Pics Online

Here are links to some of our latest pics:

McCarthy VW

McCarthy VW

Year End Functon 2010:

Wingate Jaareind Funksie 2010

Warmbaths Marathon 2010:

Warmbaths Marathon 2010

Marathon Club Championships: 2010

Our annual Club Championships for the Marathon, this year is slightly different to the 10km & 21.1km Championships - here's how it works:









Rules and Details:

1. You can choose which marathon you want to use as your official championship race time.
2. Any marathon that you have run in South Africa, during 2010, well above sea level will qualify.
3. In order to qualify for a medal, enter your results on this spreadsheet.
4. Medals for the various age categories will be awarded at the Year End Function on 29 October.
5. Finishing times will be verified on the official race results of the particular race.

Marathon FAQ's

Spring is in the air! It's time to put on those shoes, and start training.

Many of us plan to do a marathon in early summer.  It's a great time to get fit and in shape before the December end of year holidays when we try to fit into last years swimming costume !

Whether you're new to running a marathon, or have run a couple of marathons before, this list of Marathon FAQ's may help answer some of your questions:

Frequently Asked Questions About Marathon Training

If you're training to run a marathon, you probably have a lot of questions. Get answers to the most frequently asked questions about marathon running and training.

 

When Should I Replace My Running Shoes?

 Running in old or worn-out shoes is one of the most common causes of running injuries. Get advice on when you should replace your running shoes.

 

When Should I Run Through Pain?

It's very common for runners to experience some aches and pains, especially if you're training for a long-distance event. Learn how to know when you can continue running and when you should stop.

 

Why Am I Gaining Weight During Marathon Training?

Some runners find that they actually gain weight during training. Learn how to avoid it.

 

Should I Eat Before a Run?

Get answers to the question of whether or not you should eat before running.

 

Is It Better to Run Outside or on a Treadmill?

Is treadmill running really easier? Get the answer here.

 

Do I Need to Drink Sport Drinks During My Runs?

Proper hydration for running is essential to safety and performance, but runners need to know when they should consume sports drinks and when plain water will suffice.

 

Do I Need to Eat During My Runs?

If you're running more than 90 minutes, you need to replace some of the calories you're burning. Follow these guidelines for when, what, and how much to eat.

 

What Should I Eat After a Run?

Find out what you should be eating after your runs to minimize muscle soreness and maximize recovery.

 

How Can I Not Feel Hungry all the Time?

It's normal to feel hungry when you start a new exercise regimen or you increase your exercise frequency or intensity. You're burning more calories, so your body needs to take more in. Here are some ways you can avoid feeling hungry, with overindulging.

 

How Do I Avoid Hitting the Wall in a Marathon?

If you're training for a marathon, you've probably heard about the dreaded "wall" that some marathoners hit sometime after the 20-mile mark in a marathon. Here are some tips for beating the wall in a marathon.

 

Should I Run Every Day?

Many new runners wonder if they should run every day or take some days off. Get the answer here.

 

Why Am I So Tired After My Long Runs?

When training for a marathon, is it normal to feel very tired after long runs? Get the answer, and find out how to avoid exhaustion after long runs.

 

How Can I Predict My Race Times?

Predicting a race time, especially for a long-distance race like a marathon, is tough because there are so many variables. Here's how you can get a rough estimate of your potential.

 

Should I Carry My Own Fluids or Use Water Stops?

The decision to carry your own fluids or use water stops during a race is because there are pros and cons to both sides, and each runner has his or her own preferences and habits.

 

Why Do I Feel So Sluggish and Tired During my Runs?

If you feel sluggish and slow during your runs, overtraining may be the cause. Find out what to do to avoid overtraining.

 

How Can I Avoid and Treat Muscle Cramps?

Muscle cramps are often the result of dehydration, so it's important that you make sure you're hydrating properly before, during, and after your runs. Get more information on how to prevent and treat muscle cramps.

 

Can I Split My Long Runs?

In marathon training, do you get the same benefits if you split up your long runs as running it continuously? Get the answer.

 

What If I Have to Take a Break from Running?

Sometimes an illness, an injury, or a hectic schedule prevents us from sticking to our running schedule. Here's how you can handle a break in your training.

 

Should I Run the Day Before My Marathon?

Should you run the day before a race? Get the answer.

 

Should I Wear New Running Shoes for My Marathon?

Marathon runners often wonder if it's better to wear new, old, or slightly used running shoes on race day. Get the answer.

What Type of Socks Should I Run In?

It's important to choose the right running socks for comfort and performance. Here's what you should look for when buying running socks.

How Can I Avoid Going to the Bathroom During Runs?

It's not unusual for runners to experience gastrointestinal disorders or diarrhea, also know as "runner's trots", during long runs. Find out what to do if it happens to you and how to avoid it in the first place.

Can I Train for a Race on a Treadmill?

I'm planning on running a marathon in the spring, but icy and snowy conditions have kept me on the treadmill for a lot of my training so far. Will I be adequately prepared for the race if the majority of my training is on the treadmill?

 

Can Runners Get Pedicures?

Taking care of your feet is very important during marathon training. Find out whether or not you should get pedicures while marathon training.

 

Can I Listen to Music During Runs?

Many people like to listen to music when running, but there are several disadvantages to running with headphones. Find out why you should think twice before putting on those headphones.

 

What's a Negative Split?

Negative splitting is the ideal way to run a long distance race such as a half or full marathon. Find out what it means to run a negative split.

 

Are There Age Requirements to Run a Marathon?

People of all ages take interest in running marathons. How old do you have to be to participate in a marathon? Get the answer.

Related articles by Zemanta

• Proper Training for Marathon Run Takes Time (nlm.nih.gov)
• One marathoner's strategy for going the distance (theglobeandmail.com)
• 5 Signs of Overtraining: It Happened To Me (kspace.tv)

1km Challenge

Image via Wikipedia

If you've ever wanted to improve on your time on a 10km,  21,1km or even a marathon or wondered how some runners continue to improve, while your times always seem to stay round about the same?

The answer is simple... speed training.

Runners World has put together a simple program over four weeks to help you improve your 1 km time.

Have a look at the link here.

The idea is to do a 1 km time trial and record your time. Then follow the program for four weeks.  At the end of this you should have improved your 1 km time and as a result you should improve over 10 km, the half marathon and probably even the marathon.

Why not give it a go now? Winter is almost over. If you increase your speed now, you may even run PB at your next summer race.

Why do runners cheat at races?

I guess as long as there is prize money on offer, people will find ways to cheat. That certainly seems to be the case with the habitual Comrades cheat, Sergio Motsoeneng. You may remember him (and his brother, Arnold) who ran the 2001 Comrades Marathon in relay - only to be caught out by wearing their watches on opposite arms. 

This year, Sergio (who finished 3rd) has been disqualified and banned by ASA for 2 years - this time for testing positive for a banned substance. Now we all know that a simple over the counter cough syrup can contain banned substances, but with this guys history, I doubt he will be able to use that as an excuse.  As they say "Once a cheat, always a cheat".

But this has got me thinking about the lesser known runners amongst us who 'bend the rules' to suit themselves. I'm talking about everyday, casual runners - not the types who are after a finish in the top 10.

What makes the average runner want to cheat? Who is he really cheating, besides himself?

Some examples come to mind:  Our athlete qualifies for an ultra, say The Two Oceans marathon, with a D Seeding. But he knows the field is going to be big on race day, so he sneaks into the B block, just to get a better start. That's cheating. If you're not good enough to qualify with that seeding, you don't belong there.

Or getting someone else to run your qualifying marathon for you: You get a great seeding for your goal race by getting a faster runner to run your qualifying race for you. That's just not on.  And as far as I'm concerned, it's as bad as taking anabolic steroids, EPO or whatever other banned substances are used nowadays.

The problem is the lack of control and checks at these qualifying marathons - nobody ever checks if you really are who you say you are on the race entry.  It's a very difficult thing to police.  I believe that athletes themselves should be the police. These issues should be reported to your club or province so they can deal with the problem.

Cheating, is cheating - no matter which way you look at it. Taking drugs, sneaking into better seeding groups, or using others to qualify on your behalf.

Let's play fair.

New pics online: Elands Valley

Thanks to Stuey Pritchard for the pics of Elands Valley 2010:

From Elands Valley 2010

Half Marathon & Marathon Club Championships

Our Marathon and Half Marathon Club Championships rankings are listed below.  We have compiled this from information provided from various race results.

If you have completed a Marathon or Half Marathon in a time that is better than those listed, and which may place you in a top 5 position, please email the race name and your finish time to me by 21 October, in order for us to finalise the results.

Kiewitt does Sydney!

Click here to see some pics of William's Sydney Marathon experience - apparently is was a rather painful experience!

Some more pics here