By Lindsey Parry
Running the Comrades Marathon is a daunting physical challenge: Slap two marathons together, add on another 5km, throw in some of the biggest hills in KZN and some hot and humid weather, and there’s little doubt that this race is one of the toughest single-day running events in the world.
So you rarely find an unfit Comrades runner. Most of the entrants lining up on 1 June will have spent hours on the road, had too many too-early mornings, and will have sacrificed family and social time just to make it to the start line.
But I’ve witnessed many motivated and fit runners ruin their race day – despite all the training – because of simple (and often avoidable) mistakes. In compiling this list, I’ve looked at why many prospective Comrades runners make mistakes; and then I give you advice on how to prevent these potential disasters happening to you.
Avoid them, and all that hard work will reward you with the finish you deserve come race day.
1: The Early Peak
2: Miracle Product Syndrome
3: The Pasta Overload
4: Expo Legs
5: You’re Late For The Start
6: You Bonk
7: You Miscalculate Your Race Pace
8: You Drink Too Much
9: You Forget To Lube
10: You Drive The Route The Day Before
11: Second-Year Syndrome
12: You Start Walking Too Late
13: Stopping
Great article! I have attended your Roadshows being a member of Klerksdorp Marathon Club and value ypur advice! Thanx
Almarie Duyn
Thanks for the tips lindsay its going to help a lot just want to know if I can make my own paceing band for comrades this year will be my first can you maybe tell me what is the correct pace to start comrades for a silver medal asking because I am in bach seeding F
Oh Coach Parry. What would we do without yo valuable advice?
Thanks
Wow, thank you for these great DOs & DON’Ts, a real eye opener for a first timer like me. It makes me feel more comfident about a smart finish. Teddy
An article worth a read before each Comrades Marathon, whether it’s an up or down run.
Thank Coach! Keep going don’t stop! (My mojo on the day)
thanks coach for such good tips and advise, it is an eye opener, we appreciate your advise.
that a great and wonderful advice. i do appreciate your advice cuz it help alot.
Make it a 21 km race!!!!!!
I read this article in 2014. It still is as relevant in 2015 as it was in 2014! My advice: Take the advice and you’ll reap the benefits!
I like it. Last year i stopped 3 times to have coffee waisted about 50minutes. This was because i knew my body was right for the long one i wanted to see the wall of fame and the chair this time. I took it really easy comrades last year. Each year you run and dont see anything along the route. It was my 5th run and i never saw any of those things
Experience is a good teacher, thank you for sharing it…