Get ready for Safari

Have you ever wanted to run a marathon but struggle to get beyond the 10km distance? The Safari Half Marathon will once again kick off in Wellington and are offering their entrants training to get them ready for this year’s event taking place on Tuesday 1 May. The Sports Science Institute of South Africa (SSISA), New Balance and Safari hosted an informative and exciting workshop on Thursday 23 February at the SSISA building in Newlands, Cape Town.

The workshop entitled ‘Surviving your half marathon training’, aims to assist runners with their preparation for this year’s race. More than 150 entrants participated in the programme including the SSISA staff. “We are hosting this workshop to provide excellent, expert advice for any runner training for half-marathons and hope to get as much entrants to participate, as it will benefit them on the day,” said the institute’s Kathleen Mc Quaide-Little.

Guest speakers at the event included consultant sports scientist and scientific editor of the Runner’s World magazine, Dr Ross Tucker who briefly discussed the most effective training regime and running shoes. Speakers who also attended were Karlin Smit, SSISA’s resident dietitian, who explained how entrants can optimize their eating plan while training.

“I am glad I participated in this programme as many guest speakers pointed out very important facts and tips when participating in marathons. They also pointed out how our bodies functions if we don’t intake the correct foods before running,” said Rene Van Heerde, a participant in this year’s marathon. SSISA marketing assistant Byron Hendricks said that the positive response from the participants after the programme was immense and there was a request for another session next month.

Hendricks added that there are various workshops taking place throughout the month up until the last week before the event. These include a 10km running programme for athletes as well as a hands-on training course for three sessions a week run in conjunction with the SSISA and fully supervised by sports scientists. Those who are interested in participating in the marathon still have time to enter before the closing date on 29 March and if you would like to know more about participating in the various workshops hosted by SSISA, you may contact Kathleen Mc Quaide on 0216595600 or email kmcquaide@ssisa.com.VOC (Aishah Cassiem)