Running and Studying

by Robyn Feldman

I took part in the 10km Valentines night race on the 13th of February.

My running partner and I arrived and the place was packed. There were runners everywhere.

We registered, got our running license numbers and set of for the starting line. We stood waiting anxiously for the gun to go off.

BANG! The race started.

It was an exhilarating feeling to be part of one of the best fun runs in Joburg. As we descended down Republic Road, it became apparent how large the field of runners was. In front of us as far as the eye could see, there was a sea of people. We were in awe of this sight.

As we proceeded, we used a disciplined approach to running the race, which entailed the following:

• we paced ourselves well, taking it slow on the long difficult up hills that sometimes felt like they would never end; and
  


• we ran the sharp jarring downs in a controlled way, not picking up to much speed because we knew the next up hill was just around the corner.

Running the race with this game plan allowed us to remain in control of the race and not be controlled by it.

As we approached the bright flood lit stadium, we were able to pick up some speed. When we entered the stadium the crowds were cheering us on and we had a very strong finish.

Looking back at the approach to the race, I think applying the same methodology to my CTA will be instrumental in me completing my degree successfully.

From the start, work at a steady, controlled, consistent pace, always keeping the end result in mind.

Do not despair when it gets though, just keep on persevering and moving forward, especially when you are tired, when doubts start creeping in and so many 'runners' are falling to the wayside.

Just keep moving forward...