The official running thread™

[RunningFromFat]

I did.
For me it was a bit too cool (cold!?!) and felt dingy and depressing being overcast with some wind-chill. Even last year's pictures look dreary.
This year felt more like it should (the 'old days'): cold start, no to little wind, sunny and pleasant which makes for better support along the route.

Now back in 2013 the temps hit >30'C with strong headwinds - that wasn't ideal:

https://www.iol.co.za/sport/more-comrades-dropouts-than-expected-1527590

Ironically it was my first sub-9 so I was fortunate to finish before the worst of the heat and wind.

You make valid points, I wish I ran in a vest instead of a shirt and I never ended up chucking my arm warmers away so I was a little bit too warm.

On another note, if you saw two different people wearing the same number (they have same build, skin color, running club etc) , would you agree that they are 100% cheating? I have noticed someone I know do this, this year.

 

[Cray]

You make valid points, I wish I ran in a vest instead of a shirt and I never ended up chucking my arm warmers away so I was a little bit too warm.

On another note, if you saw two different people wearing the same number (they have same build, skin color, running club etc) , would you agree that they are 100% cheating? I have noticed someone I know do this, this year.

I saw someone on Saturday running without a number at all. A mate of mine suggested that maybe he just didn't want to pay the entry fee but still wanted to run the course.. With regards to the duplicate number, wouldn't chip timing catch them out? Unless you can duplicate the chip too?

 

[RunningFromFat]

I saw someone on Saturday running without a number at all. A mate of mine suggested that maybe he just didn't want to pay the entry fee but still wanted to run the course.. With regards to the duplicate number, wouldn't chip timing catch them out? Unless you can duplicate the chip too?

I would assume they just swapped bibs somewhere... It's also interesting to note that there are no pics of the accused at all in the early stages of the race, only at the end. The pics of the other guy are at the beginning but NONE at the end.

 

[Cray]

I would assume they just swapped bibs somewhere... It's also interesting to note that there are no pics of the accused at all in the early stages of the race, only at the end. The pics of the other guy are at the beginning but NONE at the end.

Yeah, that's sounds very dodgy.

 

[acp]

You make valid points, I wish I ran in a vest instead of a shirt and I never ended up chucking my arm warmers away so I was a little bit too warm.

On another note, if you saw two different people wearing the same number (they have same build, skin color, running club etc) , would you agree that they are 100% cheating? I have noticed someone I know do this, this year.

Very interesting article by the legend, Stuart Mann, on the cheating in 2022 here:

How the Cheating in the 2022 Comrades Marathon was Uncovered!

We chat to regular columnist Stuart Mann about how he uncovered runners cheating in the 2022 Comrades Marathon, read the full story.

www.modernathlete.co.za

I'm sure he'll do one on 2023 as well.

Makes no sense why anyone would want to cheat at this or any other race, or anything in life for that matter. Isn't it a personal challenge (and therefore you're just cheating yourself) more than anything else?

*Personally I'm usually so physically and mentally buggered (and naive) I wouldn't know any better even if the cheating by the 'cheetahs' was happening right in front of me.

 

[RunningFromFat]

Very interesting article by the legend, Stuart Mann, on the cheating in 2022 here:

How the Cheating in the 2022 Comrades Marathon was Uncovered!

We chat to regular columnist Stuart Mann about how he uncovered runners cheating in the 2022 Comrades Marathon, read the full story.

www.modernathlete.co.za

I'm sure he'll do one on 2023 as well.

Makes no sense why anyone would want to cheat at this or any other race, or anything in life for that matter. Isn't it a personal challenge (and therefore you're just cheating yourself) more than anything else?

*Personally I'm usually so physically and mentally buggered (and naive) I wouldn't know any better even if the cheating by the 'cheetahs' was happening right in front of me.

Thx for the article, I emailed him directly and he agrees that it appears to be 'Tag-teaming'. He's gonna look into it further.

 

[acp]

Thx for the article, I emailed him directly and he agrees that it appears to be 'Tag-teaming'. He's gonna look into it further.

That's cool!

Would love to know the stats on this year's race and whether cheating has increased or decreased overall.

Were you able to recall the race number to give to him?

 

[RunningFromFat]

That's cool!

Would love to know the stats on this year's race and whether cheating has increased or decreased overall.

Were you able to recall the race number to give to him?

I know the accused personally so could give him lots of details. I only stumbled upon it because I like to look at stats and photos of people that I know that also ran the race. Photos are out btw if you are interested in getting yours.

 

[wise_guy]

Reminds me of that famous cheating story back in the day.

How Motsoeneng twins cheated Comrades Marathon

We look into how the Motsoeneng twins, Sergio and Fika cheated the Comrades Marathon 24 years ago and got caught.

www.thesouthafrican.com

There were also about 20 runners disqualified for submitting false qualification results. Banned for 3 years apparently.
Thats why you need to qualify early and secure your spot.

 

[MentellusMaximus]

Makes no sense why anyone would want to cheat at this or any other race, or anything in life for that matter. Isn't it a personal challenge (and therefore you're just cheating yourself) more than anything else?

I have even seen this at an out and back park run where some people turn before halfway, and on several of the 21km/42km races I ran in the past on out and back routes, and these were all people who are just somewhere in the bundle - who knows what people think when they do that...maybe bragging about PBs with friends, but in the end if you do this you still know you cheated.

 

[Steamy Tom]

I know a few people who are posers on Garmin, always posting fake activities for example will do a short 100m run then edit the distance and time but you can see from the map and the splits that it's completely fake, I never understand it they are just cheating themselves for some badges/points and some fake glory.

 

[_kabal_]

Could anyone recommend some entry level road running shoes.

Let’s say budget R1000-R1500

 

[karnuffel]

Could anyone recommend some entry level road running shoes.

Let’s say budget R1000-R1500

Whats your aim here? Do you want to just do something like a parkrun or do you want to start training and end on a 21 for example.

Maybe look at this guide first, then start shopping.

Also, when on a budget try and look for specials rather than buying a cheaper shoe (at normal price). Ive found great deals at the Nike factory outlet, New Balance store and also at the Sportsmans Warehouse yellow ticket sale. Buying a shoe from (for example) last years range can save you a lot of money for a very good shoe.

But again, figure out what you need first, even if its just basics such as whether you need a neutral shoe or not.

 

[_kabal_]

Whats your aim here? Do you want to just do something like a parkrun or do you want to start training and end on a 21 for example.

Maybe look at this guide first, then start shopping.

Also, when in a budget try and look for specials rather than buying a cheaper shoe (at normal price). Ive found great deals at the Nike factory outlet, New Balance store and also at the Sportsmans Warehouse yellow ticket sale. Buying a shoe from (for example) last years range can save you a lot of money for a very good shoe.

But again, figure out what you need first, even if its just basics such as whether you need a neutral shoe or not.

Thanks for the reply, will dig some more.

Really just wanting to do high intensity fitness.
A supplement to indoor football.

 

[RunningFromFat]

Could anyone recommend some entry level road running shoes.

Let’s say budget R1000-R1500

Maxed shoes are fine, comrades gold-medalists/winners have run in Maxed ( mr price sport ). But yeah, it is very important to check what footstrike you are.

 

[notayoba]

Could anyone recommend some entry level road running shoes.

Let’s say budget R1000-R1500

3 or 4 years ago's Asics 1000 or 2000 You'll find them at Tekkie town or something similar. Each year they launch a new model and the older ones go on sale. Nothing wrong with the older ones.

 

[Cray]

I have even seen this at an out and back park run where some people turn before halfway,

Have volunteered a few times at North Beach park run (it's out and back along the promenade) and quite a few people just walk the last 500m into the finish line in order to get their Vitality points.

A few years back they even reversed the direction completely (running out in the opposite direction) to foil the cheaters.

 

[MentellusMaximus]

Have volunteered a few times at North Beach park run (it's out and back along the promenade) and quite a few people just walk the last 500m into the finish line in order to get their Vitality points.

A few years back they even reversed the direction completely (running out in the opposite direction) to foil the cheaters.

Oh yes, I forgot some might do this just for the Vitality points.

 

[The_MAC]

Could anyone recommend some entry level road running shoes.

Let’s say budget R1000-R1500

So after reading "Born to Run" recently, my opinion will be heavily biased (TLDR version on this point - Shoes are bad, barefoot is best)

I do run in shoes, however, I have always bought entry-level shoes, literally walk in, grab a size 11 and off I go, only thing I avoid is very narrow shoes, I have a wide foot.

I am currently running in a pair of cheap Asics on the road, and a pair of R250 Maxed Trail Shoes (they were on double markdown), no issues with either.

That's my 2 cents

On this point, anyone know of this brand, good or bad in terms of quality: https://barestep.co.za/

Edit: So the Barestep shoe seems to be a bit of a scam, they apparently do exist and do deliver, but the actual shoe is nothing more than a well marketed cheap Chinese aqua shoe, in no way is it customised for running as it claims to be

 

[acp]

So after reading "Born to Run" recently, my opinion will be heavily biased (TLDR version on this point - Shoes are bad, barefoot is best)

I do run in shoes, however, I have always bought entry-level shoes, literally walk in, grab a size 11 and off I go, only thing I avoid is very narrow shoes, I have a wide foot.

I am currently running in a pair of cheap Asics on the road, and a pair of R250 Maxed Trail Shoes (they were on double markdown), no issues with either.

That's my 2 cents

On this point, anyone know of this brand, good or bad in terms of quality: https://barestep.co.za/

Good book indeed.

With generally a high heel-to-toe drop, Asics would be a rather bad choice if yearning or wanting to try something more barefoot 'ish.

Try Altra: wide + flat (thus not as 'barefooted' as a vibram or Saviour Sandals, but much closer to barefoot strike action)

Over my >20 years of running long(er) distances, I've tried them all and liked + loathed them all: cushioned, minimalistic, barefoot or semi-barefoot, flat, high, medium, fast, racer, carbon, rocker, air, gel, sponge, cloud across the range of very cheap to super expensive.

Experimenting worked better in my 20's and 30's... not so much any more...

My 2c: if you have the budget (including a medical one for physios and doctors to help repair bad choices), try 'em all... not for only for 10k, but train for and run at least a marathon in each style to see what works and what doesn't.

Godspeed!