MY COMRADES STORY BY FORTUNATE NTHABISENG MOSHEQANE, GREEN #53545

MY COMRADES STORY BY FORTUNATE NTHABISENG MOSHEQANE, GREEN #53545

“It all began in 2004 when my sister, Lebogang Mokoana (Green #53542), and I ran our first Comrades Marathon—the longest distance we had ever attempted. I had always watched the race on TV, alongside my other sister, Trinity Mokoana, who had supported us throughout the years.

The race was an Up Run, and we had heard stories about the tough hills ahead, but we were completely unprepared for the real challenge awaiting us. We were among the last to cross the start line, with ambulances and rescue vehicles trailing behind us. Despite this, we weren’t worried; we had trained hard for months. After a few kilometres, we found ourselves running among others, pushing forward toward the finish line.

I struggled from the start, but my sister carried me through it, and I found some strength with 24km left. At Little Pollys, my sister experienced stomach cramps, but she too managed to recover. Finally, we crossed the finish line in Pietermaritzburg at 11:54:25, having completed the 86.7km of The Ultimate Human Race. We were overjoyed at our achievement.

In 2005, I signed up for my first Down Run, but my sister decided not to return, so I ran it alone, finishing in 11:13:01. I then set a personal best for the Up Run in 2006 with a time of 10:56:55. The years continued, and in 2009, my sister came back for her second Comrades, and we completed it together in 11:56:42. By then, I had accumulated six medals.

In 2010, I didn’t race as I was pregnant, but I was back in 2011, crossing the finish line with my sister and my husband, Lwazi Mosheqane (Green #31325) in 11:56:44. This was a particularly challenging race for me, as I was a new mom and was breastfeeding full-time. I had to pump and store milk to ensure I didn’t breastfeed for at least three days after the race, in order to reduce the lactic acid in my system. That 7th medal meant the world to me.

I tried to run again in 2012, but I was ill every time I attempted a qualifying marathon, so I decided to substitute my race number. I returned in 2013 for the Up Run, which turned out to be one of the hottest and most brutal Comrades I’ve ever experienced. Unfortunately, I had my first DNF at the top of Polly Shortts, which broke my heart, but I promised myself to return in 2014.

In 2014, I came back strong and completed the race with my husband at 11:54:13, securing my 8th medal. However, in 2015, I had another DNF at Polly Shortts, and I began to question my love for the Up Run. It felt like the journey was getting harder.

In 2016, I didn’t race due to an exam and a pregnancy that soon followed. I gave birth to my son in 2017, still holding on to my eight medals. I tried to return in 2018, but the new qualifying time of 4:49 meant I didn’t qualify, missing out by just three minutes. I let go of my goal for the 9th medal at that time.

In 2019, I qualified early, but after struggling with my Two Oceans race, I decided not to start Comrades to allow my body to recover. I qualified again in 2020, but the pandemic delayed the race, leaving me in limbo.

In 2022, I finally got the chance to race after a six-year break. Returning as a "seasoned novice," I was prepared but unsure of what to expect. My husband and I faced our first DNF together, and I was heartbroken once more. But I reminded myself that I couldn’t give up. I registered for the 2023 race, determined to achieve my 9th medal.

This time, I adopted a new mindset—not to focus on getting the 9th medal but to simply run the race. The support from my family and husband, along with my self-talk and motivation, got me through the race, and we crossed the finish line at 11:53:03. My 9th medal was finally mine!

I was now one step closer to earning my coveted Green Number. Training for the 2024 race was on track, however qualifying was a struggle, but I eventually managed. Just a week before the race, I faced a tummy bug and feared my Green Number might slip away. But with determination, I got back on track.

I reminded myself of the post I had written to myself on May 20, 2024 with a photo of the Green Number club, captioned: "With just 19 days to go before the Big C. I’m claiming this one already! Green Number 53545.”

The day of the race, June 9, 2024, was extra special because it also marked my sister Trinity’s 40th birthday. She had sacrificed her milestone celebration to be there for me. Her words, “Nthabi, if you don’t do it for yourself, do it for me,” stuck with me.

We crossed the finish line in 11:56:52, knowing I had finally made it. The Green Number was mine, and the journey, which had spanned two decades, was complete.

I am forever grateful to my husband Lwazi for always believing in me, for not giving up on claiming the 3rd Green for our family. After achieving this incredible milestone, my husband and I decided not to register for the 2025 Comrades. Our children, Simphiwe and Lonwabo Mosheqane, had always supported us, and we wanted to thank them by giving them the chance to witness the race in person.

They had been our biggest supporters; throughout this journey they have learned that failure is not ultimate. And so, the Comrades journey continues! Who knows what the future holds for us, but I am forever grateful for the experience and the lessons learned along the way.”

The winner of this month’s Mr Price Sport voucher is Fortunate Nthabiseng Mosheqane.

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