I commenced my running in 1994 when I first ran the Gunrun 21k and completed it in 1 hour 58 minutes.  Since then I have run many 5k, 10k, 21k and three 42k races and I had always said I would never run Comrades as I feel I’m not an ultra distance runner.

However, in 2007 I found myself running Comrades for a charity and in remembrance of my niece.  I completed it in 11 hour 11 minutes.  It was a wonderful experience but felt that I would never do it again.

Last year my nephew, Kennith Barlow ran Comrades and unfortunately had to withdraw from the race.  I called him after the race and while chatting with him, I asked whether he would like me to run it with him in 2016 to which he said, ‘yes’.  So here I am training for Comrades once again which takes place on 29 May, 89k, Pietermaritzburg to Durban. 

On Sunday, 21 February I ran the Cape Peninsula 42k to qualify for Comrades and am happy to report that I have qualified by finishing in 4 hours 47 minutes.

Now the real training begins and I have to build the weekly mileage so that I may have a comfortable run.  I’m looking forward to the race as the experience and comrade in Comrades is awesome.

Julia Barlow

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