How I turned green

Posted by Tanya Kovarsky on Jun 5, 2012 in running | 11 comments

Dear Max

There are times in life when I think HTF did I get somewhere, or HTF did I do that, and right now I’m thinking just that. I ran and finished Comrades on Sunday and it’s taken me many disbelieving glances at my permanent green number for things to really sink in. Like, holy cow – I did that!

My run on Sunday was a special one, and it went really smoothly. I expected the worst, and was surprised by how well it went. There was pain, there was fatigue, there were tears (this time only good ones) and there were blisters. But there was support, there was heart, and call me crazy, but I felt like I was being carried through.

On the whole, I had lots to give, plenty to take from runners and crowds, and a sense of humour at the end. The whole day was a reminder of how strong the will is, how strong running ties are, and how wonderful the human spirit is – whether it’s spectators offering runners bananas, or the disabled children lining the streets and giving runners high-fives, or the man helping the limping and injured woman reach her finish. Look around at Comrades and there are so many of these stories, and I’ve always said it’s a privilege to be part of this tale. It’s worth every pain and struggle.

But I missed you terribly, and while your dad and I ran a comfortable few kays together, we spoke about how we missed you, and yakked about what an awesome child you are (as parents do).

Can’t wait to see you, and limp to the front gate as I fetch you from school later!

Yours in blisters and pride
xMom

Running through the old scars

Posted by Tanya Kovarsky on May 30, 2012 in running | 14 comments

Dear Max

In three days’ time I’m leaving you (for the third time) to go run the Comrades. I’ve written a lot about running to you – how hard, rewarding, life-changing and painful it’s been for me.

It’s my 10^th time making this journey and I hope to see that finish line in time and in tact. This year has been challenging physically and mentally, and I’ve had obstacles in trying to get over myself, my injuries and a waning interest in doing the long-distance thing.

Last week I met a guy I last saw when I was at school (trust me – a long time ago) and his jaw dropped when he heard I was running the big C. See, I was a bit wayward at school and I know I’ve written about being overweight, bunking PT, not being driven, and lacking in good self esteem. And as many people do, I changed, and almost rewired my brain/motivation/confidence, thanks to some positive influences, a great therapist and the intention to just do better in life.

And each kilometre I ever run, I think of that smoking teenager, and how full of angst and confusion she was. And I think of how I rewrote my script, and guided my own way despite having lacked guides in my own life for a large part. And I’m pretty proud, and while I’m not the first or last person to ever do anything cool or beyond expectations, I still smile every time I do something that I could never at one point conceive of.

Many people at Comrades share this story, and many in life do too. It’s proof that you can and need to be your own best cheerleader, compass, guide and coach, while taking as much help as possible from the outside.

While I run on Sunday, I will think of you, of the distance I’ve travelled, and of the people who helped me get there. And I’ll remember those who couldn’t be there, those whose legacies live on in that long 89km stretch, and to my gran, who believed in me before I ever knew what I could do.

I’ll see you when I’m back. And while my legs will be sore and I won’t be able to run around much, my arms will be so strong for hugs, lifts and throws.

xMom

I feel like I’m in the poo

Posted by Tanya Kovarsky on Mar 30, 2012 in running | 1 comment

Dear Max

I’ve blogged here a lot about my running, how I love Comrades and am aiming to run my 10th  this year, and now I find myself a little injured and a lot scared. I sprained my ankle on a run a few weeks ago, and then tried to run a marathon with it, hurting my other Achilles at the same time. I’ve running short distances, in a bit of pain, and I’m behind on mileage and marathons.

Part of me is happy not to be running that much or that hard these days, another part is fearful I won’t be anywhere near the green number tent on June 3. But if I’ve learnt anything, aside from how sore my current treatment and exercises are, it’s that it’s a smart idea to seek help when one is in pain.

One think that’s keeping my spirits up is that I’m trying to raise money for Starfish charity, which looks after thousands of children like you, except many of these kids don’t have children, and all of them have been affected HIV-Aids. This organisation tends to these children, many of whom line the streets of Comrades, cheering runners as they go past.

So I’m kindly asking readers of this blog to help donate to Starfish through Facebook – every cent goes towards Starfish, and no donation is too small. We Greathearts are aiming to raise R2 million for Starfish. If you’re keen to donate, you can do it via Facebook, a safe and quick process (I’ve done it three times for fellow Greathearts).

Steps to supporting a Greatheart;

i.            Click on this URL – www.facebook.com/starfishcharity

ii.            Like the page / group

iii.            Click on the Comrades Greathearts tab

iv.            Click either;

a.       Register as a Greatheart – if you are running Comrades

b.      Or support a Greatheart

v.            Select me or anyone else I don’t really mind.

vi.            Follow the simple on screen prompts

vii.            Know that you rock!!

Thank you readers (and sorry Max for usurping your space)

xT

Another thing that running has taught me

Posted by Tanya Kovarsky on Jun 6, 2011 in Uncategorized | 1 comment

Dear Max

It’s a week after Comrades and I have what’s informally known as the Post-Comrades Blues. I miss it terribly, and I’m looking back at it longingly (clearly having forgotten the pain, tears and questions of WTF am I doing this for?).

I often look back at things longingly and want to go back in time – in your case it’s so many things, like your birth, your first birthday, your first steps, our holidays. And it’s good to have great memories and reminisce, but it’s another thing being rooted in the past, which is something I sometimes do.

One of the best lessons I’ve learnt on the road is to not look behind at what you’ve run, nor what you have way ahead. Just stay in the present kilometre and focus on that, and take in the experience wholly. I hope you can do that as much as possible in your life Max, and not be dragged down by future worries or past experiences that appear better than today’s. It’s not an easy feat, but one I am trying to work on, and one that I hope we can both use to enjoy the now and appreciate it more.

Love you,
Mom

Things I learnt and re-learnt at Comrades

Posted by Tanya Kovarsky on Jun 1, 2011 in Uncategorized | 9 comments

Dear Max

During my looooong run on Sunday at Comrades, I learnt the following lessons, which I thought I’d share, because I’m big on lessons, and just in case you want to run one the race one day (no pressure, but it would be brilliant. No pressure though – have I said that already?)

- Despite the crap in the world, there is a whole lot of good out there. People who care, people who support, people who share. I saw selflessness and kindness from strangers – from the chicken sandwich from two women at the bottom of Polly Shortts, to the runner who gently eased me to one side as a motorbike approached from the front.
- The mind is bloody strong. Don’t ever underestimate it. Even when you feel like quitting or feel there’s something you can’t do, you probably can.
- Pepsi isn’t so bad. Just when you think the “underdog” won’t win, or that bigger is better, it sometimes isn’t the case.
- Tweeting as you walk up a hill makes the hill go quicker.
- A cheer and a high-five from a schoolboy in a wheelchair is worth more than a medal.
- Pain eventually goes away.
- Bennetts bum cream is not only amazing for you, but to prevent chafing too.
- The Twitter community can be exceptionally supportive and open-armed.
- A milkshake after the race aids recovery. And is guilt free.
- Looking at all the babies and toddlers on the route makes you miss your own child. A lot…

Love you!
xMom