Marno Van Der Meulen
Monday, March 07, 2016
On who you are…
I am 20 years old, and currently studying Mechanical Engineering at the University of Pretoria. I come from a small town called Hoedspruit en Limpopo. This is where I grew up and learnt to love running and being active! I grew up with 3 older brothers who are all just as active and encourage me throughout everything I do. I live in Sonop Christelike Tehuis with 160 brothers in arms, be it social life, academics or sport, these guys are what keeps me going.
On running…
I've been running all my life, not always in the same format. I tried jogging when I was younger, but didn't like it much. I was more into athletics, more specific 400m hurdles. I ran hurdles from grade 6 to 12 and managed to make it to the South African championships a few times and even getting a bronze medal in grade 11.
Then in 2015 my brother did the Comrades Ultra Marathon and after completing this he challenged me and my other brothers, along with my dad to complete the Comrades in 2016. So like only a brother can he inspired me to take on this man slaughtering challenge that just might kill me. And now I finished my first 42.2km in 3:50:47 on the 20th Feb, with two brothers running along. I'd say I've come a long way from 400 meters.
On Street culture…
Not too sure what you mean by this. But I live in Pretoria South Africa, probably one of the most diverse cities in the world. And I love most of it from the friendly people on the streets to the car cards recognizing you from yesterday. I have seen many different spectacles while jogging, my favourite being the incredibly beautiful homes in Pta!
On Running culture…
I grew up with a awesome running culture within my own home, my parents have been, for the last 25 years, waking up every morning at 5:30 to go jogging. And I am incredibly thankful for being brought up healthy and sport loving. I joined my club this year in Pretoria and love there traditions of Sunday runs with sweet and drink support. In the residence I live in we have there own internal race every year and many really healthy fit guys taking part. So you can say that if I have not been placed in a strong running culture, I would move to somewhere where running or general well being is priority.
On gadgets…
The only real gadgets I use is my TomTom MultiSport and my foam roller. I don't see much use for any extra gadgets. I don't have that much money for to many gadgets.
On injury…
During my training for Comrades in the last three months I experienced some discomfort in my knees. I went to the physiotherapist to treat it and with careful stretching prior to runs and a proper cool down session afterwards I prevented this injury from becoming a serious ITB injury. I am still very careful and scared that it might pop up before or during the Comrades! A piece of advice for any runner of any sort anywhere, STRETCH! 12 years of experience has taught me that this is the best prevention for any injuries.
On achievements…
Currently my biggest achievements is being 3rd at South African Championships in 201.
I am also very proud of my 1:43 on m second 21.1km ever!
On future goals…
Running Comrades under 9 hours this year and under 7 and a half hours in the next 10 years. I am also looking at taking my 21.1km time down to sub 1:30.
On your social media…
I do Instagram and Facebook on occasion, but only when.the occasion I big enough an worth posting. I aim at not telling every bit of my life to people there mostly just scroll through post like there searching for something. When I do post something, it has to be something that makes a everyday Facebooker stop and take a second look to take in the awesomeness!
On Pink…
I like pink when it stands for something.
On Pain...
I hate having pain but I feel that pain is not something to keep you from doing what you set out to finish!
When I die…
When I die, I will be remembered for not only what I did, but who I was!
#RunRevolution
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