Vuma FM station manager and businesswoman, Phindi Gule, went from being a non-runner to an Ultra Marathon finisher in a space of only eight months, and she is determined to motivate more women to take on the Comrades Marathon.
Gule, a facilitator for the innovative Vital-Comrades Marathon women’s seminars, says: “Anyone who has a high level of tolerance for pain (from what I know – most women) can successfully run and complete Comrades. Comrades does not only require physical strength, you also have to be mentally ready. If the mind is at the right place, the body will oblige!”
The Vital-Comrades Marathon women’s seminars focused on preparing women who have entered the 2013 Comrades Marathon for the peak training months of March and April.
“We have experts imparting valuable information about the race and how to prepare for it. Most important, mine is to inspire women to run and complete this Ultimate Human Race – Comrades by drawing from my own experience especially because I moved from being a non-runner to being an Ultra Marathon finisher all in a space on eight months.
Gule feels that while statistics show that the majority of Comrades Marathon finishers are men, it is not an indication of a lack of women runners. She believes women need encouragement to tackle the race and the seminars have provided the ideal platform to do so.
“A Sports Doctor, Sports Psychologist, Dietician and the Official Comrades Coach give expert advice and answer questions from the ladies to ensure that they are ready both mentally and physically.”
Gule’s Comrades Marathon journey started because she needed something to challenge her both mentally and physically and says it still feels “unreal”. She credits her partner Kevin Burley for supporting her mission to finish the gruelling ultra-marathon.
“To this day, I drive to PMB for meetings, and still cannot believe that I covered the distance on foot. It is difficult to describe the feeling, on the day I went through every possible emotion. I cried, laughed, screamed, sang, got angry, doubted myself … But, in the end, celebrated!
“Finishing Comrades made me believe in myself even more … Now my attitude is I can never say I cannot do something without trying it – nothing is impossible.”
Gule’s training included running 40km a week – short runs weekdays (5km), long runs on Sundays (25km) and some Sundays she took part in local races. She advises a healthy diet and lots of strength exercises in between.
This busy body has more on her plate than ever before, but she is determined to do it all.
“My biggest project this year is Vuma 103FM, it will soon be the biggest radio station in KZN. I’m working closely with various brands in my company Phindi Gule Communications & Marketing. I’ve also teamed up with friends in the industry working on various projects.
“I’ve been very busy. In November 2012 I took up a position as the Station Manager of Vuma 103FM. It took a lot of my training time but I’m addicted to this race and I want to continue inspiring women particularly Professionals who often claim that there is no time to do anything … Well ladies, we must make time for everything!”
So, what is her advice to women running their first Comrades this year? “Never doubt yourself, take it 5km at a time, make friends, have fun and celebrate the finish.
“Whatever you do on the day, keep moving forward – make it your business to finish the race … Do not bail out!”
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