Givahn Ranjith, a 30-year-old telecommunications representative from Phoenix, has decided to take on the biggest race of his life and run his first Comrades Marathon.
Ranjith, a member of the Woodview Athletics Club, said: “I never dreamed of running the Comrades Marathon until I qualified. I always thought it was way ahead of me. However, my friends in the running community motivated me to take on the challenge and push myself.”
He said he started running two years ago.
“My training has been good. I know the run will not be easy and that it will test my limits. However, I am looking forward to the camaraderie along the route, the support from spectators, and the personal growth that comes from taking on something this demanding. My goal is to finish within the 12-hour cutoff. I’m expecting a humbling experience.”
He said he trained five to six days a week.
“This depends on the phase of my training block, which means how often and how hard I train depends on which stage I’m currently in. Base phase, building phase, peak phase, taper phase, and all this is done to be ready for race day.”
Ranjith said he currently experienced a mix of nerves and excitement.
“This has been months in the making. I know how hard I have worked and I intend to do my best. Most of all, I want to soak in every moment.”
He said he has received advice from fellow runners on how to tackle his first race as well as support from his family.
“The biggest piece of advice I received was to respect the distance. It’s not just a longer marathon, it’s a completely different beast. My family has been incredibly supportive throughout this journey. They will be waiting for me along the route and at the finish,” said Ranjith.
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