I started with Morne at MCC in June 2024. At the time, cycling was my first fitness passion, but I was looking for a new challenge.
MCC analysed my training plans, pointed out the flaws and explained why I used to cramp. I was overtraining on weekends and not doing enough strength work. We also tried a few different nutrition products until we found the combination that worked for me. Not long after that, my triathlon journey began.
Finding My Feet in Triathlon
My first Ironman event was the 5150 in Port Elizabeth. Morne supported his athletes throughout the whole day, and I can still remember him cheering as I started the 10km run: “Go get your medal. You’ve got this.”
The next challenge was the Ironman 70.3 in Durban. What an event. Once again, Morne was there for the whole day. During the run, he even walked with me for a stretch. I was in a lot of pain, but he reminded me that I had more than enough time to run-walk the remaining 18km.
Seeing and hearing him out on the course — always encouraging and always laughing — made those 21km a lot easier.
The Road to Comrades
By 2026, the goal had become my first Comrades Marathon. We trained hard, but there was still work to do. I ran my first marathon in November 2025 at the Diamond Dash, finishing in 5h37. Morne knew I needed to improve and, as he does, made another plan.
In February 2026, I tried to qualify again. I started cramping and finished in 5h17. There was another plan, more work and another opportunity. On 2 May 2026, I finally qualified with a marathon time of 4h59.
Comrades Day
On 14 June 2026, I stood on the Comrades start line full of hope.
The first 20km was brutal, and just after 21km I started cramping again. Then, at 24km, a familiar face greeted me with a huge smile. There was Morne, with friends, cheering and encouraging me.
I quickly told him about the cramping. Not long afterwards, a WhatsApp message came through from him:
“It will be tough and hard, but you trained for this and I know you can. Just enjoy the day and have fun.”
More Than Just a Race
That was when it really hit me. It wasn’t only about what happened on that particular day. It was about every early-morning workout in the gym, the long runs, the difficult sessions and everything that had gone into getting me to that start line.
I wish I could explain the joy of that moment — realising what a blessing it is to be able to run, to have friends and people around me who supported me, and to understand that the race itself was almost a bonus.
I was cut off at 67km and didn’t finish Comrades this year. But when I climbed onto the bus, I felt content. I had come a very long way in just two years.
Looking Back
Looking back at those two years of sport and fitness, I completed two 5150s and my first Ironman 70.3, ran my first marathon, and just six months later stood on the Comrades start line.
What Morne has taught me is that hard work pays off. You need to build a strong support team for the times when things get tough, and whatever race or event you’re doing, you need to have fun.
It is a blessing simply to be able to take part.