Stronger Together: Love, Running and the Road to Comrades Marathon

In this inspiring episode, I have a conversation with Steve and Thembi Mashabane, a married couple passionate about running, health, and doing life together. From how their fitness journey began to preparing for their second Comrades Marathon, they share the realities, challenges, and rewards of pursuing an active lifestyle as a couple.

We explore how running has strengthened not only their bodies, but also their relationship, discipline, family life, and personal growth. Steve and Thembi open up about balancing training with work and family responsibilities, supporting each other through demanding seasons, and staying committed to their goals together.

Whether you are a runner, a couple looking to become more active, or someone searching for motivation to start your own wellness journey, this conversation will encourage you to take the first step and discover the power of growing stronger together.

Transcript

SPEAKER_01 0:58

I am joined by a very powerful inspiring couples, two and ten cards. Partners in life and partners in journey. They are here to share their beautiful story, their journey of staying active together. I think it's such a powerful thing. And I'm confident their story will encourage you and inspire you as well. Steve and Tembi, welcome to Move and Drive. Thank you so much for joining me today. I'm very excited today to have you in this platform. Before we can get into the running and the comrades that we're going to talk about today, maybe just tell us where does your story begin as a couple in general. Maybe I will I will pose this question to you, Steve. Tell us who is Steve and who is Tembi as a couple.

SPEAKER_02 1:52

Okay, so Steve and Tembi, we are both from Pumalang. We met in 2020. It's quite a while, yeah. Twenty oh three in at SAP. And we got married in 2006, quite a number of years after we had met. So we've been married now for we're taking 20 years this year. So it's been quite a gen year.

SPEAKER_01 2:26

That's a long time, eh? That's a long time.

SPEAKER_02 2:29

Yeah. Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 2:30

Started with you because I wanted to test if you remember the dates that I've seen very sharp. Yeah. I know you guys have four beautiful children. Um maybe Tim, do you want to tell us about that as well?

SPEAKER_00 2:46

Okay. Yes, as you have said, we do have four beautiful kids. We have three boys and one girl. It is a beautiful journey that we are embracing it each and every day.

SPEAKER_01 3:01

I know you guys love each other so much, and I see the support you give each other even in the preparation for comrades. So we'll talk about that today. Um, your journey, how you as a couple are working together in the matters of lifestyle. Maybe take us through your journey into this learning that you are involved in and other you know gym activities that you guys do. I know you are very active people. When did it begin? Did you start as a couple or one started and then another followed?

SPEAKER_02 3:37

Yeah, maybe I can start from my side. Um growing up, I I used to be very active. I used to play soccer, so that was the only sport available. Um but it kept us, you know, fit until around 2019, you know, when I was approaching the 40 year mark, then I realized that you know soccer was no longer the sport because of the injuries associated with it. And I was looking for something that, you know, or an activity that you know would complement the age. So and running sort of naturally you know fitted well with what I was uh looking for. And it was also influenced by you know um uh friends like yourself, Sia um and a couple of others, you know, when I looked at how you were doing it, and I really liked it. And then um also part of that there was also gym, you know. But there was no structure in what um I was doing. It was just to, you know, keep fit, keep healthy. That was it. And but it started, you know, around 2019. I mean the the running, the actual running. No races at the time. It was just keeping fit, keeping healthy until around 2022, 23, where that's when I started, you know, looking at races and structuring my runs and all that. So yeah, that's that's that's been the journey, and that's how it's been it's been continuing since then.

SPEAKER_01 5:28

Okay, okay. Have you ever thought of at that time that you one day you'll be running comrades? Was it always something you wanted to do?

SPEAKER_02 5:37

Not at all. So the it was just like I said, it was I needed something to replace soccer at my age. And there was no comrades, nothing at all. In 2019, there were no even races. Um, it was just running. Um and only around 2022 then the races that uh mindset started kicking in. And the comrades was through motivation, um, you know, based on how I was doing, to say, look, man, you're running well, why not um register for comrades? That was 2023 to 22, sorry, 2024 to 2025.

SPEAKER_01 6:22

Okay, okay. Yeah, because yeah, you are very committed now, and you've done your first one last year, and you're going for your second one, which is gonna be a good one up run for this year, and you're gonna get your double medal, yeah.

SPEAKER_02 6:40

Yeah, looking forward to that, yeah.

SPEAKER_01 6:42

Sure. Tembi, your story. I know you are now active, you um very, very motivated. Where is your story beginning? Um because of your husband that you are now involved in running.

SPEAKER_00 6:57

Okay, uh, like he said, the fitness journey started around 2019, so we both joined uh the gym. But unfortunately, because of COVID, we stopped. And um my son I was able to pick up after COVID. I mean, it was a bit difficult for me to like pick up my fitness journey. I couldn't. But because of his discipline and commitment, I was able to pick up again and start the fitness journey. So yeah, initially it was on and off, but as time goes, I was able now to be committed as well because of his discipline. I was drawn in to do it with intention. That's wonderful. That's wonderful.

SPEAKER_01 7:55

Always powerful to hear how these journeys um do not start perfectly, but you see people progressing, and I'm very impressed that you guys are working together as a couple, motivating each other to do this. And it's it's very it's very good. And maybe that's a reason why I brought you here to motivate and encourage others, you know, that it's possible. I know it's a situation where one is active, is trying his best, but the partner is not supportive, it's even negative about what the other one is doing. So it's it's good to see how you motivate each other in in these things. Steve, maybe just get into it. You are preparing for Comrades Marathon, which is 85 point something kilometers. Yeah, super ultra marathon. Uh tell us of your experience in the past. You've done your first one, which was a down run. Now you're going for an up run. What has been the journey for you? Can you just give us your experience and how how how has it changed you as a person?

SPEAKER_02 8:59

Quite an interesting question. I mean, um if you speak to an ordinary person who doesn't run and speak about running 85, 89 kilometers, and you you you speak about what what is interesting there? It's it's quite a question, you know, people don't understand. And also I had the same question. What is interesting in in running a a Compress marathon, in running 85 plus kilometers? What what is what is there? It's it's a life-changing experience, let me say. And also let me be quick to say it is difficult. Uh but it's yet it's enjoyable. And that's the irony that I find it difficult to explain to an ordinary person who doesn't run when the question is posed about uh running and running that uh long distance. It's it's it's difficult but yet enjoyable. You know, it's very strange to see thousands of people uh spend money, spend time and go through uh so much pain in those kilometers. And there's a lot that you learn there, and it has taught me quite a lot, not just in in running, in how you you prepare for comrades, but how you approach life in general, um your your work life, your your family life, you know, and other aspects of your life, how you manage relationships, all packaged in that experience. And I think that has been a life-changing experience. Hence you find people while they are running the comrades, they will tell you, I'm not coming back here. But you find them coming back the next year because of the experience, you know, you want to you want to continue doing it, you know, because of the benefits that come with it.

SPEAKER_01 10:56

Yeah, I know it as well from experience. Comrades is more than just a race, eh? Yeah, it's emotional, it's mental, it's physical. It it shapes you as a human being. Yeah, and I'm really interested. That's why I'm I'm asking you this question. Now tell me how how how is the journey now in the preparation for this second one now? You I know they say if you have not done up and down, you have not really done comrades. Uh you you go because these are two different races, uh basically. So you're gonna go for your up run, you've never experienced it. How have you prepared yourself for that? I know we are left with a few weeks. How have you prepared? Tell us of your preparation um for this in terms of mileage accumulation, your training, and the discipline that is involved in the in the in the training.

SPEAKER_02 11:48

Yeah, f firstly, I think it's important to note that um I am not an expert. I'm still learning from those who have done it, you know, many times who have the experience. So how I approached the first one last year um was I went with an open mind. Um as much as I would listen to those who have done it, my take was I want to learn it myself. And like you said, the up run, I've never I've never done the up run. And my approach is also the same. I want to approach it as a novice. Um I will be uh going you know through terrains that I've no I've never seen before. So I want to learn it as I go. But again, you've touched on very important aspects of running discipline, um, consistency and commitment. And for me, those are very important. So you cannot you cannot run 85, even 42 for that matter, without having the discipline to prepare, to have a plan, to stick to the plan and to have the consistency, you know, to repeat, to keep coming back and wanting to do it. And that has been the cornerstone of what I've been doing. And like I said, I want to keep on doing that because I've seen it work for me last year and I want to repeat it with the with my first run of the you know, the up run. I want to repeat the same because I've seen the benefits of of of having the commitment, of having the discipline, of being consistent and having a plan and being committed to that plan and seeing I mean seeing that plan through. So and again, maybe the last point on this question is um take advice. However, apply the advice in line with the with your plan and your abilities. Because remember, we don't have the same abilities. Um so you integrate the advice into your plan and it works out it the the results, I mean, definitely will come out and will show.

SPEAKER_01 14:17

Sure, sure, sure. Yeah, you talk about uh commitment, um I believe commitment to training program. So the program that you are on, is it related to the goal that you are aiming for at Comrades? I know you say you want to do a sub-10 hour uh marathon. So how was the program? Was it aligned to that?

SPEAKER_02 14:42

Firstly, there is a goal. The goal is the sub-10, as we have put it. That's my goal. And I have a plan. The plan is the training plan. How do I get to a sub 10? So, what do I do on a day-to-day basis on my training? And that's the how part. How do I achieve that goal? And I believe that once you have a goal and you have a plan, what comes in between will not deter you from you know achieving that goal. Sometimes it is possible that during the the run uh things might happen. Like last year I had an injury, around 30 or so kilometers, I started feeling the pain. So the plan had to change slightly, no, the pace had to drop and all that. But then the goal remained. So it is possible that the plan might change, and that's what running teaches you, by the way. The plan might change, but the goal is still the same. So I think that's very important, and I think those are the things that you don't just get anyway, and I've learned those in running, and it's applicable in other areas of my life as well.

SPEAKER_01 16:00

Yeah, I know you're very uh a disciplined person. I've seen your stats, and you are one person I know who is very consistent and committed to the program. No, next year definitely Bill Rowan is coming. The way you are so committed, you are very fit. Uh I train with you and I I know what I'm talking about. So now I want to come back to you, Tembi. Um, what has been your observation when you see your husband waking up in the morning and all of that? On your side, I know other wives worry when they see their partners train so hard and sometimes discourage them. What has been your observation uh in terms of machabaness preparation for comrades?

SPEAKER_00 16:46

Okay. Um during the preparation period, I think I am more lenient or I'm more understanding because I know what uh he wants to achieve because this is something that he sat down with me and he told me I want to achieve this and these are my goals. So I do understand I'm not even worried, you know. Yes, there are days whereby you want to slip in and cuddle with your person, but you just need to understand the the goal, and I think that's where the sacrifice comes in. Because if I start to become grumpy about it, his mental state won't be okay. And it means he won't be ready for for the comrades or to achieve what he needs to. So I just need to be supportive all the time because I know we see after June he'll be back.

SPEAKER_01 17:49

Okay. I was about to ask you if if you are happy that June is coming and it's gonna pass and get all the benefits of him being at home. Yeah. No, this is good. I think uh as a couple you are doing it right. You mentioned that you sat down and discussed the plan and all of that, how we're gonna support each other and all of that. So I'm very happy to hear you say that. And then now as part of your support, what exactly do you do you do in in support of him? I saw some um TikTok video of you preparing a a very good meal on a Sunday. And I'm sure that's a motivator for him.

SPEAKER_00 18:34

Okay, um, to be honest, i it's not a lot. Like I've said before, as a partner you need to understand what your partner wants to achieve because running is not cheap, it's very expensive. Number one. You need to understand that okay, my partner needs to get this kind of gear in order for him to be able to run. He needs to get this kind of supplements, you need to understand that. And when he goes for his uh normal training runs, I make sure that there is uh food prepared for him when he when he comes back. And long runs I make sure that before he comes back lunch is ready and I make sure that I don't even overwork myself because he will need me to assist him to stretch and uh to massage him. You understand that? So those are the things that I take into account okay. Today he went to a long run. I need to relax and run so that I'll be able to support him when he comes back.

SPEAKER_01 19:52

Sure, sure. I like the part of uh massages and sketches. Wow, wow, wow, wow. That's interesting. But now you also involve in running um uh Tembi and also doing some gym. Do you feel he is giving you the same kind of support you give him?

SPEAKER_00 20:14

Yes, he does. He does give me the support and he does encourage me to do it. I will make an example of what happened last week. I was not registered for for the correct race, but uh as soon as uh there was an opportunity for me to substitute with someone, he immediately registered me for that race, you know. So that's the kind of support that I need from him to understand with you. Now, I have my goals that I want to achieve, and if he is supportive like that, then I'm happy.

SPEAKER_01 20:52

Okay, no, that's good. That's very good because sometimes one person thinks everything revolves around him and doesn't think that the other person also needs support. Even at home, I mean runners just give an excuse. I'm tired, they don't look after the home the way they're supposed to. So neglecting duty is another big problem in this in this. But I'm glad you guys are balancing things. Uh Mr. Mashaban, tell me the kind of support you receive. Is there something you want to say around that?

SPEAKER_02 21:24

Yeah, I think my wife uh mentioned uh very important points. You know, I've said and I've seen it also uh from other runners saying that you know during this season we eat a lot, we eat a lot. And she makes sure that it's not just food but it's a well balanced meal nutritionally, you know. So I'm just e echoing what she's mentioned. But what I find very important for me um is that he understands. That I I like running, you know. Um, like she said, we spoke about it, and there's there's nothing hidden. Um, if I go for a race, we speak about it that I'm registering for that race. She would say no, go for it. You know, so there's that understanding, and she understands even the benefits of having a healthy husband, you know. Um, not you know, there are things that you would not mention in in platforms like this, but they must be mentioned, my friend. Yeah, so but I mean there are benefits. So she's she's she's a recipient of those benefits. So she's the one who's sometimes pushing me, amen. You must you must train. Like now she was saying, are you ready for the up run? Are your uh clutes? Have you seen that type of training that you need to do to strengthen your clutes and whatnot, you know? Because she she she and as much as she wants to see me succeed there, she's also benefiting in some in some in some way, you know. So I I am I'm very much happy about the the the support from my wife, and hence I I want to uh pull her as well. I uh like she said, I she's starting with marathons and all that, because I want her to to have the same benefits. Because it's it's it goes both ways, like you said, and the benefits are are for all of us to enjoy.

SPEAKER_01 23:28

Yeah, you're touching on a very important aspect because we may be seen as crazy doing this and that, but there are health benefits to this that even benefits uh our sexual uh health as well, mental health, physical health, and all of that. So these are the benefits that we get from living an active lifestyle for both men and women, by the way. We both benefits, yeah. Yeah. Now tell me, I know comrades need a lot of time. How how are you balancing training with work, family, and other many relationships? I know you've got your children that are doing school, you've got a big house that you look after, you've got many other responsibilities, you are a leader in the church. How how how are you finding balance in training, work, family, and many other responsibilities?

SPEAKER_02 24:24

So part of it he's touched on it. I mean, and I would summarize it and say it's that upfront open communication. So it's important that to manage the expectation, um, the communication is done upfront, meaning she knows that I'll I run, and how do we manage my uh hobby, you know, and my activity, and how do I manage her hobby and her activity right up front. So the first thing is you know, my running does not compete for time and attention, you know, for with other um um engagements or commitments that I have. Like, for example, you've mentioned uh my relationship, uh work, uh my you know wife, colleagues, and all that. So there's no competition there. In fact, if you look at it right, it should there should be a a complement of some sort of those uh aspects. So understanding that everything has got its own time, meaning she knows that after work between half past five and half past six to seven, I am running. So it's known on Sunday, uh between five o'clock and half past nine, I am doing the my long runs. She knows, so she she has that well upfront. I cannot just come and say uh I'm going to run you know out of the blue. So everything is communicated. Like, for example, Sunday, she knows that after I mean when I come back at half past nine, we've got um our you know um rounds that we do for the family or for the house, for the household together, there's time for that. At work as well, I have communicated with my colleagues, they know that, like for example, on a Friday I do a long run. I'm not driving, I am running. So if there is something that needs to happen, that is an emergency during that time, I won't be available. So the you you manage the expectation and it balances you know the the the the aspects of your life, the kids as well, the children, they know when am I available for them, when am I not available because I am running. So you don't want to make it uh to be a burden to either your wife, your children, or your colleagues, or even um you know, other relationships that you have with others by making sure that you communicate and you put everything in in its time and you manage it that way.

SPEAKER_01 27:18

Now I want us to I know it's all sounds good and ideal what you are discussing here, but I want us to look at challenges and reality of this. Um I want us to look at the real challenges that people don't actually see with living an active lifestyle like getting involved in comrades marathon. What are the the sacrifices, struggles, and challenges, real challenges that you experience? Maybe we'll start with Tempi. I know at first she did mention a few of some sacrifices that she will make. Um are there real challenges in in having a partner who runs Congress Marathon?

unknown 28:02

Dr.

SPEAKER_00 28:02

Nana, to be honest, on my side, so far I haven't seen any challenges. Because as much as he runs, he trains and all that, we still have him. We still he still has time for us. And to make sure that everything is still running smoothly, he's not neglecting anything.

SPEAKER_01 28:34

Uh families really struggle and it can cause conflict in the family where one is absent and is using that as an excuse of not being at home and always be away uh doing the running and all of that. And Mr. Mashawane, I know as a runner yourself, there are sacrifices, struggles, and tough days. Can you just share on that really what this comrades training is taking from you? What are the challenges? Because they are real challenges, I know from experience.

SPEAKER_02 29:06

Yeah, no, as a runner, um like my wife said, maybe from a family perspective, um marriage perspective, the we've we've managed to balance things out. The the the the challenges that I face as a runner. Firstly, Comrades Marathon preparation is is taxing to I mean physically, emotionally, and and otherwise. You need to you need to be available. All the avenues of your your your your life needs to be available. And I'm I'm I'm even saying financially as well. It's it's quite an expensive um exercise. So some of the the the challenges if you would have to categorize them and say financial, you need to have a budget. You know, sometimes you you you you scratch your head to say um where do we cut to have to be able to buy this shoe, to be able to go and run, to register for this race, to be able to go down to to Debian, you know? And I think that's where I see as a Christian also, I think it's important that we mention that. That's that that's where you see the the the the hand of God in all these, and I've seen it, you know, where God leads in all the aspects of my life. I want to be particular with some of these things that I've experienced, especially in my first run and partly in my I mean in my first yeah, in my first comrade and partly in my preparation for the second uh comrades. You know, when you when you you put an effort you you follow the plan and you you you go to a race, you want to see the results, and the the improvement is one minute. So much training that you have uh uh invested, but how can it be one minute? Because things might not go that well on that specific day. That frustrates a runner. And and and that's why uh people who don't run when you celebrate three minutes uh improvement, they were like, What is the improvement there? Because you know how much you have put in um and what is coming out. The second the second point is sometimes you you don't have motivation. Um you know you you just feel like uh sleeping, you feel like cuddling, you feel like doing what others are doing. But the the training plan says you need to wake up, you know, and you you you don't feel like it. That's why people say, you know what, guys, running is not you don't run based on motivation, you run based on commitment, on discipline, and those are the things that that push you and move you forward. So those are the challenges that we we face, and sometimes you feel like giving up, you know. You just it's it's natural. Mentally you you you you you want to give up. And but but you keep going. And like I said, in my case, I I I I believe God has to do with everything I do because where do I get the strength, you know, to all of a sudden wake up, put on my shoes, and go. So those are the those are the things that people don't see. Um they used they see a runner on the street, they see a runner on race day, but there's a lot that um we have we go through to get to the level where people can see the results.

SPEAKER_01 32:52

Sure, sure. I'm glad you mentioned something like how you get motivation to do all of this, and you mentioning partnering with God, if I hear you correctly, that without God you may not be able to have the power, the strength to to carry on. Yes. You need God to for strength to to make it in life.

SPEAKER_02 33:16

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 33:17

So thanks thanks for mentioning that. Tell me about how running now, the lessons that you learned from running, how do they apply in other aspects of your life?

SPEAKER_02 33:27

Definitely, there are many lessons, and I've read many stories from uh great uh people. I mean, one of those lessons as a a leader in the in the workplace where uh I set direction, I've learned when when we speak of smart goals, you know, in the past it used to be uh a theoretical concept, it did not, you know, um resonate, you know, at personal level. So that's one thing that I've learned with running that you set a goal, you have a plan, and you you you just follow your plan and deliver the goal. And also, like I've already mentioned, that it is possible that circumstances might change and the plans need either to be adjusted or they need to be dropped and play new plans need to come up. It happens. And I've learned that in running, you know, like I've said with my experience last year with the injury. So at workplace as well, it's the same it's the same principle that you might not foresee everything when you set the goals at at the beginning and you set your plans. When when when when that circumstance or that situation comes where you have to adjust or change your plan, it does not deter you from achieving your goal. That's a very big lesson that I've learned. That things might change, plans might change, but the goal remains the same. And you know, in running, also you learn that as we're gonna go to comrades or you go to races, uh, for example, you know, you run in the same direction. Um, you've got many clubs, there we have a club all of our own, we wear the same clothes, but you we've got different goals. So I've also learned that you need to stay on your lane, stick to your plan. Your goal, in as much as we are wearing the same regalia as a club, we we we we run the same race, but we differ we have got different goals. One is aiming for sub four, if it's a race, I mean a marathon, one is aiming for sub three. Don't copy what the next person is doing. Stick to your plan and your goal. I think that's a very basic principle of life at home as well. Even my kids, I teach them the same thing. Stick to your plan, don't copy anyone else's plan because the goals are different. And and I think I've seen results that come with that level of discipline.

SPEAKER_01 36:11

No, that's powerful, man. That's very powerful. Now I want to switch into the journey now to Debian, where comrades marathon is starting, from Debian to Peter Maris back. Maybe tell us your experience from last year. What was your role in the whole journey to Debian coming back, particularly during the actual marathon? And what's your plan again for this year?

SPEAKER_00 36:43

Okay, um, my role was to be there and support and be um a mobile pharmacy. Yes, so yeah, it was um a beautiful experience, and I understand now that it takes a lot for people to achieve uh completing e-commerce because I've seen a lot of people passing and overborn uh they are halfway, but already, you know, in their mindset they are out. So while I was waiting, they I was praying so my husband must pass here. After passing here, he must pass the finish line. And you know, he made it, and I was so excited, you know, after he couldn't do anything and he didn't even want to sit down because he was so exhausted. So yeah, we went finally got to the hotel, assisted him, you know, to stretch and put many, many oils that were there. Sure. Yeah. But yeah, I was just there as a support system for him, you know. I think Nae when he was running, he had uh me in mind which you know what my wife is waiting for me. I cannot disappoint her because really I was not waiting for a disappointment.

SPEAKER_01 38:27

Yeah, it means a lot as a runner to know that there is somebody waiting or supporting you along the way. Yeah. Mashabanet, do you want to say something around that?

SPEAKER_02 38:39

Yeah, no, I mean it meant a a lot, man. It it in fact it it the one thing that made a difference for me, one was my wife, like she said, knowing that she's there. Um secondly, I knew my my kids were watching, you know, they would they were looking for that opportunity to see me past certain points, and I also the support us along the the road, you know. So what she's saying is very true, you know, to know that she is there, not just physical, but she is also uh there, you know, um praying that I I I must pass that point, I must finish. So, you know, because like I said, running is not just a physical uh thing. You need above all, we have God who is who is who is uh taking us through this phase. And not just at comrades, because that's that's the culmination of you know the preparation. She has been there with the preparation. She is there even now as we prepare for for comrades, you know. So knowing that she's she's there with in my preparation and she's going back, for me, it's like I'm one foot, you know, into it. I just need to go physically and and and finish it.

SPEAKER_01 40:04

Yeah, no, that's powerful. Thank you, man. Thank you so much for sharing all of that experience. Um, so now if you had to advise some couples or individuals who want to start becoming active or live active lives, what would you say, maybe both of you, if you could um talk to the couples about this kind of lifestyle that you live?

SPEAKER_02 40:28

Firstly, when you start an activity like that, you know, there are many uh activities that people can can do, you know, to keep fit. But what I've seen with running is um don't force it on your spouse. So you have started it, you found the the motivation, the reason why you should do it. The best thing you can do is to keep at it, be consistent at you know, in doing what you are doing. And your spouse, if you are consistent and you are committed, they will start questioning, asking questions because they will see the benefits. They will experience the benefits, they will start doing it. My wife has started running, you know, like she said, she she ran the Colgates uh race the past Sunday, you know, because we talk about the benefits, she sees the benefits, she enjoys the benefits, and she also wants to do it. So I think for me that's a simple advice. Don't force it on your partner.

SPEAKER_01 41:34

That's a good one. That's a good one, and encourage her to choose what she enjoys as well, not and you support her as well.

SPEAKER_02 41:43

Yes.

SPEAKER_01 41:44

Yeah, that's a good one. That's a good one. Tembi, anything you want to say to a wife who is struggling to catch up or to adopt a healthy lifestyle? Any words of advice?

SPEAKER_00 41:57

Okay, um my advice, I will talk about my experience when I started to run. Because when I started, I wanted to do it with my husband, you know, but it was like um when he was teaching me how to drive, when we come back, we'll be angry at each other.

SPEAKER_01 42:19

I know that experience, yeah.

SPEAKER_00 42:23

So it was the same with running because along the road he will tell me, pick up the pace, pick up the pants, uh, but this is all I have, you know, and he wouldn't understand. So initially he will do this uh run back and forth because he'll go run and come back to fetch me, and then later he will run and leave me behind, and still I wouldn't be happy up until uh I told him that no, I don't like it when you say let's go run and then you leave me along the way. And he explained to me that you know what, as much as we want to be in the same journey, we cannot do it the same way. We can do it differently because we have different goals. I have my goals that I need to achieve, and now if you have your goals, but you cannot achieve them the same way. So I understood it. So even couples who want to start, I know it's nice to run as a couple hand in hand or shoulder uh by shoulder, but sometimes it won't be like that, you know. You'll be lucky if you will be able to keep up with your partner's pace, but if it doesn't happen, still it's okay. You can do it together, but differently. That's not advice. We see they shouldn't expect which everything will be so rosy. All the time. It's not like that.

SPEAKER_01 44:02

Yeah, yeah. No, thank you so much. And I know there are many people who want to start something but don't know how to do it, especially as a couple. So hearing practical, honest advice is from you really makes it feel possible. Yeah. Now looking forward now ahead, maybe let's look at I know Mashabane. If I ask you this question, what's the plan after June? It's it's it's it's another comrade's marathon. So the journey does not end. And after your green number, you want another one. So your journey will continue. I know. Maybe let me ask Tembi. Tembi, you have started running, doing gym. What's your goal? I know you're doing shorter distance races. Do you aspire to want to do comrades or you have a different goal?

SPEAKER_00 44:59

You know, it's so funny. Um you've asked that question. You know, when you go and experience comrades life. When asked my husband when I came back, I said, I'm going to do comrades. But coming back, I realized now man, I need more time in order for me to achieve that. So my short-term goal is to run a 42.

SPEAKER_01 45:31

Oh yeah.

SPEAKER_00 45:32

So yeah, that's my goal.

SPEAKER_01 45:33

And you're gonna do it. Uh yes, definitely. What's your longest event you've done?

SPEAKER_00 45:40

So far, it's the 15th.

SPEAKER_01 45:42

Oh yeah. Yeah, yeah. Yeah. Then the next one is 21.

SPEAKER_00 45:46

Do a few of 21s and then I will do 21 during the valve uh thingy.

SPEAKER_01 45:54

Oh, this year already. Yes. Oh right. Oh, that's that's wonderful. That's wonderful. Now thank you so much.

SPEAKER_02 46:02

Mashabani, any yeah, for me, um this year when I started uh with uh the races, my first marathon was four hours fifty minutes. The Soweto. And my qualifying marathon for these comrades was 345, if I'm not mistaken. So there's uh there's been a lot of improvement and I'm aiming for a sub 340 on marathon. Okay. And yes, and one of my uh goals is also to run with my wife one of the marathons. So her first marathon, I want to I want to be there for her. I want I want to run it with her.

SPEAKER_01 46:50

Sure, sure. Yeah, no, that that's good. And your your goals are uh are possible, eh? Yes, you've already you're close to 340 that you are looking for. Yes, maybe my same for 320.

SPEAKER_02 47:03

No, five five minutes increments.

SPEAKER_01 47:06

Hey Mashawani, you've increased you've improved so much. It's doable next year. Yeah, but all the best. And I'm really impressed with how you guys love each other, how you do things together. I'm sure you've seen how you've grown even in your relationship when you are involved in uh physical activity like running and doing together. We have come to the end of our discussion. I know there's so much that we could cover, but maybe I would give you a chance each to give your closing remarks. Anything that you would want to say as we conclude.

SPEAKER_02 47:42

Maybe from my side, uh, thank you very much um uh for the opportunity to, you know, as we learn, as we grow, um, you know, as we share these experiences, you know, someone is is gonna grow, is gonna learn from it. I want to say, like you said, it is possible, and I want to close with uh my favorite line, you know, sentence from Philippians 4 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. It is possible.

SPEAKER_01 48:16

Yeah, oh yes. Now that was a nice close with the powerful verse, which is one of my favorites as well. Thank you so much, Sister Tembi.

SPEAKER_00 48:27

Okay, um my closing remarks I was saying, let us make a healthy lifestyle um easy, you know, involve the entire family. It shouldn't just be about an individual or as couples, but the entire family should be involved, you know. So yeah.

SPEAKER_01 48:53

Okay, that's powerful. Thank you so much, uh friends, for sharing your story so openly. I really appreciated the time I spent with you. Thank you. Thank you for the interview.

SPEAKER_02 49:05

Thank you.

SPEAKER_01 49:07

I hope the story of Steve and Tembi has encouraged you, especially as a couple. The message is very simple but powerful. You don't have to be perfect to start, but you can grow stronger together. So to every couple, to anyone who is pursuing an active lifestyle, just keep moving, keep growing, and be intentional about caring for both your body and your relationship. Thank you for joining us again on MovingTrack. If this episode supported you in any way, do pass it forward and inspire someone else.