A Comrades runner put his resilience (and socks) to the test after he ran the majority of the race’s second half without shoes! Talk about pushing through no matter what.
Durban, South Africa (10 June 2024) — Training for the Comrades is one thing. Getting through the race is another. But getting through the world-famous trek without shoes deserves its own kind of praise—and that’s exactly what many are commending Comrades runner Mushavhi Hadzhi for!
Taking to Twitter, Mushavhi shared that his latest Comrades medal is more special than his others, comparing it to the first medal he ever claimed for the ultramarathon. This is because it put his resilience to the test like never before, as Mushavhi made the decision to run without shoes and essentially in socks!
After his chosen running shoes had caused irritation and pain for his ankle and alterations didn’t work, Mushavhi decided to scrap the shoes all together; determined to give the race his all. This meant that he covered the majority of the race’s second half shoeless!
Having ran almost all part of second half without shoes, this medals is more special just like my first @ComradesRace . My favourite running shoes by @adidasZA was causing irritation and pain on my ankle, i tried making alterations but that didn’t work. I had to run with shocks pic.twitter.com/os1E3RvUbO
— Mushavhi (@Mshavi_Haji) June 10, 2024
“Some runners kept on asking me why am I running without shoes? My reply was simple: this pain is temporary, finishing is [a] personal challenge. Every run I have made in the past 8 months was a preparation towards [the] Comrades, there is no way that I am having DNF because of shoes.”
DNF refers to a ‘Did Not Finish’ status.
Many people were inspired by Mushavhi’s commitment to his goal; commending and respecting his resilience. Because of his inner-strength and motivation, what could’ve been his worst Comrades turned out to be a memorable one–and one that reminded him and all of us onlookers that mind often surpasses matter.
Sources: Mushavi Hadzhi
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google.
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:
Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.
by 