Supporting hospice, a deserving charity!

We kicking off 2018 the same way we ended off 2017, by highlighting the amazing stories of people showing their unwavering support for hospice in the upcoming Comrades Marathon, which is just 150 days away! We caught up with Susan Basson as she shared with us her passion for running and the reason why she supports hospice! 

 Could you please tell us a brief overview of your background?

I grew up in Benoni in Ekurhuleni and I attended a boarding school in high school, which ended up being the best years of my life! I then studied teaching at Goudstad Onderwyskollege for 4 years. I have been teaching ever since. I coached athletics for many years and then moved onto long distance coaching, duathlon and triathlon training. My athletes excelled in all disciplines for many years. From August last year I took time off teaching and did a year long sailing trip. Only 2 people on board a catamaran, sailed from Port Owen to Luderitz, St Helena Island, Rio in Brazil, up the coast all the way to Trinidad. See my blog at sailingvesselturningpoint.com

I’m back in SA since August 2017 and teaching at a local primary school again.

What got you started into running – was there anyone close to you that inspired you?

I have always run, started to run seriously in 1999 when I joined Germiston Callies Harriers. Inspired by the experienced runners in the club.

How long have you been running for in general and for comrades?

I have been running for many years, I have entered and completed 8 comrades races! 

What do you enjoy about the event?

I enjoy the spirit, the people, the spectators, just love everything about the race.

How do you prepare for an event this big?

I do base training to get fit from about August the previous year, then serious training from January up to comrades day. A few half marathons, some 32km runs and 2 marathons, one ultra and the long 60 km club run.

Who are your biggest fans/supporters?

My family, my running group, my club and friends.

What is your favourite food before and after a run?

Before a run a light pasta and afterwards a nice oily pizza!!

Do you enjoy running alone or prefer a group?

I prefer a group, they motivate you so much if you having a bad day.

How has running changed your life?

It has made me into a caring & determined woman! I can do anything, kind of person. It has also taught me patience, endurance, empathy and the value of true friends.

Is there any particular reason you chose Hospice as your preferred beneficiary?

Yes. A good friend of mine has a wife who has Altzheimers, I run for her, also, for a few of my friends who had loved ones in Hospice care. Hospice do the most amazing work. I can’t think of a better charity to support.

Hospice do the most amazing work. I can’t think of a better charity to support! Help Susan raise R5000 in the upcoming Comrades Marathon by donating here. Any amount makes a huge difference!