During the first weeks of the 2020 Covid lockdown, a Gauteng provincial official asked Schalk Bezuidenhout to assist in keeping people entertained and to share the message to stay positive with his followers. His hilarious antics and perspective quickly gained momentum, becoming a highlight for many in those tough times. Runner's World's Ryan Scott pinned the comedian down for a chat - and found that running has always played a role in his life.
Runner's World: We saw some running action on your Instagram handle recently. Is this a new thing for you, or do you label yourself a runner already?
SCHALK BEZUIDENHOUT: Jaaa... I think 'jogger' is more accurate! Because I run almost every day, but I definitely don't chase times or PBs. I don't do races. It's more on the recreational side for me.
Currently, I do about 40km a week, and I try not to do less than 7km on each run. But I don't monitor the data to try and improve every week or every month. For me, it's for switching off and relaxing.
I used to run with a heart-rate monitor strap and watch, but I was on tour once where I must have forgotten the gear somewhere, so I just went for a run without. And I realized I much prefer running without music. And if I have music, that means I have my phone with me, which I always have on me. So I've decided, that this will be the one hour in the day when it's just me and my thoughts. I can switch it off, and no one can reach me.
That's also why I don't chase PBs and things. I mean, pushing for a 10k and trying to better your time is not very relaxing. You get kak tired, your lungs are burning... I try and stay under that threshold of exertion.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة September/October 2022 من Runner's World SA.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة September/October 2022 من Runner's World SA.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
LONGOVERDUE PRAISE FOR THE RUNNING SINGLET
In the last decade, the running singlet once reserved for amateur competitors and professional athletes - has gone mainstream, not only on race day but also on everyday runs.
RISE OF THE 'ILLEGAL RUNNING SHOES
Banned shoes emerged at a basketball court long before they found their way onto a marathon course.
CRACKING THE SLEEP CODE
Are you an early bird or a night owl? Perhaps you've assigned yourself another animal after completing an internet quiz. Research is shedding light on the link between well-being and circadian predisposition, but there's no need to rewire yourself. Learn to lean into your biology with our guide.
THE SECRET TO SPEED IS IN YOUP BLOOD
Some of the world's best runners credit this unorthodox Norwegian training method for their success. Is it right for you?
THE MIND OF MASSYN
IN 2024, LOUIS MASSYN WILL ATTEMPT HIS 49TH COMRADES MARATHON AND HE'S LEARNT PLENTY OF LESSONS ALONG THE WAY. HERE'S THE STORY OF HIS AMAZING JOURNEY.
TAKING CHARGE
OUTSPOKEN AND AMBITIOUS, NEW COMRADES RACE MANAGER (AND FORMER WINNER) ANN ASHWORTH IS LOOKING TO TAKE THE RACE INTO THE FUTURE.
A HALF CENTURY OF COMRADES
THIS YEAR, BARRY HOLLAND WILL BE AIMING TO FINISH HIS 50TH CONSECUTIVE COMRADES MARATHON. THIS IS WHAT HAS INSPIRED HIM.
MY RUNNING LIFE
ORDINARY RUNNERS doing EXTRAORDINARY THINGS
Ageing In The Age Of Strava
RECENTLY MY BUDDY Sean sent a text message that said, “Been running a lot of 5:30–6:00 kays early. It feels pretty nice at that pace.”
How To Start A Run When You Don't Feel Like It
I'VE ALWAYS FELT validation when reading a story about writers and their love of procrastination.
