I truly believe that we runners experience double the joy and blessings of life in every sense of the word. Let me explain.

 

On most mornings we are woken by nature's own lyrics as the birds sing to us. We then get to feel the early-morning pinch in the air as we start putting our muscles into motion. Not long after that we witness a truly spectacular sight as the first sunrays hit Mother Earth. By now our blood is pumping and our thoughts are clear. It's a new day unfolding like a present, right in front of us. This is when we feel most alive. Best of all, we get to experience all of this on most days of our short lives.

 

It's not difficult to realise that our bodies were designed for movement, for activity, for running. So let's also be grateful as we think of the millions of people in this world who'd give anything to have the ability or health to go for just one more run.

 

To date I've been blessed with 24 amazing years of professional running, which has shown me the world, developed me as a person and taught me many life lessons. That said, I realise today, more than ever, that every day is a precious gift and a privilege that one should never take for granted.

 

At the southern tip of Africa we are offered what is arguably the most beautiful country in the world and a climate designed for outdoor activities. So, whatever your goal might be this year, I want to encourage you to keep at it and join me as we choose to optimise the gift of life.

 

Your fellow runner

Charné