Join the club!
When Suzy Brokensha invited those of us who belong to clubs that focus slightly obsessively on one thing to share our stories, I couldn’t resist.
There’s definitely an alchemy among people who regularly meet for a specific activity. And it goes beyond friendship. In fact, it was in joining such a group that I found my alternative family: brothers, sisters, children and pets.
I belong to a trail-running club, Riverside Trail. We love running in the bush and over grassland, in game reserves and in the mountains. Rain certainly does not deter us, nor does heat and humidity.
Our runs are on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, from 5.15 to 6.15am in Virginia Bush just north of Durban. On dark winter mornings, we run by torchlight.
We have several groups: the fast group, referred to as the ‘snakes’; the intermediate group; the slow group, the ‘snails’; and a walking group. The runners/walkers range from very young to quite old, and there are several trail-running dogs. Runners with babies bring them on the walking trails in specially designed backpacks so the little ones get used to the bush. Once they’re old enough, they start on the trails too.
We take part in trail events at the weekend, which are often in far-flung places: up the coast, down the coast and inland. These ‘away’ runs add variety and interest to our terrain. We also channel our enjoyment into assisting worthwhile causes through fundraisers.
After our runs, we spend time together at a coffee shop, getting to know one another. Joining this trail group has added a most enjoyable dimension to my life.
Chrissie Jeffrey
Ed: I’m super impressed… and very conscious of the fact that while my clubs seem to involve sitting around eating and drinking, you lot are out there experiencing the great outdoors – I’m inspired!
The Elite Club is a group of exEastern Province women’s hockey players who meet regularly for a meal or a weekend away. Husbands are only sometimes allowed. This year, the group celebrates its 30th anniversary. All the members are now senior citizens. For more information, contact Lorraine (Lolly) Reed at 041 367 2127. I live in Joburg and join the group when I’m in Port Elizabeth.
Delene Marais
Ed: What a wonderful way to stay in touch, Delene.