Penney celebrates 25 years of racing
She now focuses on coaching young runners
Terri-Lynn Penney might have run her 25th Buco Pineapple Run on Saturday October 7 but her enthusiasm and passion for the sport of running is unwavering.
There is no doubting the 46-year-old Makhanda resident’s elite status in her chosen sport because more than 30 years of top-class running is deserving of that title.
“I think running is in my genes. I probably inherited it from my father, who was a very good cross-country runner in his day,” Penney said.
Penney received two awards at the Pineapple Run prize-giving that finished at Port Alfred Country Club — for coming in third overall in the 27km race for women and another special accolade for completing 25 Pineapple Runs.
She was also the first woman home in the veteran category (40-49).
The race, run off-road for about 21km was a “challenging one” with sand and mud kicking up from underfoot and runners having to contend with persistent drizzle and wet conditions after the 7.30am start at Bathurst’s Big Pineapple.
However, Penney who can be seen training on roads in Makhanda and surrounding areas most days of the week, is always prepared for what the weather may throw up on marathon day.
“As runners, we should be prepared for any type of weather conditions. I finished the race four minutes faster than last year [2:17],” she said.
“The type of training I do in Makhanda’s weather conditions helps me in races. There’s lots of wind and many hills which build up strength and that really prepared me for Pineapple Run.
“It is a special race because it is on our doorstep and is run over beautiful terrain,” she said.
Penney recalls the days when the race wound its way through the Kap River Nature Reserve, located 25km outside Port Alfred, through Kleinemonde before an energy-sapping finish “over two steep hills” towards Port Alfred.
“That was a tough one in those days. I much prefer the present route,” she said.
Penney has an impressive CV of running accolades, including branching off into triathalons in 2010 and competing in three world triathlon championships. The provincial athletics coach has represented EP at the SA Marathon Championships on 16 occasions and still runs in the women’s vets category (45-49 age group).
“At the recent SA Champs in Gqeberha, I came in 16th overall among 38 runners where the competition is still very competitive,” she said.
Penney admitted to focusing more on her love for cross-country these days using marathons on flat road surfaces as part of her training regimen.
Her CV includes running the Comrades four times, the Two Oceans (16 times), half Ironman (12 times) and full Ironman (three times).
An obvious question to Penney would be that with the bone-jarring that happens when training and competing for various marathons over many years, what has been the recipe behind her consistency and longevity?
“Well I think I am a passionate runner with a strong running background. I guess I inherited the genes and love pushing myself to the limit when it comes to running,” she said.
Penney’s love for her sport meant it has been a smooth transition from competing to coaching and that includes her day job as a personal trainer. “I am passionate about fitness and love coaching the youngsters. I have coached both Comrades and Two Oceans runners and am also a provincial cross-country coach,” Penney said.
To have competed in the Pineapple Run for 25 years is a phenomenal feat and speaks of Penney’s endurance and passion for running of course.
“Yes, I have a love affair with this race. I love the country roads, the beautiful scenery and God’s gift of nature and creation.
“Everything is a blessing when you look around and can admire the beauty of nature when running this race,” Penney said.