Sunny Calitz-Patel is an amazing person and an experienced runner. We had the chance to travel together for the Athens Marathon - The Authentic, as she was the winner of our competition.
Read her story, get inspired and join her in the OPAP Limassol Marathon 2019!
Can you introduce yourself to our readers?
How long have you been running and how many events did you participate in?
I started running marathons at the age of 39, and I have just completed my 241 Marathon in Lanzarote, on 8th December 2018.
What is your main motivation when running?
I started running to keep me fit and healthy, but now its so that I can travel the world, see new countries cities and cultures and make friends.
What do you enjoy most about running?
I enjoy meeting people from all walks of life who share my passion of running, whether they are novices or experienced runners, young and old. Everyone has an interesting story of why they started running.
What do you not like about running?
My only dislike about running, is, jumping into the shower and discovering you have chaffed, when the water hits the raw skin, causing a stinging pain. This pain is far worse than "hitting the wall" at 20miles whilst running!
What are your biggest achievements as a runner?
The greatest achievement would be when I've helped a struggling runner to finish, to make them believe in themselves that THEY have the strength and capacity to cross the finish line. I have been lucky to be asked to pace 4-hour group at the Milton Keynes'marathon a few years ago, which was great fun and a challenge. Any challenge which pushes you out of your comfort zone and tests your limits and boundaries, and you complete is an achievement. The longest distance I have run, so far, is 100miles, which I was 2nd overall, and 1st female. I was 50yrs old then.
Have you been injured before? If yes, what sort of injury and how did you overcome it?
I have had a prolapsed disc in my lower spine, in March 2016 which was diagnosed in May 2018, after running 6 marathons in this condition, which required surgery. The cause was inconclusive. Within 5weeks of the surgery, I successfully completed The Comrades ultra (89km) with 45minutes to spare. Anything is possible if you are sensible, listen to your body, and believe in yourself..PMA= positive mental attitude.
Do you have any advice on how to avoid injuries?
Experience has taught me that a warm-up pre-run, post-run stretches, a good balanced nutritional diet, rest and recovery are essential tools to keep injuries at bay. And never underestimate the power of getting enough sleep. Also, aim to vary your training program, don't just run. Incorporate yoga or pilates. And don't be regimented about sticking rigidly to a training plan. Listen to your body.
Do you have a memorable running experience/story to share with us?
So many of my runs have left me with amazing memories, but my most memorable would have to be the day I shared a podium finish with my daughter (Tsara Jade)and my boyfriend, Dingle, We ALL won a trophy that day. Never in my wildest dream did I expect my daughter, Tsara Jade(technically a non-runner!!) to win a trophy for her age group, although Dingle and I have won a fair few in our running career. I stood 10feet tall that day, though, in actual fact, I'm only 5ft tall.
Do you have a weird story to share involving your runs?
I am incident-prone, as many of my friends will tell you. There was the time when I put my watch forward an hour a day too soon and missed the bus which was taking all the runners out to the start of the marathon, in Venice, in October 2013. I managed to find a taxi to get me there, minutes before the gun fired and got a PB!! Last year I missed the flight because I was busy buying duty-free!, I managed to get another flight through a different airline 2 hours later, which was unable to land in Gran Canaria due to strong tailwinds, and the plane was diverted Tenerife.
We had to refuel and return to Gran Canaria for a 2nd attempt to land, which was successful. And I was finally able to collect my dorsal in time. A just a few weeks ago, I forgot to pack some shorts for the Athens marathon.
I was able to borrow a pair( 3 sizes too large) and pinned them on. During the run, I stopped at 30km, for a pee and pulled the shorts down and the pins few off. I ran the last 12km holding up the shorts with one hand. those final kilometers were, strangely, the fastest of the 42km!! Go figure. I could go on and on about my adventures.
What is your favorite place to run in the world?
My all-time favorite event is the Comrades, South Africa. I've done this 4 times and will continue to enter them every year. The reason I love this event is that it is all about helping each other. Runners from all corners of the world, of all abilities and all walks of life, UNITE as ONE. We all share one common denominator-the passion for running. The support, excitement, and camaraderie are mind-blowing. We are all equal and humble. To describe it in words is difficult. You need to experience it to understand it.
What was the most difficult time in your running journey and how did you overcome it?
I think the most difficult time in my running career was thinking that I will never be able to run well again after my surgery. I won a few trophies and became competitive after discovering I ran well for my age category a few years ago. The thought of being a mediocre runner saddened me, as I've never been any good at any sports in my life,
If you could give a single piece of advice to new runners what would it be?
My advice to new runners would be, believe in yourself and ENJOY running, Its a sport that can be shared or done solo.
This year you are running in OPAP Limassol Marathon , what are your thoughts on the coastal route and the event itself?
The coastal route is very scenic, however, we were subjected to head-on wind this year. The flat course helps those seeking a personal best time. The presence of pacers on the course is also very useful. The finishing 100m is fabulous, as its carpeted and lined thick with cheering supporters.
We know that this year’s event will be special to you. How many marathons have you participated in, including this year’s OPAP Limassol Marathon ?
Every marathon is special to me. Currently, I've entered and completed 243 marathons/ultras.