Somerset West local Kay Abrahams is one of 11 inspirational woman athletes chosen by sports brand Adidas to come together and go beyond their impossible in running their first-ever marathon, the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon 2022, on Sunday 16 October.
The women, guided by Adidas, have embarked on a holistic programme leading up to the 42,2 km road race around the Mother City.
The 24-year-old Abrahams describes herself as a runner and creative, who is part of a really active family. Family and community are important to her, and she enjoys the outdoors as it brings a balance to her work and home life. She also enjoys pushing her limits.
She believes running connects people on a human level, albeit from different walks of life because it is a universal language.
The avid photographer and in-training videographer grew up in Somerset West and attended school in Bellville. For as long as she could remember, her family had always been active, enjoying trail runs and other fitness activities regularly, Abrahams said.
When feeling consumed by an internship last year, she decided to join a running club, an Adidas running community.
“I started by just casually running as often as I could and immediately noticed a difference in my life – just feelings of positivity and peace,” Abrahams recalled.
“After a while we received a link to apply for this programme, where runners would be guided to run a marathon and I was really keen to participate so I applied. In April I was told of my selection and was so delighted.”
Since then, the runner has run long and short distances almost daily, worked on her rhythm and focused in improving her technique – all while enjoying the support, motivation and encouragement of her fellow runners.
“I’ve only run a half-marathon before, that being the Two Oceans Marathon earlier this year, so I have an idea of what to expect. Abrahams related. “I definitely don’t think it will be easy; there will be aches and pains, but I’m confident that the preparation we have received from Adidas will make all the difference and get us over that finish line.”
Abrahams further draws inspiration from her fellow runners, who support and push one another to succeed.
“It can be daunting to wake up so early in the morning to go for a run, but we do it together and so we learn and grow together,” she said.
What’s really helped the road runner is listening to an interview with South African marathon and ultramarathon athlete Gerda Steyn, who advised others to build a ”confidence box”, where only confidence boosting thoughts and experiences would be packed.
The box will come out when needed most during the hardest trials of any marathon.
“This has not only influenced my outlook, but has also made me more aware of what I am capable of, and it works wonders on the road,” Abrahams said.
She advises others with a similar desire to get off the couch and go running – it’s the only way just to get started.
“Put on your tekkies and get on the road. Join a running club, as that holds you accountable to your own progress,” Abrahams urged. “And it also show you that you can also do something for yourself and reap the rewards of what it brings into your life.”
