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    Train Brilliantly With The Garmin Forerunner® 265 GPS Running Smartwatch

    Light on the wrist, not on features.

    The Forerunner® 265 smartwatches are the perfect fit for any runner who wants to train harder and PR on race day. The race widget will make sure you’re race-ready with training tips, personalized daily suggested workouts and completion time predictions based on course details, weather and performance.

    Get a training readiness score based on your sleep quality, recovery, training load and more, so you can determine whether it’s a good day to go hard — or take it easy. Wrist-based running dynamics measure cadence, stride length, ground contact time and more. No accessory required.

    Get insight into overall effort with training status — which uses indicators such as HRV status, recent exercise history and performance — and know whether training is productive, peaking or strained. Access free adaptive training plans from Garmin Coach or through the race widget, or you can create your own custom workouts through the Garmin Connect™ app.

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    READ MORE: The Top South African Road Running Events To Look Out For In 2023

    Run Connected

    Safety and tracking features make it easy to share your location with chosen contacts2. Jam out from your watch. Listen to playlists from Spotify®, Deezer and Amazon Music (premium service required) with your wireless headphones (sold separately). Multi-band GNSS with SatIQ™ technology ensures you get the best positioning accuracy in any environment while also optimizing the device’s battery life.

    3 Key features WH loves about the Forerunner® 265

    Daily suggested workouts – it adapts to match your performance and recovery.

    Race widget – From training tips to weather reports, this watch suggests everything you need to get race-ready.

    Training readiness – You can determine whether it’s a good day to go hard — or take it easy.

    Plus, this watch can track and log your menstrual cycle or pregnancy to get exercise and nutrition education.

    Light, bright and made for any distance. Get the Garmin Forerunner® 265 GPS Running Smartwatch here. More

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    Unlock Your Comfort, Unlock Your City – Aero Glide 

    AERO GLIDE is a high-cushioned lightweight runner styled to rack up miles with limitless bounce and energy. With an upper construction to keep things light and airy and a premium plushness in the tongue and collar zone, the fit experience and game-changing performance on this shoe is unforgettable.

    New Aero franchise brings lightness, comfort and proven technology to everyday road runs.

    The Aero Glide delivers maxed-out cushioning to rack up the miles. The midsole features Salomon’s Energy Foam technology, which combines EVA and Olefin, absorbs shock and vibrations, and creates a super plush cushioning while still providing great bounce and energy return.

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    AERO GLIDE | Salomon Road Running

    The result is comfort even after hundreds of miles. The proven rocker geometry, called R.Camber, creates a quick transition every time you touch the ground and keeps you moving forward. The upper of the shoe, made with 32% recycled materials (by weight) keeps your feet dry thanks to a lighter 3D open mesh. The soft padded tongue and collar combine to offer easy step-in and comfort while you run. At just 264 grams, the Aero Glide is the go-to shoe for comfortable, everyday runs.

    Salomon Aero Glide Road Running Shoe

    Everyday running shoes

    Terrain: Road

    Maximum shock absorption

    MIDSOLE: energyFOAM to deliver long-lasting cushion and bouncy energy return.

    A soft padded tongue and collar zone that cradles your foot and ensure maximum comfort 

    Try your new Salomon shoes at one of these events. More

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    Race Fuel: Exactly What You Should Eat And Drink For A Better Race

    When it comes to race fuel, it’s easy to think just your training should take you over the finish line. But for endurance feats, you need a little food to give your tank more power.

    Raeesa Solwa Mehtar, a biokineticist and running coach, has run multiple marathons, ultra-marathons and several half marathons. Here’s her advice on race fuel; what to eat and drink during the race — plus, what to avoid.

    “Personally, I’d say ditch the gels,” says Raeesa. “Do you feel that energy gels make you feel nauseous, sick or give you stomach issues? I know I do. I’ve run four marathons (all under four hours), one ultra (under six hours) and a couple half marathons and did not use any form of energy gels.” Instead, Raeesa fuels up on real food. “Whole food solubles can easily provide the nutrition and electrolytes needed for long-distance endurance efforts,” she says. Here are her go-to strategies for race fuel that’ll get you across the finish line feeling strong. 

    1. Drink lots of water leading up to race day.

    Your body needs to be thoroughly hydrated on the day of the race. “I usually have small sips of water during the race,” says Raeesa. Per experts, you should drink about two cups of water two hours before your run, then stay hydrated during the run, too. Go with your sweat as an indicator. Sweat is water loss from the body that needs to be replaced, so keep hydrating along with the rate at which you sweat.

    2. Eat a good race-day brekkie.

    “On the morning of the race, I have the same type of meal that I would normally have for breakfast, which is a smoothie,” says Raeesa. “You need to practise your pre-race meal strategy during training. The stomach needs to be trained to handle food during a long run.”

    One Co Ready-To-Drink Smoothie Box

    This selection of healthy, ready-to-go smoothies offers three different flavours in a compact bottle that you can stash in your bike kit or have before and after the race to fuel up.

    3. Replace your body’s electrolytes. 

    After the first 10 kilometres in a race, you need to start replacing electrolytes. “I sip on any form of energy drink, but you could also opt for coconut water, which will provide natural energy, potassium and magnesium,” says Raeesa. Electrolytes could also come from small amounts of food containing salt and sugars, like nuts.

    4. Go bananas!

    Bananas are one of the best energy sources you can have as a runner. They’re a good source of carbs and help prevent cramps. Supporters usually hand out bananas on the side of the road, so grab one.

    5. Pack some padkos.

    “Dates are easy to chew and are higher in sugar and carbs compared to other dried fruit – they’re one of my favourite pre-race snacks,” says Raeesa. “Though certainly not an all-natural, real food, gummy bears or jelly beans contain fast-digesting simple sugars, which will reach the bloodstream quickly, giving you a boost when you need it. Honey may just be nature’s version of a sports gel.”

    You can also make little oat balls as snacks and carry them for homemade, healthy fuel.

    Tropical Mix Snacking Bundle

    Combine these into a delish snack mix or pick and choose the ones you’d like to much on.

    Nanuki Boom Bar Seismic Crunch

    This bar, loaded with sunflower seeds and healthy cornflakes, makes for great race fuel.

    OhMega Macadamia Butter

    Choc-o-block with micronutrients and healthy fats, this delicious snack will keep you going for longer.

    Check out Raeesa’s running woman’s workout for killer abs:

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    6. Don’t skip the taters.

    A baked potato wedges stand during a marathon or ultra race is like approaching an all-you-can-eat candy stand in the running world. They’re not the easiest things to carry (ew…mashed potato pocket!) but if you come across a stand along the road, grab some munchies for a hit of minerals and sustained energy.

    7. No surprises. 

    Be sure to test these new foods on training runs instead of during a race – just in case your stomach doesn’t react well to them while exercising (#totesawks). If gels do work for you, then, by all means, use them properly: drink enough water, train with gels months before, try different brands to see what suits you best and wash them down with water. More

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    Beginners 5K Running Training Plan And How To Crush It In Just 6 Weeks

    If the thought of participating in a full-fledged running race seems daunting, starting with a five-kay run can be an excellent way to build confidence and ease into the world of racing. Not only does the shorter distance sound more achievable than a 10km or longer race, but 5km runs also tend to attract a fun-loving crowd of runners who value camaraderie over competition. Follow this training plan to go from couch potato to 5km runner in 6 weeks!

    5k Training Plan

    This plan, designed by fitness guru Amy Dixon, will help you build from a walk to running 30 minutes without stopping. Do all walking and running at an intensity level that feels challenging, but comfortable. Feel free to switch the rest day, but make sure you have one full rest day each week. And don’t forget to stretch.

    Getting Started

    Now that you have the plan, let’s look at starting out with a few basic items. Choosing the right gear can help you prevent running-related injuries and ensures the support and comfort you need on your 6-week journey. On your rest days, you can browse through the WH Tech and Gear section which is packed with expert advice, reviews, products and helpful tips.

    Adidas Supernova+

    Nike Dri-FIT Fitness Swift

    Nike Women’s Dri Fit Race Run Vest

    Puma Run High Impact Ultraform Bra

    Aonijie Funky Running Hat

    Salomon 250ml/8oz 28 Soft Flask More

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    Ultraboost Light Unveiled As The Latest Innovation From adidas Running

    The South African Marathon season is approaching fast. With the Two Oceans Ultra and Half Marathon scheduled for Saturday, 15 April and Sunday, 16 April 2023 respectively.

    Running is booming in our country, and, along with a huge increase in runners – by more than 10% since the 2020 lockdown, the tech in running shoes is forging ahead.

    One of the heroes of the new evolution of running-specific shoes is the BOOST cushioning from adidas. This month adidas unveiled the latest member of its most iconic running shoe franchise – the Ultraboost Light. Testament to their constant strive to take innovation to the next level, and in response to consumer feedback, the new Ultraboost Light has a ground-breaking new material at its core – Light BOOST.

    Marking a decade since the introduction of BOOST technology, the new and improved Ultraboost Light benefits from 30% lighter BOOST material. Resulting in a performance running shoe designed to offer epic energy, plush cushioning, comfort and responsiveness.

    Taking runners’ experiences to the next level, the all-new Ultraboost Light also includes:  

    A redesigned Linear Energy Point (LEP) found on the sole of the shoe reworked to optimise responsiveness and work in harmony with the new Light BOOST material. 

    PRIMEKNIT+ upper for an adapted fit that provides breathability and comfort.

    Continental™ natural performance rubber instils confidence in traction for all weather conditions.  

    A 10% lower carbon footprint* compared to previous versions.

    The new Ultraboost Light launches in a white colourway, featuring solar red and core black detailing. It is now available from adidas concept stores countrywide, online at adidas.co.za and on the adidas app.

    To celebrate the 10th anniversary of BOOST technology, adidas is also revealing a special edition version of the adidas Ultraboost Light with a dedicated colourway. The 10th-anniversary edition comes in a primarily black colourway, with black and yellow detailing. The same design that was found on the first-ever adidas silhouette with BOOST technology, the Energy Boost.

    Follow the @adidasZA #ULTRABOOST conversation on Instagram for more information. More

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    Is This Really The World’s Most Comfortable Running Shoe?

    Earlier this year, Asics launched the Gel-Nimbus™ 25 – the latest iteration of their Gel-Nimbus running shoe series – with a bold claim: “the most comfortable running shoe, as tested by runners”. That got our attention.

    What Asics Had To Say

    The Gel-Nimbus™ 25 contains PureGEL™ technology, which is designed to absorb shock and, according to Asics, creates the softest landing to date. Other notable features are the addition of Asics’s FF BLAST™ PLUS ECO cushioning foam, which is made using 20% bio-based material from renewable sources, and the stretchy, breathable knit tongue and collar.

    Independently Tested

    It took the Asics design team 18 months to come up with a running shoe that they believed could be called the “most comfortable”. They then handed it over to Dr Chris Bishop, a podiatrist and biomechanist at The Biomechanics Lab in Australia for testing. He designed a test to pit to the Gel-Nimbus 25 against three competitor shoes, as well as the Asics Gel-Nimbus 24. He recruited 100 runners – 52 men; 48 women – to take part in the eight-week study, which involved running on a treadmill for three minutes.

    All the shoes were disguised, so study participants had no idea which shoes they were wearing. After reviewing the study participants’ ratings across various categories, Dr Bishop concluded that, “Comfort is a perception factor which is not a biomechanical variable and it’s not the same for every individual. However, the results of this study were conclusive: the GEL-NIMBUS™ 25 was statistically the most comfortable running shoe tested.”

    WH Tests The Asics Gel-Nimbus™ 25 Running Shoe

    Intrigued by the lab results, Wanita Nicol took the Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 for a test-run under less lab-controlled, more plot-twisty conditions: South Africa’s roads.

    First Impressions

    The first thing I noticed, out of the box, was that the Asics Gel-Nimbus 25s felt a lot lighter than they looked. They’re actually quite broad and chunky looking, but this doesn’t translate into added weight. The next thing that jumped out at me was the tongue – it’s stretchy, perforated and a lot spongier than I’m used to. I find that running shoes sometimes squash the bridge of my foot and this tongue design prevents that from happening. When I read up about the shoe, I saw this was a key design feature – and the perforations I noticed are for ventilation.

    Fit

    The toe box is not as wide as I was expecting from the look of the running shoe, but it also wasn’t cramped – my toes had plenty of space to flex and move. (That said, I have narrow feet.) This snug fit also meant that my foot didn’t slip inside the running shoe, which can cause blisters. There’s a really nice, cushioned collar that prevents chafing and the laces – which are long and also have a good stretch, preventing them from digging into the top of your foot – have extra eyelets that you can use to create even more stability.

    Stability

    Speaking of which, the Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 has a broad base for a running shoe, making it feel really stable. That higher collar that wraps around your ankle also made me feel more secure.

    Grip

    The sole felt nice and grippy on the road and gravelly pavements, although I haven’t tested it in wet conditions.

    Versatility

    When you’re forking out a lot of money on a running shoe you may want to use it for different things. The shoe looks really good – on the run and with jeans. In fact, walking around the mall, I had a random stranger say, “I like your shoes!” and when a sports shoe passes the random-stranger test you must know it’s giving style! But as for other sports, this shoe feels, to me, like a road running shoe, end of story. I would not take it offroad – even just running over small stones, I could feel them right through all that cushioning (of course, I could just be long-forgotten royalty ala The Princess and the Pea). And while the base is broad and stable, I wouldn’t feel comfortable doing a functional workout in them with all that cushioning.

    Speed

    Sometimes you put on a running shoe and you feel like you just want to run as fast as you can. This is not that shoe. However, I felt like I wanted to keep going. I did my usual loop around the neighbourhood and as I neared the end, I still felt fresh and like I could go around again. I found it very easy to maintain a steady pace.

    Comfort

    And now for the big one – the Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 feels like running on marshmallows. The landing is so soft and pillowy, I didn’t feel any of the jarring sensation I sometimes feel as I start getting fatigued and I had none of the pain in my joints that I sometimes feel as a result. The fit is correct to size, so I didn’t ever feel that my toes were knocking against the front of the shoe or that my heels were slipping out of it. There was no painful chafing and no annoying bite of a lace or any other part of the running shoe. The only bit of discomfort I felt was that my feet felt a bit toasty, which I suspect might be welcome in winter when they typically feel like ice blocks on early-morning runs.

    A Running Shoe For People Who Hate Running

    So, the Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 is comfy. But who is it for?

    My take:

    I think it’s a good running shoe for people who hate running. From experience, I hated running until one day I put on a pair of shoes that cushioned my landing and took the pain out of the experience. I feel this shoe could be that gamechanger for other reluctant runners. It’s also good for recreational runners who just want to enjoy going for a jog and maybe run further but aren’t chasing a fast time.

    A more serious runner weighs in:

    While I – nowadays – enjoy running, I don’t run far and I don’t run particularly fast either. So, I asked my friend Amy (@‌amy_hoppy on Insta), a triathlete and half-marathoner, what she thought of the Asics Gel-Nimbus 25. Here’s what she had to say:

    “The Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 shoes are a slightly wider iteration of the 24, meaning greater comfort in the toe box for wider feet like mine. I love the new stretchy tongue and really enjoyed the comfort of the new foam configuration. It’s a shoe you can comfortably wear all day (I’ve tested that) and is ideal for LSDs (Long, Slow, Distance – i.e. your long weekend runs). It’s not a speed shoe (for short, sharp distances), but a good 21km+ and marathon shoe and everyday runner’s training shoe. Their comfort means that two-hour+ long runs won’t feel as taxing on your body and feet.”

    Price

    The Gel-Nimbus™ 25 goes for R3 499 at asics.com. The women’s sizes start at UK3 and go up to UK10, with half sizes available up to size 9.

    Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 | Papaya

    Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 | Indigo Blue

    The Verdict

    The Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 is a very comfortable running shoe. Is it the most comfortable in the world? I’d have to test a lot more shoes to make that call, but of the shoes I have tested, it’s certainly high on the list. Is it worth the price? If a jarring landing is holding you back from pursuing your running dreams, then I would say yes. And if you usually spend this amount of money on a running shoe, this one is worth checking out More

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    These Are The Stretches You Should Be Doing Before Race Day 

    For those with a race coming up, here is a quick routine of running stretches that you should do the day before to get your body prepped for the race!

    This is especially important if:

    You’ve flown to the event and have been sitting in a cramped aeroplane seat.

    You’ve been tapering and your body is feeling cranky.

    You’ve been sitting behind a computer a lot the week before the race.

    Your muscles are tight from all the training you’ve been doing in the build-up.

    Runners typically develop tight hamstrings, shorter muscles and tightness in the hips and groin area. This tightness could lead to injury and less than ideal performance on race day.

    Follow this routine for a good pre-race stretch (you can do it the day after race day too, to help with recovery).

    Remember, your body might be cold when you start moving, so make sure you move carefully and with intention, holding poses longer than you would initially (or in a vinyasa flow class).

    READ MORE: These Pilates-Fusion Moves Strengthen, Lengthen And Tone

    1/ Downward Dog

    Good for: Tight hamstrings and calves.

    Start with: Get into downward dog position with your body forming a triangle. Many runners won’t be able to get their feet flat on the ground – and this is fine. Spend about 2 minutes in this pose pedalling out your legs by lifting one heel and then the other and then teasing your heels closer towards the mat. It’s also good for your shoulders.

    2/ Low Lunge

    Good for: Hip flexors, hamstrings and quads

    Start with: From Downward Dog, raise your right leg into the sky behind you and then bring it forward beneath you, placing your foot between your hands. Drop your back knee onto the mat and raise your hands towards the sky. You should feel a nice, deep stretch in the groin area. Hold for 10 breaths and then repeat on the other side.

    3/ Runner’s Lunge

    Good for: Hip flexors, hamstrings and quads

    Start with: From Downward Dog, raise your right leg into the sky behind you and then bring it forward beneath you, placing your foot on the outside and in line with your right hand. This is an even deeper stretch, especially if you keep your back leg lifted. Hold this for 5 breaths and then drop your back knee. Place your right hand on the inside of your right leg and gently guide it, so that it opens up more to the side, opening your groin up more. Hold for 5 breaths. Let go of your knee and see if you can plant both forearms beneath your shoulders, down on the mat, on the inside of your right foot. Try and keep both elbows on the mat. Hold for 10 breaths This will deepen the stretch even more. repeat on the other side.

    READ MORE: Have You Tried The Explosive Cardio Hopscotch Workout?

    4/ Toes Pose

    Good for: Preventing plantar fasciitis

    Start with: Kneel on the mat and curl your toes under then sit your back on your heels. Hold for 10 breaths. You should feel a great stretch on the underneath side of your feet. Then flatten your feet while pointing your toes behind you. Actively lift your knees into the air to feel a great stretch on the top of your feet. This is great for your shins and arches.

    5/ Butterfly Pose

    Good for: Strengthens and opens hips and groin

    Start with: In a seated position, back straight, legs out in front of you, bend your knees and bring the soles of your feet together. Bring your heels as close to your pelvis as they can go, without pain. Wrap your hands around your toes and consciously work your knees towards the floor for 10 breaths. You can also use your hands to peel the top part of your feet open, elbows pressed into your knees so that the soles are facing towards the sky. Hold for another 10 breaths. For an additional variation, lie down on your back and keep your legs in the soles-touching-knees-out position. Stretch out your arms reaching for the wall behind you. Hold for 10 breaths.

    READ MORE: The 6 Greatest Recovery Tools That Ease Tight Muscles

    6/ Seated spinal twist

    Good for: Loosening stiff spine, neck and shoulders

    Start with: Sit with your legs out in front of you. Cross your right leg over the left, knee pointed towards the sky and the sole of your foot on the ground. Place your left palm on the floor at the base of your spine. Reach your right arm across your body and push it against the outside of your right thigh, near your knee, to deepen the twist. Hold for 10 breaths. Repeat on the other side.

    7/ Cow Face Pose

    Good for: hips

    Start with: From all fours, cross your right knee over the left, stacking one on top of the other. Sit down between your legs rooting both sit bones on the mat. If one sit bone is higher than the other, rest on a block or blanket. This is a very tricky position for runners as hips are usually so tight. If you experience any pain or feel that this position is too hard on your body, try the reclined version, by starting with lying down on your back. Cross your knees and send your feet out to the sides. Hold on to your right foot with your left hand and your left foot with your right hand. Or if it’s more comfortable, hold your shins. Pull your heels in towards your body, then out to the sides and slightly up. Hold for 10 breaths, then reverse leg position and repeat.

    8/ Reclining Pigeon

    Good for: Releases tension and tightness in the hips

    Start with: Lie on your back with your knees bent, and your thighs parallel and hip-distance apart. Cross your left ankle over your right thigh. Reach your left arm through the space between your thighs and reach your right arm around the outside of your right thigh. Clasp your hands below your right knee and flex your left foot. If your head comes off your mat, place a pillow or block behind your head. Hold for 10 breaths and repeat on the other side.

    9/ Bridge

    Good for: shoulders, core

    Start with: Lie down on your back. Bend your knees and place the soles of your flat on the ground in front of your bum, toes facing forwards. With your arms placed alongside your torso, you should be able to touch your ankles with your fingertips. Now slowly, hold your core strong and lift first your lower back, then middle back, then upper back off the ground. Hold your hips up as high as you can for 10 breaths. Then release slowly back down. Do this a second time except with the second bridge, clasp your hands underneath you, opening up your shoulders more by rolling your shoulder blades towards each other and creating more lift. This is a great counterpose to running because we’re often hunched forwards.

    10/ Legs up against the wall

    Good for: Relieves tension in legs and feet and stretches hamstring and glutes.

    Start with: Sidle up beside an open wall space, with your hips as close to the base of the wall as is comfortable. Swing your legs up the wall and lie back. Rest here anywhere from 10 breaths to 10 minutes. This can replace a standard savasana. More

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    The Results Are In: Running Proven To Significantly Improve Mood

    Johannesburg, 28 November 2022. A total of 99% of people feel good or great after going for a run. This was the key finding from a series of running support groups set up by Nedbank in partnership with the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) leading up to and throughout Mental Health Awareness Month. The runs took place every day in August and September and were led by Nedbank Runified, Africa’s biggest virtual mass participation race. They aimed to show the nation that exercise, particularly running, can be a starting point to address what has become our nation’s next great health crisis: mental health.
    Nedbank Runified for mental health saw athletes, mental health advocates and running enthusiasts lead group runs across the country that were open to anyone who wished to take part. All those who participated were challenged to be cognisant of their mood before and after their run and to report back on how they felt.
    READ MORE: 4 Ways To Boost Your Mental Well-Being
    ‘The results were staggering, but also not totally unexpected’, commented Tobie Badenhorst, Head of Group Sponsorships and Cause Marketing at Nedbank. ‘It has been scientifically proven that exercise, particularly running, improves mental health and reduces depression, stress, and anxiety – this is widely known. But we wanted to illustrate this to South Africans in the most practical way – by facilitating support groups for anyone who felt they needed them. These groups were designed to allow participants to experience the mental effect of even light exercise first-hand.’
    Of those who participated, 59% described their mood as ‘flat’ before their run, with only 7% saying they were feeling great. Post-run, just 1% felt their mood hadn’t improved, with 17% describing their mood as ‘good’ and 82% as ‘great’.
    ‘With South Africa’s mental health stats being one of the worst in the world (one in three South Africans battle with their mental health), our hope is that Nedbank Runified not only gave those who participated an outlet to boost their mood but that it will broadly raise awareness and drive education on mental health. Ultimately, we hope it can create a shift in how we think about and approach mental health. We’d like to thank Nedbank for providing its Runified platform as the vehicle to help us do this and look forward to building on the achievements of the past months,’ added Badenhorst.
    ‘Nedbank has been involved in running for decades, and we are proud to use the Nedbank Running Club as a partner to create a lasting impact in the communities we serve. Through Runified, we were not only able to raise awareness while driving education on this issue, but through clear insights, we have also demonstrated that running, particularly in groups, can reduce stress, depression, and anxiety,’ concludes Badenhorst.
    Nedbank Runified for mental health is not yet over – those who want to join the movement can participate in November from anywhere in the world by joining the Nedbank Running Club on Strava or by searching #NedbankRunified on social media for more details.
    If you or your loved ones are battling mental health challenges, there is hope. Visit sadag.org or call 0800 567 567 in the event of an emergency. More