Ja well no fine, it’s 2014 and we look forward to exiting things and I am ready, willing and able to write about all those funny things happening out there, so come on, be yourself and act stupid like before.

Let me introduce myself to the new members of Irene club. I am the Running Reporter. I am a member of the club. I attend time trials, road races, club arranged races, functions and everything that happens where our club is involved. If your actions are normal, you will not make my report, but do something out of the ordinary or plain stupid, and everybody in the club will read about it. All the items that the news letter does not cover, I include in my report. There are no holy cows when it comes to my report, nobody is spared. The committee members, volunteers, and normal running members are all treated the same, even the Doringboom Bende. So make my day, do something not so fresh, and give me ammunition to load this report.

There you have it; the warning is issued so I can have a field day with info coming my way. As an introduction as to what to expect, let me give you the low down on one of our members, and that a committee member. Our walking captain, Sandra Steenkamp, and no, she is not the “Sandra op ‘n drafstap” although she can both “Draf en stap” she is that lady that can walk faster than some of our members can jog. Now Sandra is a very health conscious person and only the good stuff passes her lips. All substances that could be rated as not so healthy do not pass the “no entry” she imposed on her lips.

The members that did the George Claassen, and that should have been all the members, as it was a league race, would know that the race organisers planning was somewhat off the mark with the water sachets. When Sandra finished her race she was like so many unfortunate others and did not have any water for more kilometres than what was comfortable. Back at the tent/caravan she was very vocal with some verbal abuse about the lack of water. I did mention that nothing unhealthy passes her lips going in, but coming out is a drink of a different colour. Like Sandra, many other members finished without water and the drinks at the caravan were dwindling fast. Sandra would have loved a Coke, but it was all sold out but she did spy with her sharp eye a bottle that had the word Cola on it.

The preceding word to Cola did not even register to Sandra. She lifted the bottle to her mouth and the cold liquid flowed down her throat shortcut to her stomach. I am not sure if it was at the second or subsequent gulp that something registered in Sandra’s brain that this contains alcohol. Ever so nonchalant and very un-ladylike Sandra spat the drink as if it was a serpent away from her and in disgust looked at the label, this time scrutinizing the words. And there, clear as can be is the word Klipdrift & Cola. Now maybe, just maybe Sandra did not realise that Klipdrift is not a Rocky River crossing, but in actual fact Brandy, regte, egte, ma slaan vir pa alcohol.

Yes Sandra, so we live and learn. I am sure it would have to be a very hot and dry day before you would purchase another Klippies & Cola again.

Well folks that is it for an introduction. Don’t be surprised when you open the clubs mail and find your name in the Running Reporter. Remember, if you are an Irene member and you do something that could bring a smile or a laugh to other members face and a blush to yours; be sure I will report on it.

Cheers vir eers

The Running Reporter
 

The Running Reporter

Ja well no fine, news is scares and I am finding it hard to have something to report on. I have always thought the saying “No good deed goes unpunished” was a pot of crock, but it appears to be true. Fanie Naudé after a night at the time trial noticed a member of the club in distress as he did not have transport to get home. Fanie, being the type of person he is offered the gent a ride as he was going in that general direction.

When they got near to where the gent lived, Fanie not wanting to go too far out of his way, stopped on the freeway to drop off the gent. As luck would have it, a Metro police vehicle pulled up behind Fanie and informed him he was not allowed to stop on the freeway to pick up or drop off people, (Helloooo, what about the taxis?????) Fanie explained that he was doing his bit out of kindness to a fellow runner, but the law is the law.

During the conversation the cop smelled something that he thought could have been the faint whiff of alcohol on Fanie’s breath. The cop asked the question as if he did not know the answer and Fanie confirmed that he did indeed have one or more beers at the club. This prompted the cops to order Fanie out of his car and into the Metro police van. And off they went to the nearest Metro Police station, with Fanie’s lady friend, Magda, following in his car.

At the police station alcohol tests were carried out and fortunately for Fanie, it was under the limit. Fanie did not get an apology from the cops for the treatment but a stern warning not to stop on the freeway again and do not drink and drive. After all the roads are so full of potholes, one may hit a pothole and spill your drink.

Well folks that is it for this year, so cheers vir eers and see you all in 2014.

The Running Reporter