For the love of running

Roselyne Sachiti – Features, Health & Society Editor

During her high school days, Ropafadzo Amanda Banhwa (31) disliked athletics.

She recalls how she got into trouble with school security guards each athletics season, as she broke rules, just to stay off the field.

Her hate for running resulted in her hiding from the school security guards, who sometimes found her, fished her out and led her to the running track.

“I grew up in Lochinvar, Harare, and hated running. I was a swimmer and a basketball player. This running came as an adult hobby,” she told The Herald on Saturday Lifestyle.

Yet, as the clock ticked, and time passed, Ropafadzo’s hatred for running turned into passion as she embarked on a weight loss journey which began in 2013.

Today, Ropafadzo has become an exercise junkie.

At eight months pregnant, she is looking forward to welcoming her bundle of joy in the next few weeks, yet being pregnant has not stopped her from running.

A self-motivated person, who aggressively fought obesity losing 63kgs in 10 months, Ropafadzo runs between 10 to 15km five times a week.

Heavily pregnant and in a pink vest and black tights, Ropafadzo recently completed the 21km Greatkhalister half marathon ahead 20 other participants.

“When Kudzi talked about his birthday run, I was like why not? I’m sure if I can do 15km adding 6km won’t be that bad. So I joined the challenge and I managed to finish it in a good time of 2 hours 45 minutes,” she explained.

When she started running in 2013 at a weight of about 142kg, her aim was to lose as much weight as possible.

The running paid off as she dropped down to 79kg and she has never stopped and has been running for eight years now.

“I am now eight months pregnant and I have gained 4,3kg only. This is my second pregnancy. During my first pregnancy, I wasn’t a runner, but used to play basketball. It was just club basketball, I used to train at UZ grounds. Unfortunately, I lost my son so I am looking forward to this baby with amazing eyes,” she recalled.

A physiotherapist by profession, Ropafadzo’s job makes it easier for her to stay fit as she understands what her body needs.

“I am a physiotherapist so I know when to stop or when to reduce my exercises. I work at Parirenyatwa Hospital from 7:30am till 4:30pm between Monday to Friday. Sometimes I also work at night. During weekends we are on call duty meaning we are at work during the night to cater for patients,” she revealed.

According to Ropafadzo, exercise helps in a number of ways.

Firstly, it boosts one’s mood and increase energy.

Secondly, it helps to maintain or lose weight whilst improving a person’s fitness level.

Thirdly, exercise improves muscle tone and reduces back pain and other complications that can come with too much inactivity brought about by work decongestion, she explained.

Ropafadzo said women who have not been training before pregnancy should consult with their doctors first before embarking on running.

“It is safe to run during pregnancy and it is recommended that pregnant women run or walk or do other form of exercises, which at least count a minimum of 150 minutes a week,” she said.

Her pregnancy has not changed her much save for a few increased cravings for certain foods.

“Well, I haven’t really changed anything except the increased cravings for cheese, chicken and avocados,” she said.

“I eat more fruits and vegetables, my normal share of sadza and enough protein. I also drink lots of water. Besides the heat and exercise normally one should have two litres of water per day.”

Ropafadzo’s family is supportive, though her mum gets worried that she may give birth during a run.

“Now they have encouraged me to do my runs in the morning. I carry my cell phone just in case. I run with my parents some days when they do their morning runs, which makes them feel I’m safer with them. They are also enjoying running now,” she added.

The only discomfort she gets from running are the pee breaks.

“At the 21 kilometre run, I had 15 pee breaks. But usually on my runs I have 1 or 2 pee breaks,” she added.

She has lots of running mates. One of the mates is her father Josephat Banhwa, who initiated her into running in 2013.

“But for those in particular, a group I created (3D marathon fanatics), road Angels lockdown team and Eastview elites have been with me through this journey,” she said.

“Then there is Beatrice Mupondi from Bulawayo, Nyarai in South Africa and Sindy who runs with me some days.”

She says they run together and keep her in check on her goals.

“They even organise runs on weekends and we run together,” she said.

To run so religiously, Ropafadzo says one needs a pair of comfortable shoes.

“I buy my shoes mostly from South Africa or from Thrift Store Zimbabwe,” she said.

“I personally don’t have a specific brand so I wear Nike, Adidas, Maxed or even Power from Bata, which is actually very amazing.”

She pointed out, it is important that one knows what shoe is good for them.

“We all have different feet and running styles,” she said.

“One needs to have at least three running shoes, which he or she has to change frequently.

“This helps your body. It will not get so accustomed to a certain posture and reduces chances of having injuries.”

As Ropafadzo awaits the birth of her child, she still wakes up early to make sure she runs before work.

To her running, is like the food of life and she will run one more lap to stay fit.