adminthree-time defending Comrades Marathon champion returned to South Africa last week after finishing his first race outside the continent in 33rd place last weekend.
He admitted that, while he finished nine minutes slower than his standard marathon personal best, in 2:29.11, the experience was invaluable after getting a late invite to one of the world’s most popular road races.
“
It was tough but I enjoyed it,” Muzhingi said.
“The race was very challenging. I didn’t train for it beforehand and had no idea what it was all about or what to expect, so it really caught me out. But on the upside, I now know what it’s all about- I learnt
the course and know exactly how to train when I hopefully return next year.”
The 36-year-old Zimbabwean, who lives in Durban, should have started the race from the front of the field with the elite athletes.
Instead, a mix-up in communication meant he was escorted onto the wrong bus from his hotel and then lined up further back among the 47 107 entrants.
“There were thousands of runners and because I started somewhere in the middle of the field, I did not know who to chase,” he said.
“It was very confusing, especially because it was my first time out there. In the end I just ran like crazy and didn’t even know what position I finished.”
Muzhingi’s mother died last month and news of his invite to the United States came just days after her funeral.
He revealed that the circumstances were not ideal for his preparation, but said he was satisfied with the experience.
His goal now was to continue preparing for next year’s ultra-marathon between Pietermaritzburg and Durban where he will attempt to become the first person since Bruce Fordyce in the 1980’s to win a fourth Comrades title. He also assured that he would have another crack at the 42.2km race in the Big Apple.
“I will go back to my training for the Comrades in the coming weeks and straight after next year’s race will start training for New York,” he said.
“I think the aim when I go back will be to take 20 minutes off my time.” – BBC Sport.
Online Reporter