JUSTIN’S BLOG: The Road To Comrades Starts NOW!

Winning RW Cover Search was only the start for Justin, a 24-year-old previously overweight ADHD sufferer to 2017 Comrades Novice.


Justin Ducler Des Rauches |

Winning RW Cover Search was only the start for Justin, a 24-year-old previously overweight ADHD sufferer to 2017 Comrades Novice.

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My name is Justin Ducler Des Rauches, or as I have pretentiously dubbed myself in the world of social media “#justrunner” – as this seems easier than the mouthful surname. I am a 24-year-old tattooed, slightly eccentric running fanatic, hailing from KwaZulu-Natal. Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t always this passionate about running, however a series of unfortunate events transformed me from an overweight, depressed, smoker of 60 a day, living in the confines of a psychological prison, to borderline obsessed runner with a burning passion for the sport.

I was a relatively fit youngster post-school, and used to partake in the occasional road-running of 5-10km now and then for the health benefits. I grew up watching the Comrades Marathon annually with my parents and family, and almost every year, the tradition was a 4am wake-up with a roadside skottel breakfast, whilst watching the runners coming through. I always used to joke, even as a kid – “one day I’ll try.”

That all changed quite dramatically, as my life took a turn for the worst in 2012.

Being someone who suffered severely from depression, anxiety, and having to take the dreaded pills – doctor’s eventually diagnosed me with bipolar II. For over four years, I suffered with extremely poor self-esteem due to the severe weight gain (124,6kgs at my heaviest point) from a combination of medication coupled with a sedentary and unhealthy lifestyle. I was in bad shape, mentally, physically, emotionally, and just about every other “-ally” you can think of.

The turning point was four ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) sessions and after visiting my fourth psychiatrist, I was removed finally off all my medication completely. My journey included two hospital trips of 10 days each to St Joseph’s hospital in Durban to try get to the bottom of what was wrong. Turns out, none of the above treatments were at all necessary. I just have ADHD! What a perfect way to channel all the excess restless energy by starting running long distances.

On 9 September 2015, I smoked my very last cigarette (from 60 a day to zero overnight) put on some old shoes in my cupboard (normal trainers, not even running shoes!) and pushed myself beyond breaking point, managing to run 3km. And so began my long weight-loss journey.

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The runs were short and the lifestyle change took some time to fully implement. In July 2016, I made the transition from jogger to runner and decided I owe it to myself to prove what I really am capable of. I entered a full marathon in November 2016 and managed to complete it in 04H31mins. What an achievement! However, a few days later, I caught the inevitable “post-marathon flu” – nothing that a batch of antibiotics couldn’t fix. I decided to take a full rest with no running for two weeks.

In early December, Runner’s World gave me a call to share the great news that I was a winner in the Cover Search competition! After weeks of spamming everyone I came into contact with, it paid off! “Great, the time when I need to look my best, I look terrible thanks to the flu” I thought sarcastically. But I pulled myself together and embraced the experience. It was a deeply meaningful campaign for me and it was a grand achievement, I needed to “own it.” It was my time to shine, to reach out and let my story be heard in order to inspire others.

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After a whirlwind day in Cape Town with the superheroes behind the scenes, I arrived back in Durban and when the dust settled it was time to RUN. Starting training again was a struggle, grinding out gradual 5km runs with heavy lungs – I took it slowly and one day at a time.

Over the festive season, I read a few sport-related books that inspired me to continue pushing on. I absolutely love reading and learning, not only the technical stuff, but just learning from others’ experiences and running journeys.

I deviated from my training plan slightly – after some newfound inspiration – and reworked my diet completely. Training-wise, I put my shoes on and ran as far and as fast as my body would allow. I am now more in-tune with my body and have learnt how to train by feel rather than by pushing to try and follow a programme.

I have never been one to stick to disciplined and structured routines and I enjoy flexibility. I managed to ramp the mileage up to 86km in the last week of December, incurring zero injuries (just a mild case of dehydration one day), and loved the challenge of pushing my body. I have discovered my niche and love of long-distance running and aim to complete many ultramarathons (I have entered for Comrades 2017).

By listening to my body and embracing my runs as adventures rather than exercise, I reignite my burning passion for running every time I step out.

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I am a person who is open to change and experimentation. After reading a book about the Tarahumara/Raramuri (“Those who run fast”) of the Copper Canyons, a tribe of Native Americans who are known for their long-distance running capabilities, I learnt many things. Now it may sound a bit ridiculous as we are living in the 21st century, but their simple philosophy and approach to running inspires me to return to basics.

‘Eat clean, run pure and enjoy the experience.’

I have changed up my diet to include only whole grains and low GI carbs (no starch) as well as giving up all refined sugar completely! I even experimented by making Iskiate, a drink the Tarahumara make from the superfood Chia Seeds (basically sugar-free iced tea on steroids). It doesn’t taste half as bad as it sounds, and gives a real pre-run boost.

In short, I had a great festive season of running, eating healthy, living clean and enjoying life – despite many obstacles that have been thrown my way. 2017 will bring its own challenges, I have jotted down my goals and resolutions and I am ready for the year ahead!

The road to Comrades is well underway, but I also have my sights set on another Ultra, the ultimate endurance challenge for any ultra runner… The 100 miler.

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