When Zanele first reached out to Beth at the Run/Walk For Life Fourways branch in December 2023, it was at the suggestion of a friend. As a marketing professional at a major banking institution and a regular gym-goer, she wasn’t convinced. Walking? In a group? She admits, with a smile, “I really wasn’t into it at first.”
She attended intermittently. She showed up — but cautiously. Like many people, she wasn’t yet sure what she would gain.
Then life shifted.
In December 2024, Zanele began experiencing severe hip pain. Years earlier, in 2021, she had been diagnosed with osteoporosis but hadn’t pursued consistent treatment. Now her body was demanding attention. After seeing a specialist and undergoing a MRI scan, the diagnosis was clear: she needed a full hip replacement.
In March, she underwent surgery — an experience she describes as “extremely painful.” After five nights in hospital, she was discharged with simple but powerful advice from her specialist: “Keep moving.” Pain medication would be limited. Walking would be her medicine.
Recovery wasn’t just physical — it was mental.
Throughout her rehabilitation, Beth stayed in touch. Not with pressure. Not with expectation. With care.
By mid-2025, Zanele returned to Run/Walk For Life Fourways. And by September, she was back on the road.
It wasn’t easy. Naturally competitive, Zanele initially struggled with slowing down. Watching others move ahead tested her patience. But somewhere along the way, something shifted. She realised that the only person she needed to compete with was herself.
Today, Zanele is walking a consistent 5km — and improving her time steadily. Every session is a quiet victory. Every kilometre is proof of resilience.
What keeps her coming back?
She describes Run/Walk For Life Fourways as a commitment to herself and her health. A space where every milestone — no matter how small — is celebrated. A community where everyone moves at their own pace, yet no one walks alone.
And she speaks with deep gratitude about Beth, the branch leader. Zanele is continually amazed at Beth’s ability to know each member personally — to truly care about their challenges, their setbacks, and their victories.
Zanele’s journey is not just about recovery from surgery. It’s about rediscovering strength, discipline, and community.
Whether you’re starting from scratch, rebuilding after injury, or simply looking for a supportive place to move your body and clear your mind — there is a place for you here.
We are incredibly proud to have Zanele walking with us. And we can’t wait to see what she achieves next.
Maybe your story starts here, too.
