Thursday we decided to start with the Comrades expo. We arrived at 9.30 just as it was opening. They started it with “Chariots of fire” playing and then the opening of the doors. All I can say is that it was extremely inspiring just standing there listening to the music.

We walked in with the Chesney Hawkes song “One and only” playing. It was UN-BEE-LEAVABLE! Absolutely awesome. It was at the Durban Exhibition centre in a massive building. I thought we’d be there half an hour, 3 hours later Rheanna and mum had to drag me away.

There were lots of exhibitors – shoe companies, nutrition, sportswear, general well being, you name it. I was pleased to learn my blood pressure was 97/79. But my resting heart rate of 67 could be lower.

Some of the more interesting exhibits were the portable urinal you can carry with you and throw away after you use it (I don’t know why mum came excitedly to me to go have a look at that!), The extreme marathons through the likes of Addo Elephant park, and the medical grade protective adhesive for nipple protection. It’s great and I am testing a piece on my hand. And almost 24 hours later it is still going strong.

Then there was the Comrades shop!!! It is almost as good as the Shark cage (we will get to that within the next day hopefully). I just wanted one of everything, but Rheanna the party pooper said no!

I now have a new obsession. Everyone knows I am an obsessive compulsive, but I am going to become a double obsessive compulsive, and eat, sleep and breathe Comrades! I am determined to run both an up and a down comrades. Could it be more important than rugby??? I am very confused…

After having to leave the Comrades experience we made our way to the Pavilion. It’s an awesome shopping complex just out of Durban. We had lunch at Wimpy where Rheanna had chips for the first time since easter 2007! I did not succumb to the temptation, as good as wimpy is! In fact I didn’t even have a burger I had a salad…what’s going on?

Then we played adventure golf for a couple of hours. This family, well my pa anyway, is putt putt crazy.

Photos
1. Sanjay outside Comrades expo
2. Sign inside comrades expo
3. Extreme marathons stand (100 mile off road Addo Elephant run)
4. Cowies hill sign at expo
5. Previous runners
6. Brooks stand at expo
7. Inspiring sign at expo
8. The shop!
9. The Pavillion (shopping and putt putt)