Ever so often one of these brands releases a product that I really really like and want to have. Unfortunately, they only release them in Countries like America or the Uk. Which I feel is quite unfair because we would buy them. If you are lucky you might find one of these gems at the factory store. I saw these Nike studio wrap pack training "shoes" on this woman and I just knew she had to be featured.

Q. Tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do for a living?

A. I am a Pretoria born and bred girl, currently living in Jhb North. I’m an ambitious go-getter and thoroughly enjoy challenging myself. My day to day job is in the dynamic world of Advertising, which I absolutely love. I’m a Media Studies & Communication post-grad graduate and currently pursuing a Law degree in Media Law. In my world, the sky is the limit. Nothing is impossible!!!

Q.  How do you balance your exercise regime and your professional life?

A. I practice Yoga and believe in a balanced life. I make time for gym 5 out of 7 days a week, usually after work. It is not always easy. When my schedule is jam-packed, I try go at least 3 times a week.  A well balanced life enables me to function at my optimum best. I have a petite frame and usually people ask me why do I love gym so much, but really, for me it’s more about a balanced life.

Q.  What does your weekly fitness regime consist of?

A. I do go to Virgin Active Morningside for Yoga, Pilates, Pump class, weight lifting (which I started recently) and I run mostly on weekends. I prefer running outdoors as opposed to the treadmill.

Q. When and why did you start running?

A. I started running about 5 years ago because I always believed I could never really do it. One day I decided to challenge myself. I ran a kilometre and quite enjoyed myself I must admit. It was fun. I had my music playing on my ipod, the air was amazing, and I let my thoughts go. It felt liberating. I enjoyed the feeling albeit the distance was short.

Q. What motivates you to go out there, when you do not feel like it?

A. I have learned over the years that if I always did things based on ‘how I felt’, I would not have accomplished half the things I have accomplished. Discipline is doing what needs to be done even when one does not feel like it. That’s my matra. I apply it academically and professionally as well. I have to admit, there are days when I fall off the wagon though.

Q. What is the longest distance you have ran?

A. 10km. I try run a fun run every month for 10km. Generally when I run on weekends, I do about 5 - 7km.

Q. What do you love about running?

A. The feeling of being free and able. I don’t take it for granted that I am able to run and that I am healthy. It is not everyone that is able to. It is indeed a blessing.

Q. What do you hate about running?

A. Not being able to run the streets anywhere and anytime. The fact that you have to structure your schedule based on time and location, is demotivating. You cannot just run anywhere and at any time, in SA.

Q. What gives you the confidence to run in the streets?

A. Well, I live in a suburb that is full of runners. That generally gives me confidence because I am not the odd (wo)man out.

Q. How do you think running can empower women?

A. Running is an expression of our freedom to a certain extent. We do not require permission to run. It is also an achievement, irrespective of the distance. You always feel good afterwards. It is somewhat a victorious feeling that comes with completing your run.

Q. What would you like to achieve in the future in terms of running?

A. The ultimate for me is 21km. I enjoy running but I’m not looking at going beyond 21km. At least that’s how I feel now. I will be doing the 2 Oceans half-marathon next year, that’s for sure!

Q. How do you envision the future of running?

A. Running in SA is growing year by year. I have to say, the numbers keeps growing annually at these races. Sponsors are eagerly coming on board, and literally, there’s a race almost every two weeks in Gauteng. That’s phenomenal!

Q. What do you think about the lack of exercise among the youth?

A. I generally attribute it to the education structure, to some degree. Sports should be compulsory to every student. It becomes easy to grow into an adult that’s moulded in the culture of exercise. The sooner they start, the better.

Q. What was your best running experience?

A. Completing my first race ever, and it was a 10km.

Q. What was your worst running experience?

A. I ran a race in the blazing heat of Summer in Centurion last year. I did not even have lip balm with me. It was dreadful running with dry lips in that heat!

Q. How do you push through the pain?

A. I keep my mind on crossing the finish line. That’s the motivation.

Q. What is your favourite shoe to run in?

A. It has to be my Nike Free’s. They are light and bend so easily. I love the bright colour too.

Q. What can you not run without?

A. I cannot run without my Nike shoes & my ipod shuffle.

Q. What advice can you give somebody who wants to start running?

A. Just get up and go…go...go. Don’t think about it too much, just do it!

Q. Which Social media sites are you on and how can one follow you?

A. Instagram: ole__k