Olebogeng Kgoadi
Sunday, August 17, 2014
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
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