Katlego Motau
Monday, December 26, 2016
Q. Tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do for a living?
I am Katlego Motau, nicknamed Pablo by my father, due to my artistic ability as a kid growing up. An introvert, born and raised in Soweto. i work for a company called DGB ( Douglas Green Berlingham) as a promotions merchandiser , and most recently a sales representative. I grew up as a very active young boy, participated in numerous sports like boxing, soccer, tennis, long jump, basketball and most recently, running.
Q. How do you balance your exercise regime and your professional life?
I think when exercising becomes a habit and not a necessity, you miss it when you don’t do it. Balancing has been the biggest challenge for me especially because i work in the liquor industry which requires long peculiar hours. My formula is simple, have a plan even, even if it’s mental, that way your body prepares.
Q. When and why did you start running?
I started around February 2016. I want to be a tri-athlete, and running was the easiest step to take first.
Q. What motivates you to go out there, when you do not feel like it?
My biggest motivation is my cousin, Khotso Motau, who dragged me to gym every day as a toddler to learn how to box. Another reason is just a sense of gratitude towards my health.
Q. What is the longest distance you have ran?
32km, a race called Tough one.
Q. What gives you the confidence to run in the streets?
I am asthmatic and alot of people have advised me against running. It gives me confidence knowing i am running longer distances at a faster pace with my ‘’disability’’
Q. What do you think about the lack of exercise among the youth?
I feel as though we, as the youth, particularly of colour, are not exposed to numerous sports at a young age. This has caused a ripple effect. People need to understand that as much as you can be here one moment and gone the next, you need to start doing things that your older self will thank your younger self for.
Q. What was your best running experience?
I recently ran the Soweto half marathon for the first time. It was my first race, and first experience running with other people. I achieved my goal of sub 2 hours, did it in 1:47 which i am extremely proud of.
Q. What was your worst running experience?
I injured my archilies tendon while training for Tough one 2 weeks before the race. I ran the race with an injured foot which started hurting 10km out. Physically i was weak, mentally i was strong. I missed my goal of sub 3 hours and finished in 3: 09 10. How do you push through the pain? There was so much motivation around me, my cousin running in front, i also ran past a blind man, who was also running and had tied a rope around his hand and he’s team mate, that kept me going. The occasional singing distracted me from the pain
Q. What advice can you give somebody who wants to start running?
Research as much as you can before starting. When you do start, remember run at your own pace, but, do not underestimate the pace at which you are capable of running.
Q. Which Social media sites are you on and how can one follow you?
Search Katlego Pablo Motau on facebook, instagram and twitter.
#RunRevolution
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