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

I run a digital and influencer engagement firm called WordStart where we connect brands with influencers and I consult in the marketing industry, as well as speak at conferences.

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

In recent times exercise has become part of my lifestyle, it is balancing random things with exercise and work. Most of it is guided by the goals, both health and fitness, that I aim to achieve.

Q. When and why did you start running?

I started seriously a little over 2 years ago, prior to that it was all seldom and unplanned. A lot of it was because I was unfit and I shallowly wanted to walk around the beach topless without feeling too self-conscious. The reality is that I enjoyed it and it was one of the most accessible ways to get fit and healthy. 

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

It is mostly the goals that I have and the fact that I need to cover some distance to reach these aspirations. When you have a marathon or an ultra-marathon in a few weeks or months that you have committed to, you have to get on the road. 

Q. What is the longest distance you have ran?

It was just over marathon distance.

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

I never think about that, I just get to it. Confidence isn’t something that comes up about running, it’s mostly increasing distance and improving performance. 

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

I think we can all do with more activity in our lives, adults more than youth to be honest. That said, I think we can give young people more options. The youth, in part, emulate the rest of society and we all need to make exercise a part of our daily lives.

Q. What was your best running experience?

Fighting past exhaustion and broken legs to finish my first marathon ranks up there with the ultimate running experiences I have ever had. Another one was when my parents (70-years old and over) and my cousin all came out to a race and took a 10-kilometre distance while I ran the half marathon. I can’t choose one over the other.

Q. What was your worst running experience?

Getting cramps and desperately needing the toilet, both at the same time, were lows and water shortage at another race.

Q. How do you push through the pain?

Sometimes I just walk through it to regain mental and physical composure, other times it’s the experience of past moments and positive thoughts that help me through it.

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

Start now. Pick up your shoes and slowly.

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

Twitter: @Mongezi

Facebook: Mongezi Mtati

Instagram: mongezimtati

Web: mongezimtati.co.za

#RunRevolution