Gaopalelwe Mekwa
Thursday, November 16, 2017
Q. Who are you and what do you do for a living?
My Name is Gaopalelwe R Mekwa. I am a 28 Year old Merchant living and working in the Sandton Area. I am an artisanal baker and cook when I am not running.
Q. How do you balance your exercise regime and your personal life?
I have a strict schedule that gives time to both work and exercise. During the week I run before work and on weekends I run Park Run on Saturday and Sundays I do a Long Run or Run a timed race.
Q. When and why did you start running?
I started running in March 2017 as a way to get back in shape and I have been hooked ever since
Q. What motivates you to go out there, when you do not feel like it?
I am part of a small, sociable but motivated group of runners, we even have a WhatsApp Group, we run Park Runs, Enter Races together and we have breakfast after our big races. I am also motivated by the runner’s high and sense of accomplishment that comes at the end of every run.
Q. What is the longest distance you've ran?
23km
Q. What gives you the confidence to run in the streets?
My routes are generally safe, I enjoy the mental challenge of running outside and I love the experience of being on the streets: the fellow runners, the sights and sounds. No run is ever the same.
Q. What do you think about the lack of exercise?
I think because we live in a demanding fast paced world where we are all juggling work, studies, social lives and other interests exercise takes a back seat. I truly believe that our bodies were made to move and we were designed to have a physical experience on earth, it is concerning and sad that some people will never know the joys and benefits of exercise.
Q. What was your best running experience?
My best running experience was completing OLD EDS 21km in less time than anticipated and having my friend take pics as I ran across the finish line. It was my first ever timed 21km
23km
Q. What gives you the confidence to run in the streets?
My routes are generally safe, I enjoy the mental challenge of running outside and I love the experience of being on the streets: the fellow runners, the sights and sounds. No run is ever the same.
Q. What do you think about the lack of exercise?
I think because we live in a demanding fast paced world where we are all juggling work, studies, social lives and other interests exercise takes a back seat. I truly believe that our bodies were made to move and we were designed to have a physical experience on earth, it is concerning and sad that some people will never know the joys and benefits of exercise.
Q. What was your best running experience?
My best running experience was completing OLD EDS 21km in less time than anticipated and having my friend take pics as I ran across the finish line. It was my first ever timed 21km
Q. what was your worst running experience?
I ran a 10km run just after I had started restricting carbohydrates which was a mistake of note. I was slow and sluggish during the run and I hit a wall. The fact that I had not had enough sleep the night before did not help.
Q. How do you push through the pain?
I am fortunate enough to not experience pain during my running. It is usually slight discomfort that fades with time. I am running my First Comrades Marathon next, you can ask me this question then because I will know pain.
Q. What advice can you give someone who wants to start running?
The best advice would be: Start slowly, join a Park Run, Put money towards a few races, eat and enjoy running. In order to run well you need consistency and discipline over time.
Q. Social media sites
My social media Contact
Twitter: @Mekwa_Money
Instagram: Mekwa_Money
I ran a 10km run just after I had started restricting carbohydrates which was a mistake of note. I was slow and sluggish during the run and I hit a wall. The fact that I had not had enough sleep the night before did not help.
Q. How do you push through the pain?
I am fortunate enough to not experience pain during my running. It is usually slight discomfort that fades with time. I am running my First Comrades Marathon next, you can ask me this question then because I will know pain.
Q. What advice can you give someone who wants to start running?
The best advice would be: Start slowly, join a Park Run, Put money towards a few races, eat and enjoy running. In order to run well you need consistency and discipline over time.
Q. Social media sites
My social media Contact
Twitter: @Mekwa_Money
Instagram: Mekwa_Money
#RunRevolution
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