Molefi Thotela
Tuesday, February 27, 2018
Q. Who are you and what you do for a living?
My name is Thato Molefi Thotela (known as Thato) sotho speaking originally from Virginia in the free state, I hold National diploma in software development and I currently work for a state owned company doing desktop support.
Q. How do you balance your exercise regime and your professional life?
When you love something you make time for it. I do my running either in the mornings before starting my day or late in the evening ending my day.
Saturdays I run parkruns and I’ve just recently started running with the braamfie runners.
Q. When and why did you start running?
I seriously started running in 2017. My first race was in February 2017 (pirates 21. Tough one). I entered that race on a Thursday Thinking that it was two weekends away only to find out it was on the very same weekend I’m heading into; l was never ready but I managed to do well finishing at 2h:12m.
I played few of sporting codes growing up. I did long jump. I Played soccer. I played hockey in high school. I played volleyball after high school although I was never anywhere close to be a star player but I’ve always loved sports
Q. What motivates you to go out there, when you do not feel like it?
Firstly, It’s the love of going out there and have some fun. The feeling you get after crossing that finish line and getting that finisher medal it’s something else.
Secondly, I have friends that are into this running lifestyle like me. Trevor, Busi and the other Busi, we have a WhatsApp group which we use to push each other and select which races to run.
The girls are more experienced so they are more like teachers.
#Squad
Q. What is the longest distance you have ran?
Soweto marathon (42km) which humbled me
Q. What gives you the confidence to run in the streets?
I think I’m very fortunate to be able to do what I love. Some people are denied the ability to do things that they love, it could be due to health conditions or any other reasons
Q. What do you think about the lack of exercise?
Back where I’m from you don’t see a lot of people exercising then I came to jhb and you see your peers on these streets kicking it even Old people. It’s quite refreshing to see how serious people take healthy living around here and it just makes you want to get involved
Q. What was your best running experience?
It has to go to my first race ever, Pirates21. The atmosphere was absolutely amazing, I was inexperienced and I came across runners with nice music on, some buses were singing and I managed to take few photos along the way. Plus, it was my first time being at that part of jhb.
Q. What was your worst running experience?
Soweto marathon. All was well until the 27th km and all of the sudden my muscles on my ankles were super sore, the last 15km were a mountain to claim. I couldn’t even walk probably for 3days, well apparently I didn’t have proper shoes.
Q. How do you push through the pain?
I focus on the end goal, getting that finisher medal.
If your legs can’t carry you, run with your heart.
Q. What advice can you give somebody who wants to start running?
Start slowly and never compare yourself to anyone and remember you must have fun while doing it.
Q. Which Social media sites are you on and how can one follow you?
Instagram: @Tha2o0
Twitter: @_Tha2o0
#RunRevolution
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