Q. Who are you and what you do for a living?

Liezl Windvogel, a personal trainer, soccer coach and recently qualified sports massage therapist. 

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

I train for Adventure Bootcamp early in the mornings and late afternoons. I have my private clients as well and just try to fit in my own exercise where I can. I schedule my workouts in between and after my clients, sometimes running, strength training, weight training, even Yoga, depending on what day it is. I also run with a running club on weekends. 

Q. When and why did you start running?

About 3 years ago, I left my job and started working full time for myself as a personal trainer. This meant I wasn’t always able to make it to soccer games (which used to be my main way to keep fit) I discovered running and it was great because I could do it anytime anywhere. I decided to enter a half marathon and have been doing that ever since. Not on a competitive basis, but just to keep fit. Only recently I’ve started running with a group of ladies, and then this year joined a running club. 

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

I try to remind myself of the things I tell my clients when they don’t feel like it. I push them to push through those feelings, so I have to lead by example. Also, knowing that I’ll have to work twice as hard tomorrow for what I missed today really motivates me to get up and get going. 

Q. What is the longest distance you have ran? 

In November 2017, I ran The Tough One, which was 32km. 

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

Like with anything, the more you do it the more confident you get at doing it. After 3 years of running in the streets and completing a few half marathons, my confidence has grown tremendously. 

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

Our bodies were made to move. Exercise keeps the body healthy, happy and strong. It can be very hard to find time to exercise in the fast paced lives we all seem to be living. It's so important to make time because a lack of exercise can often lead to diseases. 

Q. What was your best running experience? 

The Spar ladies race in Johannesburg in October 2017 where I did my best 10km distance. I was quite chuffed at the speed I was running at, and that I could maintain my pace for the entire duration. 

Q. What was your worst running experience?

It was actually a training run. We ran 30 kms that day. We intended running 35km, but it was super hot and the route had quite a bit of hills. I felt pain in places I don’t usually feel. 

Q. How do you push through the pain?

I talk to myself a lot, psyching myself up. Telling myself that the run is almost over and that the only way to go, is forward. 

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

Start slow, at your own pace. It is ok to walk. Set a distance, even it’s the block - walk to a lamp post, run to the next, and alternate. Next do 2 blocks, and keep setting little/small goals for yourself. 

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

I am on Instagram and Twitter @thisisliezl 

LinkedIn people can find me at Liezl Windvogel

#RunRevolution