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

My life is surrounded by sport, fitness and healthy lifestyle so balancing work and exercise isn't too difficult. I do sport called Triathlon which is swimming, cycling and running combined. I tend to train one discipline either cycling or running in the wee hours of the day and then during the course of the day I train swimming while working at the swimming pool so that’s how I get to balance my training and work on daily bases. 

Q. When and why did you start running? 

I started running in August 2015 around my neighbourhood after seeing on Facebook and Instagram Lindo MaKhathide Khubeka, a lady friend of mine from Pietermaritzburg running consistently since early 2015 even throughout winter season. She inspired me to want to lose weight and take care of my own body because is the only place we live in. Nothing is more important than your health. Treat it that way... 

I'm not the weather man, I don't make predictions. I create a plan of action and produce expected results. 

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

I am motivated by many things, but above most things is the fact I want to succeed at what I do. I think this is what motivates a lot of professional athletes; that desire to be the best at what they do. The thought of making it to the big league or being the best in my sport really sparks me up. 

One thing that has always motivated me more than anything else is winning. It fuels me before every race, and gives me that added incentive you need to perform at your best. Winning is a great feeling, it's a lifelong symbol of achievement. Fulfilling your dreams is one the best feelings you can get, and only those who love what they do will achieve this.

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

Running gives me the time to think. No phone. No Facebook. Nothing. Just me and the sound of my feet smashing the ground. Running frees my mind, it reveals the real me. 

Q. What was your best running experience? 

If you have a body, you are an athlete. It's just some of us train... My first race in 2016 is my best running experience; I ran my 10Km race in 00:44:17. During that time I was busy trying to lose weight but I never thought one day I will be so addicted to doing sport plus enjoying fitness and a healthy lifestyle. 

Q. What was your worst running experience? 

My worst running experience was in 2017 March when I ran a 32 kilometres race called Vodacom Rose Run here in Bloemfontein with an ITB injury on my right leg but I managed to finish it in 3:13:36. 

Q. How do you push through the pain? 

I understand that pain is temporary and will not last forever. To be able to run through the pain I have to be highly motivated, in other words I have to “really want it.” Focusing on a goal which I have worked towards for some time keeps me motivated and hungry. 

I usually rely on my competitive instinct, either with training partners, race competitors or my goals for a specific workout. I see it as just another component of racing and training, and it’s inevitable, so you get about driving yourself to get the most out of yourself.

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

Running is a great way to get fit, feel better and even form new relationships with other runners. Starting a new running habit doesn’t have to be hard - all it takes is a comfortable pair of shoes and a willingness to move a little or a lot, all at your own pace. Treat yourself like a runner from day one; that means taking time to properly warm up and cool down. 

Nutrition before and after your running is not a huge factor when you are a beginner. Try not to eat anything one to two hours before you run, and just drink some water afterward. If you run first thing in the morning, you can most likely head out the door without a small breakfast, but if you find the urge to eat something, a banana or slice of toast with water not juice.

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

Facebook: Kabelo Sekaleli 

Twitter: @KabeloSekaleli 

Instagram: @KabeloSekaleli 

Strava: Kabelo Sekaleli 

#RunRevolution