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

My name is Crystal August-Reynecke and I am the Founder of Birthday of Hope (BOH) a community outreach initiative providing a platform to lend a helping hand and give back to those less fortunate and restore hope in humanity. I am a half-marathoner who enjoys running more than anything in this world.

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

There is a saying that goes “there is a time and place for everything”, the emphasis being on “TIME”. We all have busy schedules and various responsibilities that needs our attention, but what has worked for me was planning my day’s events to ensure that I manage in my training time for my upcoming races. Sometimes I just run for the fun of it, just to keep a healthy lifestyle. 

Q. When and why did you start running? 

I started running in 2008. As an ambitious woman, I tend to set goals for myself in every aspect of my life. In the words of Bill Bowerman - "The real purpose of running isn't to win a race. It's to test the limit of the human heart". Running became and addiction (a good addiction), wanting to push beyond my boundaries to see how far our could really go. To me it became a lifestyle and always pushing myself to reach another personal milestone. For runners it is known as a PR (Personal Record), two letters that makes every runner smile J I have learnt so much about myself and it has really changed my life.

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

You will never always be motivated and that is where self-discipline comes in. Without that is it very easy to deter from your goals you have set for yourself. Discipline will carry you on the days motivation fails you. 

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

The fact that I know I will meet up with other runners, people who enjoys your passion just as much as you do and sharing this enjoyment with like minded people. 

Q. What was your best running experience? 

Without a doubt it must be when I completed my first half marathon. No feeling could ever describe how I felt when I crossed the finish line. Knowing the months of training, early mornings, determination and perseverance finally paid off. It meant so much to me because never in my life would I ever have thought I could run the distance until I proved it to myself. 

Q. What was your worst running experience?

Developing an injury mid-race. This happened last year (2018) when I did the FNB Cape Town 12OneRun. I thought I would be fine, but it was torture and all I could think of was getting myself to the finish line. There was no way I was even thinking of giving up. 

Q. How do you push through the pain?

I try not too focus on the pain too much, because the more you focus on it the more it is going to bother you and you will lose focus. I try to keep my thoughts positive to help push myself to the end. I have come to learn that running is a mental sport and you must always try to maintain a positive mindset. During your run you become what you think. 

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

You must, firstly, set a personal goal for yourself. Always remember to never compare yourself with another runner. 

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

My twitter handle: @_CrystalAugust 

Instagram: @_CrystalAugust 

Facebook: My running profile is CR27 - www.facebook/CR27runner

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