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

I am a professional long-distance runner. I am currently competing in the colours of green as part of the Nedbank Elite Green Dream Team. I am certified through the International Sports Science Association as a Master Personal Trainer. I have my own online coaching business called Fired Fitness - I wanted to give back to something that gave me so much. 

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

While I was working as a full-time personal trainer it was very challenging to get in my own training done, while still making enough time for recovery, friends and family. However, recently I made the investment to go fully professional and only do online coaching. I want to see how far I can go in this 

sport and reach my full potential. I want to be able to look back and have no regrets. 

Q. When and why did you start running? 

I started running at the age of 11 to help me cope better with a chronic illness. Running was the only thing that made me feel strong when I was weak and sick. Running made me feel free and beautiful. 

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

I always remind myself of my WHY and once you have been injured or sick you realize running is a gift and you can never take it for granted. I also spent a lot of time on mental training,  goal setting and visualization – this helps me stay focused and motivated even on days when I am tired or the weather is bad and I don’t feel like lacing-up my running shoes. 

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

I love to explore – running is an adventure and has allowed me to travel and see the world. I have met some of the most amazing people through running and being part of the running community is a special thing. The vibe, the crowd and the comraderie at a road race is something like no other. 

Q. What was your best running experience? 

It is hard to single out one achievement or experience. I have had amazing opportunities to represent my country at the IAAF World Cross Country Championships in 2013 & 2015. I could achieve some great results while racing overseas in the States on an NCAA D1 scholarship, including winning the 4 

Conference titles, 2 NCCA Regional Titles and All-American Status in the 10000m. However, since I have returned to South Africa in June 2018, I have had some of the most memorable and special moments, including winning the Totalsports Ladies Race twice, running personal best times in the 15 & 21k and running my first marathon. 

Q. What was your worst running experience? 

Being hit by a pick-up truck, coming from practice in America, running in the dark and falling in a manhole without a lid, being hit by an Uber’s door and slipping and falling over a water sachet in the Two Ocean’s half-marathon. 

Q. How do you push through the pain? 

I see pain as something that makes me stronger and helps me create mental toughness for racing. I like to be challenged and uncomfortable, because without it I won’t improve or reach my goals. 

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

It may be hard at first, but don’t give up. Don’t stop just because it is hard, if you can just hold on a bit longer and try a bit harder it will get easier in the end.  

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

INSTAGRAM: @anniebothma 

FACEBOOK PAGE: Annie Bothma Page 

WEBSITE: https://www.anniebothma.com/ 

TWITTER: @annie_bothma 

RUNNINGCOACHING: https://www.firedfitness.net/

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