ADVERTORIAL
I ran all of the races without my watch , and on the 5000m the goal pace was 77 seconds laps . I knew the first kay was a bit fast , which scared me , and I remember praying to just not die or fold too soon . After that I kind of just zoned out and focused on keeping up the required pace . I remember Ernie yelling that we were one second off the pace per lap – he actually made a calculation error , ha , ha – and I don ’ t always hear the commentators , but I subsequently heard the announcer say that “ sub-16 is possible .” So I honestly thought I was on pace to just dip under 16 minutes . You cannot imagine my surprise when I stopped the clock at 15:43.41 - a 51-second PB ! That ’ s a 3:08 per / km average , 10 seconds per kay faster than I ’ d ever run .
Is there a race that stands out and why ?
That 5000m is my most special race … so far . It made me the eighth-fastest SA women ever , and it was the fastest time run by a South African in 14 years .
Who has influenced you the most in terms of running ?
My high school coach , Dion Saayman . Everyone who knows Oom Dion will testify to it that his passion for the sport and developing young athletes is unparalleled . He has always been there for me , supporting me emotionally and spiritually , and believing in me . He helped me build a solid base in my developing years , assisted me in securing my scholarship to the USA , and today he still motivates me to keep pushing and dreaming !
My sister , Aynslee , is another person who has also had a massive influence . We have shared this journey right from the beginning . We trained together while both on scholarships in the US – that ’ s how close we are . I had my best friend and training partner with me 24 / 7 ! Of course , I would not be where I am if it was not for the unconditional love and support of my family , as well .
You worked with Zola Budd Pieterse at the Southern Coastal University in Carolina while in the US . What was it like to work with her ?
Zola and her family opened their hearts and their home to us in the US . Many people know Zola as this incredible athlete , and she is an amazing runner , but I was fortunate enough to get to know Zola as the most caring , smart and funniest ‘ mother to all .’ Zola obviously has a lot of experience , and it was amazing to pick her brain on her training philosophies . She has so much knowledge , and yet she loves to continuously learn more ! She is actually busy with her PhD in Sports Management right now . Her advice is always very insightful and spot on . I will forever be thankful for everything Zola and her family have done for me , and they will always have a very special place in my heart .
When things get tough in a race or a training run , what do you do ?
I always try to stay as relaxed and comfortable as possible , for as long as possible . I try to put all negative thoughts aside , relax my shoulders and just take it one rep or one kilometre at a time . I am also very thankful for 32GI ’ s support , and their G-Shot ( caffeine shot ) and the Endure Sports drink has been a great help to get me through my workouts . Especially after a long day in the office !
What ’ s next for you ?
SA Senior Track and Field Champs is on 15 April , hopefully followed by a few road races ( 10km ), and I will probably look to make my 21km debut sometime in the next year or two . But my biggest long-term goal is World Cross Country Champs in February 2022 .
What inspires you ?
To be an inspiration to others and to be the best version of myself . I think I am quite a relaxed athlete . I am not obsessive , and I think I manage a very good life / work / running balance . I love working with some of the younger athletes , and to show them that their happiness should not be dependent on the outcome of the race , but rather on their bigger purpose in life . I want to show athletes that their value should be found in Christ , not in PBs and Championship titles . Once they realise that , and run without that pressure , that ’ s where the fun starts !
STOP PRESS !
Just as this edition was going to print , news arrived that Kyla had finished third in the women ’ s 5000m and fourth in the 1500m at the Sizwe Medical Fund ASA Senior Track & Field Championships at TuksAthletics Stadium in Tshwane . The Black and Yellow would like to congratulate Kyla on her deserved bronze medal !
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