RUN SPECIALIST
SIRAAJ
GOULFARRIS
TOTALSPORTS GREENACRES , GQERBERHA
SG
WHAT IS YOUR RUNNING BACKGROUND ? I started running in the past year when I started working for Totalsports .
WHY ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT RUNNING ? Life can be very stressful , and I find that running is my source of relaxation . It ’ s my time to “ reboot ” and time where I can take myself away from everything .
HOW ARE YOU QUALIFIED TO BE A RUNNING SPECIALIST ? I ’ ve obtained a specialist diploma in running over the course of the last year , and I have also done several courses regarding gait analysis . I have also gained product knowledge from working at Totalsports .
WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE BIGGEST PROBLEM WITH RUNNERS THAT COME INTO YOUR STORE , I . E . WHAT DO RUNNERS NOT KNOW THAT THEY SHOULD ? The most common problem I see , especially with the runners coming into the store , is that they don ’ t know their running gait , and that leads to them to injuring themselves while training .
HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO TALK TO YOU BEFORE BUYING ANY RUNNING PRODUCTS ? It ’ s very important , I should be the first person they speak to , because if they don ’ t , they could end up buying the wrong shoe for them , and this can lead to injuries .
WHEN STARTING A SESSION WITH A CUSTOMER , WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU ASK ? I always like to start by asking if they know their running gait , and explaining why it is important .
IS BEING BASED IN A STORE LIKE TOTALSPORTS AN ADVANTAGE , AS YOU HAVE ACCESS TO ALL THE BRANDS ? Yes , it is , as we have access to a large variety of topend shoe brands , and can therefore cater to all of our customer ’ s needs .
HOW DO YOU KEEP UP TO DATE WITH SPORTS TECHNOLOGY , SO YOU CAN RECOMMEND THE BEST PRODUCT MATCH FOR THEM ? Yes , we have a digital platform called Yoobic Boost that gives us fun training as well as upskilling us with the latest brands and the technology within their products .
WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE FOR ANYONE GETTING INTO RUNNING ? I suggest to all of my customers to do a gait analysis and to run for time , not distance , especially if you are a beginner .
62 ISSUE 144 AUGUST 2021 / www . modernathlete . co . za