Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 67, February 2015

Ma Bring Balancing Act it on! Survivor SA runner-up and Fear Factor SA contestant Letshego Zulu describes herself as a “bucket list ticker,” and with Two Oceans, Comrades and the ABSA Cape Epic already behind her name, she’s ready to take on still more challenges. – BY LAUREN VAN DER VYVER MA: You’re the adventurous type, a trained personal trainer and biokineticist. Have you always embraced the active lifestyle? LETSHEGO: My mom was a road runner and played basketball and netball. It was a case of ‘monkey see, monkey do,’ so at age eight, I was running my first 5km and it was a sport I enjoyed, even though I ended up as an all-rounder. As a biokineticist, I understand the importance of healthy living, and cardiovascular exercise like running keeps the heart healthy and pumping in order to deliver oxygen-rich blood to all our organs. Exercise also promotes weight-loss and is great for controlling chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. came to enter, I didn’t blink twice. They taught me a lot about myself, especially that you can achieve anything you put your mind to. MA: Being on Fear Factor SA as well as Survivor SA lends itself to extreme scenarios. What have you learnt from these experiences? LETSHEGO: I’ve always wanted to push myself. When the opportunity MA: Are there specific goals you’ve outlined in 2015? LETSHEGO: I’m yet to complete an Ironman on my own. I did the 70.3 years ago, but as part of a team. I’m not the strongest swimmer, but MA: It seems you’re one to set continuous targets. Is it all about trying something new? LETSHEGO: I set goals and make sure I achieve them. About five years ago, I told myself I’d run my first Comrades when I turned 30. That happened in 2014. When I took up the challenge to train for the 2013 ABSA Cape Epic, many people didn’t believe I could do it. I never doubted myself. I finished it with a smile! Ma advertorial The Big Daddy Pick n Pay Marathon and Half Marathon presented by Momentum When: Sunday 8 February Where: Saheti School, Senderwood, Johannesburg The marathon is a two-lapper around Bedfordview and Edenvale, starting off with a tough first 10km featuring several inclines before the halfway 22 ISSUE 67 FEBRUARY 2015 / www.modernathlete.co.za mark, but it’s the downhill past Gillooly’s Farm in the last stretch that everyone looks forward to for some relief. Just don’t get carried away, because the last kilometre provides a nasty little uphill pull! Now in its 31st year, race day gives athletes a little bit of everything: A tough 42km or 21km (one lap of the marathon), as well as popular 8km and 4km fun runs around Senderwood. There is even a 420m minimarathon for under-4, under-6, under-8 and under-10 kiddies, so bring your youngsters along and let them enjoy a taste of running glory, too! Images: Courtesy organiser A ttracting a field of well over 5000 athletes, this gem on the Central Gauteng calendar is a regular go-to for runners looking to get a challenging long run in before April’s Old Mutual Two Oceans Ultra, or a solid qualifier for Comrades.

Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 67, February 2015 | Page 22