Gerda Steyn explains how discipline, mindset and years of perseverance helped her become a five-time Comrades Marathon and seven-time Two Oceans Marathon champion. Picture: BackpagePix
It’s difficult to imagine that ultra-running sensation Gerda Steyn ever struggles to stay motivated through her gruelling training schedule, but it is her mindset that separates her from her competitors.
Even though Steyn has five Comrades Marathon and seven Two Oceans Marathon titles to her name, that matters little when her alarm clock buzzes in the early hours each morning as she laces up her shoes and heads out for the first of her two training sessions of the day.
Every runner preparing for a big race will identify with the struggle to keep chasing their goals, and on some days the motivation simply isn't there.
For the average runner like myself, the easier option is to skip the run and find a good reason to justify that decision.
