FINDING YOUR WHY… MAKES THE PROCESS EASIER.

• Name – Olof Marais
• Age – 39
• Favourite Shoe –  Asics
• Favourite session – Our Tuesday’s quality group runs
• Favourite race distance – Before I started training, there was no such thing…now almost any distance as long as it’s part of a group. (Just NOT Comrades – haha)
• Favourite training companion – Running in a group with “lekker” people!

Since joining the Coach M Multisport Club, Olof has grown into an athlete. Its been an amazing journey and a privilege to be part of. From arriving at the squad with zero experience and fitness, he embraced the process, locked in his goals and most importantly kept on focusing on WHY he started the journey in the first place.

When did you start running / cycling or doing triathlon and was there a specific reason?

Triathlon – Never done that before, to be honest I was not fit or anything of that kind. Did some social cycling with friends. I work colleague and friend urged me to start running to reach 50km for a month and I ran (for some people that pace would be walking) because I enjoy a challenge…from there I told him but let’s do Durban IM as it was end October 2024 which would give us some time to prepare and that it would be a great challenge. That is where it started.

What is it about the sport that you like so much that you like it so much?

That you do not only do one discipline and need to be balanced overall to ensure that your can perform well. The community is also one of the main reasons for loving it so much! Like minded people, all aiming or working towards a goal is inspiring!

How was your preparation for the Durban 70.3 & what were the focus points?

I started from pretty much zero. So I reached out to people who have done it before and the advice I received was that get a coach, be consistent and enjoy and trust the process. Honestly I always wanted to push harder to be fit, healthy and drop a few kilograms to set a good example for my kids.

Were you injury free and if not, how did you deal with it?

No injuries, I was ill for 2 weeks after I had to travel for work. No other injuries. WIN!

How was the race?

Highs – EVERYTHING!!! Especially when I was almost done with the cycle leg finished the cycle and the run realizing the achievement. Seeing my family constantly during the race and them cheering me on even though they knew I was very tired.

Lows – At 18km my body was a bit tired BUT walked walked at water points and pushed through

What would you say was the biggest contributor for your success on the day and why?

The fact that when I set my mind to something I DO NOT QUIT! All those who thought, yeah he won’t make it…watch me… 😊
Needless to say, following a structured tailor made program also makes the world’s difference. Life is so busy and time is limited. A well designed program allowed me to get the most out of every session – maximizing my training efficiency.

Any advice to someone keen to start this sport?

Just start. You don’t have to be the fittest, leanest, have the best equipment to do this. You need a great can-do attitude and consistency. Also LISTEN TO YOUR COACH AND STICK TO YOUR PROGRAM.

Any final thoughts on your journey?

Set a target for yourself to aim at, be consistent, work hard during training in order for you to just enjoy the day of the race!What I found hard was getting up in the very early hours while everyone was still sleeping almost every day. Important to someone that might start off, it gets easier and after a month or so you get used to it. This becomes a lifestyle, not a single goal.

Yes, it goes without saying that there are and will be more sacrifices but, it is ABSOLUTELY worth it!

Last comment.. “Find your WHY & Trust the process”. I’m not one for little quotes but, “Rome was (genuinely) not built in a day”. Time takes time and that what it comes down too. Trust. the process, give it time and be consistent. Its not difficult – just a bit frustrating at times.