Some people need a gym membership, others need a motivational speaker, but Nelsiwe Tenele Dlamini has found her motivation in an old photograph of herself.
It is a picture of a time when she was seriously obese and she has made it her phone wallpaper as a constant reminder of how far she has come and why she cannot afford to give up.
For her, it is more than just a photograph. It is that little kick on the backside whenever she feels like skipping a run or giving herself an excuse not to exercise.
Her relationship with fitness did not just begin during the COVID-19 pandemic.
She has always been a fitness lover, although she admits that she was on and off with it before the lockdown.
However, the pandemic became the turning point that made her take her health and wellness seriously. At the time, she was seriously obese and experiencing shortness of breath.
FRIGHTENING REALITY
The fear of contracting COVID-19 and possibly not surviving because of her weight became a frightening reality she could no longer ignore.
The thought of what might happen if she became infected troubled her so much that she decided to do something about her health. To d a y, r u n ning is a regular part of her life and her weekly routine is anything but casual.
From Monday to Thursday, she runs more than 10 kilometres daily, takes Fridays off to rest and reserves Saturdays for long-distance runs and trail adventures around the Peak Timbers forests. Sundays are also dedicated to recovery.
ROUTINE
She also incorporates weights into her routine and occasionally skips rope for additional cardio. When it comes to food, in January, she decided to go vegan, adopting the motto: ‘If it’s not from the ground, I’m not eating it.’
The first week of every month is strictly vegan. During the rest of the month, however, proteins dominate her plate. It is an approach that reflects her willingness to experiment with what works for her while remaining conscious of what she eats.
Although she enjoys running alone, she has a dedicated running team that plays an important role in keeping her consistent.
They encourage one another and keep tabs on each other to promote accountability. When nobody shows up, she simply enjoys her solo runs.
Her motto captures her attitude towards ageing and health: ‘I’d rather be the oldest on the road than be the youngest in the queue to those who are getting their BP checked.’
Dlamini’s story is a reminder that taking charge of one’s health does not have to begin with a perfect fitness routine or an ambitious target. And for those wondering just how many years of life experience come with all that running, Dlamini recently celebrated her 50th birthday on September 30.
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