Gallery
MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Mossel Bay's Benita Joubert is a road and trail runner and the current record holder for the fastest combined times of the Rhodes (52km) and Baviaans (42km) trail runs.
She finished her second Comrades marathon in 8h25min and was the 93rd woman overall that year. She was the 2019 sports lady of the year of the running club, Hartenbos Drawwers.
Among other questions, the Mossel Bay Advertiser asks Benita, who is married and has four children, how she juggles home schooling with her exercise routine.
How old are you?
As they say in running terms, I'm a veteran (40 to 49 years).
How long have you been married and how old are your children?
I have been married for 20 years. My children are 11, nine, five and four years old.
Do you have a career, job or business?
Yes, all of the above. I'm a wife and stay-at-home mom. I am the local area agent for a brand of running shorts, Funky Pants.
Tell us about home schooling.
It's an absolute joy and privilege to be part of my children's education journey, but make no mistake, it's not always easy. It comes with a lot of sacrifice, especially of one's self. However, the decision to home school is not a choice you make yourself one day, but rather a calling bestowed upon you by God, for which my husband and I thank Him everyday.
How do you juggle caring for children and your fitness routine?
It's sometimes difficult, but I try to fit in my exercise and running early in the mornings, before the children wake up. Things don't always pan out as planned and then I have to adapt and change my routine by doing high intensity interval training at night when they are asleep.
For how long do you exercise each day and which exercises do you do?
One to 1,5 hours; mostly running and strengthening routines.
Do you enjoy running on your own or with a friend or in groups?
All of the above. During the week, alone. That's my "me" time with the Lord and over weekends, with friends.
When did you first realise you were athletic?
I've always loved sport and specifically running but when I was 16, I started to take it seriously. I was in the Eastern Transvaal athletics and cross country team at the South African Schools Championships.
Where do you most enjoy a run?
I love the outdoors - along the beach and on trails.
What are your goals?
To better my personal bests in the 10km, 21.1km and 42.2km and achieve a silver Comrades medal. In the end, for me it's all for the love of the game and to reach my full potential as a person.
Do you have any advice for people wanting to start exercising or running?Do it because you love it. The fitness and weight loss will come by itself.
How would you describe your lifestyle and what are your thoughts on nutrition?
I have a relatively healthy lifestyle - between all the pancakes and cookies for the kids. I believe that one needs to listen to one's body. I don't believe in diets, but rather a healthy lifestyle. Enjoy your wine and chocolates once in a while (or every day now, during the lockdown)!
Your final thought for this interview?
Live life to the full and be unstoppable in who you are.
Photo gallery: Runner profile: Benita Joubert
'We bring you the latest Mossel Bay, Garden Route news'
