Long-distance running takes discipline
Jabu Mashinini is sticking to his strict training program as he hopes to compete soon
Kwatsaduza – Long-distance runner Jabu Mashinini is keeping up with his fitness routine as he hopes to compete soon. Like any athlete, the former soccer player is disappointed that competitive sporting events have been cancelled due to Covid-19. “I was preparing to have a great year and improve my times in all the races, building on 2020.” In October last year Mashini completed the 42.2km Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in two hours and 50 minutes.
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His highlight was, however, the Two Oceans Marathon which he completed in four hours, one minute and 56 seconds. He received a Sainsbury Medal for completing the race in under five hours. “I had two main goals for 2019, one was to finish under seven hours in the Comrades and the other was to complete the Two Oceans in under four hours, so I was really chuffed with myself. “I am happy to say I am one of the elite runners of Ekurhuleni,” he said. Mashinini boasts four silver Comrades Marathon medals.
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He participated in the marathon for the first time in 2015 and his slowest time for the 90km marathon is eight hours and 20 minutes. “My dream is to achieve 11 consecutive silvers in the Comrades,” he said. According to Mashinini, his recipe for success is to take care of your body and stick to your training programme. “I know many people have the desire to run long distance but give up when it gets tough. “It takes a lot of discipline. I watch what I eat because I have figured out what my optimum weight is, and I don’t drink alcohol or smoke,” he said. With an eye on next year, Mashinini has created a training programme to prepare himself for races that usually take place at the beginning of the year. “We don’t know if we’ll be able to compete again this year, but I am staying positive and want to be ready when that day comes,” he added. Follow us on: 
