Muthekiniki Muhulwane Vho-Fhumulani Netshisaulu u bva kha vha muhasho wa vhuimazwikepe ha lushaka wa Transnet Saldanha Bay vho dzula vho wana mbofholowo na u sedza kha bada. Nga murahu ha u kunda khentsara ya tswio na u xelelwa nga iṅwe ya tswio dzavho, vho vhuyelela kha u gidima mbambe vhe na ndivho ntswa, vha tshi sumbedza uri u kondelela zwi nga vha isa kule u fhira zwe na vha vha vha tshi zwi humbula.
Q: Tell us about your journey into running. What first inspired you to lace up your running shoes, and how did it grow from an interest into a passion?
I’ve enjoyed running since my late high school years, when I would occasionally go for runs with a friend. I wasn’t really involved in other sports like soccer, so running was something I naturally gravitated towards.
During my tertiary studies, I often ran between 2 km and 5 km after writing a test or exam because it helped me clear my mind. That habit continued after I started working, and running became my way of managing stress and staying active.
I can’t pinpoint exactly when it became a passion, but between 2016 and 2021, I was running consistently five days a week. In 2022, I joined a running club, which introduced me to marathon running and the discipline that comes with setting goals and working towards them.
Q: You underwent a life-changing medical procedure that resulted in the removal of one of your kidneys. How did that experience affect you personally and as an athlete?
One day, the pain became unbearable and I decided to see a doctor. That’s when I discovered I had kidney cancer. Suddenly, everything made sense. It explained why I had been struggling with recurring running injuries and why they were taking so long to heal.
I reduced my running and started doing other forms of exercise, including swimming and indoor cycling, to stay active. The surgery was challenging, life-threatening and extremely painful. One of the first questions I asked my doctor was whether I would still be able to run with only one kidney. He assured me that once I had healed, life would return to normal.
Four months later, I was back on the road. Although I don’t run as much as I used to, I successfully completed the Cape Town Sanlam Marathon in both 2024 and 2026 after my operation. Today, I am healthier and no longer live with the pain I once experienced.
What keeps me motivated is running with a purpose. I want to raise awareness about health and wellness, encourage people to stay active, and inspire those living with chronic illnesses to incorporate some form of exercise into their lives.
Q: Long-distance running requires discipline, resilience and consistency. How do you balance your health, career and training schedule?
I’ve always believed that if something is important to you, you will make time for it. No matter how stressful work becomes, an easy run or a gym session always helps me feel better.
I also believe in maintaining balance by making time for work, exercise, family and friends. Doing the things you enjoy helps you become more productive and fulfilled. Even with a busy schedule, I make time for activities that contribute to my physical and mental well-being.
Q: What are some of the most important lessons running has taught you that have also helped you in your professional role?
Running has taught me to focus on the end goal, regardless of the challenges I encounter along the way. The objective is always to finish the race and earn the medal.
That same mindset helps me professionally. When managing a project, I stay focused on the desired outcome despite any obstacles that may arise. Running has also taught me resilience because every race presents different challenges, whether it’s the weather, terrain or elevation.
Another important lesson is the value of teamwork and support. Runners encourage one another throughout a race because everyone wants to see each other succeed. I apply the same principle in the workplace by supporting my colleagues and ensuring that no one is left behind. When we work together and support one another, we are all more likely to achieve our goals.
Q: Beyond work and running, what other passions or interests bring you joy?
I’ve recently developed a passion for reading and continuous learning. I particularly enjoy books about human behaviour and how people can build better relationships and interact more effectively with others.
I also enjoy travelling and exploring new places. Although I haven’t done much travelling recently, it’s something I would like to rekindle.
There is something refreshing about taking a long drive, exploring new surroundings and experiencing different places and cultures.
My curiosity, love of learning and appreciation for new experiences continue to shape who I am today and contribute to both my personal and professional growth.
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