Lwazilwenkosi strides to success
ULUNDI Striders Athletics Club endurance runner Lwazilwenkosi Mpungose has added the 2020
Richards Bay Hippo Marathon title to his impressive résumé after clocking 2.32.03 for the 42.2km race.
The 23-year-old student who trains under coach Sfundo Mbuyisa, also clocked his personal best time of 1.27.58 in the Qapheqolo 21.1km event to finish eighth among some seriously stiff competition recently.
He also bagged the 10km Save the Rhino title last year with a blitz time of 31.58.
The humble youngster started road running in 2016 to live a healthy lifestyle and steer clear of negative influences.
He attributes his successes to hard work and dedication to a strict eating plan and training schedule.
He trains twice a day, seven days a week, and racks up between 200km per week preparing for marathons.
His diet plan consists mainly of vegetables, fruit and white meat, combined with a high water intake.
When not busy studying or working out on the road, the focused athlete can be found reading and chilling out with friends.
Lwazilwenkosi dreams of landing a professional running contract this year with the help of his manager, Moses Gazu.
The hardworking lad follows a simple motto to keep himself motivated towards his dream goal - ‘Be mentally fit, because if you do not rule your mind, your mind will rule you.’
He is inspired by Ethiopian marathon runner Kenenisa Bekele.
His advice to other runners out there is simple: ‘Be disciplined and believe in your work and your coach. But especially, be patient as good results take time.’
His next assignment is the 2020 Tronox Marathon which will be hosted by the uMhlathuze Athletics Club on 29 March at Addison Park.