On The Couch with SA Olympic Marathon Runner Rene Kalmer

1 Favourite dessert / sweet

Belgian Waffle with caramel sauce.

2 Favourite movie

How to loose a guy in 10days.

3 If you could go see any band live, who would it be?

Train

4 Have you ever arrived at an event and discovered you didn’t have your running shoes? (I know Russian Basketball captain has arrived at an international game with no shoes and a mate of mine recently went travelling with two right shoes)

No, luckily not! I have a checklist. Racers - check, running vest -check. race number - check, energy drink- check, stopwatch - check.

5 Best road trip to an event?

December 2011, my sister, Christine and I went to Zanzibar. We used local transport, daladalas (2$) instead of 50$ Taxi rides,to save money for cocktails. The highlight was when we swam with dolphins at Kizimkazi.

6 A moment that stands out for you while competing? (Can be running down The Mall in London, seeing someone in the crowd or a light drizzle as you compete against millions in China)

Running the marathon at the Olympic Games was a career highlight especially seeing all the support on route in the pouring rain.

7 What do you think about while running?

Just keep running! Just keep running!

8 Best conditions to run in?

Sunny, not too hot or humid! No wind or rain. Basically Durban in the winter.

9 If you could shake anyone’s hand and hang out with them for half an hour, who would it be?

Paula Radcliffe

10 A day in the life of an SA Marathon runner entails…

Get up at 5am to do a morning run with Christine, sometimes Irvette joins us.

Breakfast, before a 9am Pilates classor gym session at Virgin Active.

A sport massage once a week, not so pleasant experience.

An hour nap before I meet my coach Gerrie Coetzee at the track for a quality workout.

11 Best part of the London Olympics?

Th London Olympics was one big highlight. Staying in the Olympic Village with 10 000 Sport stars. The dining hall that's open for 24hours and can seat 5 000 people at a time. All the freebies from generous sponsors like Adidas and Oakley. Having a lot of family and friends in London to support me, all wearing "Run Rene Run" t-shirts that was designed by Christine. of course coming back from London with a boyfriend...

 
12 Favourite destination (Can be to compete or for holidays)

Island anywhere

13 New Year’s resolutions – did you make any and have you stuck to it / broken them yet.

Not big on New Year's resolutions or keeping them.

These are daft either or questions… 
14 Early morning catches the worm or late night owl?

Early morning catches the worm.

15 Sugar or spice?

Spice

16 10km or Marathon?

10km, especially a Spar Ladies 10km

17 Left or Right foot first

Left

18 Rugby, soccer or Cricket? (Give team names)

Rugby! Big Cheetah supporter