Not having enough time is a symptom of modern living. Between stressful jobs and trying to spend quality time with the family, exercise is often the fi rst thing that falls to the bottom of our list. In a series of features on how to balance a busy career with running, Modern Athlete speaks to various high powered professionals to find out how these great leaders manage to fit sport into their hectic daily lives. In this issue, we chat to Pieter Schoeman (although he goes by the name Peter), Sales and Marketing Director: City Lodge Hotels.
WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND AND HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN RUNNING?
I attended hotel school and have a diploma in hotel management. I managed different hotels for 12 years, the last one being The Courtyard in Rosebank. I then got promoted to the group Sales and Marketing Manager and have been Divisional Director for nine years. Altogether, I have been with the group for 15 years.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN RUNNING?
I’ve been running for fi ve years (mostly half marathons).
WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO START RUNNING?
I just wanted to get generally fi t and keep my weight in check as I attended a lot more business lunches and dinners.
HOW DO YOU FIT RUNNING INTO YOUR BUSY LIFE?
I consider running ‘me time’. It’s very much a part of my morning regime; so I religiously get up at 4:30 and go for a run at 5:00.
HOW MANY HOURS A WEEK DO YOU SPEND ON THE ROAD OR IN THE GYM?
I spend about 6.5 hours on the road and in the gym.
WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE BIGGEST OBSTACLE TO YOUR RUNNING?
Having a late night in the middle of the week… and then having to get up at 4:30 to get ready for my run!
HAS RUNNING INFLUENCED YOUR CAREER AND WORK ETHIC?
Definitely. Through running I have learned to pace myself and to have patience; things that I found difficult to do before I started running.
WHAT IS THE BEST AND WORST ADVICE YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN WITH REGARDS TO RUNNING?
The best advice has been to run within your own ability and to trust your body; if you feel tired or stressed your body will tell you. Listen to it. The worst advice has to be from runners saying you have to push through the pain. Sometimes you can’t push through the pain, especially when it’s something like a stress fracture. I have learned it is better to take time off and get back on the road when you are completely recovered from an injury.
PROUDEST MOMENT IN RUNNING OR BUSINESS?
Finishing my very fi rst half marathon in a time of 1:57.
MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT IN RUNNING OR BUSINESS?
I once sneezed just as I took a big sip of tea. I sprayed it all over Sol Kerzner’s white suit at the Table Bay Hotel in Cape Town.
THE THING I LOVE MOST ABOUT RUNNING IS…
The freedom of mind, body and soul once you are in the zone; nobody can take that away from you.
MY GREATEST AMBITION IS TO COMPLETE…
The Boston Marathon.
AFTER A MORNING RUN THE FIRST THING I LIKE TO DO IS…
Hit the shower.
I DON’T ENJOY BEING BEATEN BY…
Sean Bradley (my best friend).
I ENJOY TRAINING MOST WITH…
I like training on my own. I travel a lot and don’t always have the same people around to train with. I have become comfortable with going out for a run all by myself.
WHO ARE YOUR RUNNING ROLE MODELS?
Anybody older than me and who looks like they are having fun. It inspires me to keep on running.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE MEAL AFTER A BIG RACE?
Seafood.
I COULD NOT GO RUNNING WITHOUT MY…
iPod; I train alone and therefore love music.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO SOMEONE WHO SAYS THEY DON’T HAVE THE TIME TO START RUNNING?
I used to say that! Since I have made time, I have never looked back.
MY FAVOURITE RACE IS…
The Knysna Forest Half Marathon.
BEST TIME…
1:47 at the Knysna Forest Half Marathon.
LIFE MOTTO…
Live life to the fullest and be kind to all.
FAVOURITE QUOTE…
Appreciate all the good things and people in your life.
