What works for me - A day in the life of A fitness bunny

By
Silindile Phakathi
Tax Manager
September 28, 2023
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What works for me - A day in the life of A fitness bunny

As a Fitness Bunny, our routine can become very dull.

We are creatures of habit, after all.

I will be at the track, on the grass or in the gym most days a week.

I don’t take many supplements, but I like that more Vitamin C can help, especially in the winter when training in cold, windy, wet conditions.

Most days, I train at 05:30 in the morning; I ensure I finish breakfast a good hour before training. I need to be hydrated and fueled for my training session.

Again, I know this can very much vary between people.

Some of my training partners can’t stomach anything before training. Personally, I disagree with this. I can’t see how you’re meant to perform at your maximum ability on an empty stomach.

Pearl has some tips and tricks from her years of focusing on her health (Photo: Jonathan Borba)

My Habits

I usually aim to get 8 hours of sleep. Sleeping is crucial for us to recover and train at peak levels. I can struggle with sleep, so I have my sleep routine.

I always listen to chilled-out music to relax my mind and allow me to easily switch off or read a book until I fall asleep.

I train six days a week, with Sunday being my only full day off. Ofcourse, this will change in the summer/competition season. 

We will tend to back off the training and do more quality speed sessions, ensuring we are in the best-refreshed shape leading into competitions.

Running is life for me.

Training can consist of many elements depending on the day. Still, a typical track day will start with a two-lap slow jog, followed by some static stretches, walking drills, hurdle walkovers and then slowly building into some faster movements.

My Diet

I start the day with two boiled eggs, a banana, green tea and a Vitamin C and Zinc drink.

I tend to want lunch quite quickly after my morning session; it is a key time when nutrition can play a big part in recovery. I tend to eat a lot of chicken, pasta, salad, and vegetables.

A few dishes could be the following:

- Two salmon fillets, couscous, broccoli
- Bruschetta, brown bread, avocado, onion, tomato, bacon, and a light bit of oil
- Steak, boiled potatoes, green salad
- Two large jacket potatoes with Tuna mayo and salad
- Scrambled egg on sourdough bread, avocado with cherry tomatoes

(Photo: Eiliv Aceron)

In the winter, I train twice a day twice a week, usually on Tuesdays and Thursdays. These sessions can consist of many elements, depending on the time of the year or what we must do. It could be sledge pulls, blocks, acceleration runs, or plyometrics. There are so many different things we do that ultimately keep me fit and keep my body healthy. The small, most tedious exercises are often the most important.

For dinner, I will again have various foods, steak and fish, always having a good balance.  Typical dishes include:

- Spaghetti bolognese. (Even though I love meat, I think it’s good to go the occasional day without meat)
- Vegetable and prawn stir fry
- Chickpea and spinach curry
- Prawn and asparagus pasta
- Roast chicken with sautéed potatoes and green salad.

I tend to stay hydrated with water throughout the day.

Why I am so passionate

Whatever your goal, I believe the key is to keep enjoying yourself.

Sport has given me so much, so much happiness, a lot of tears, a lot of sacrifice, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. It is where I feel free, focused, and determined to be the best fitness bunny and person I can be. Every time I step on the track or gym, I look forward to learning something new about myself, digging deep and seeing how far I can push myself.

Whatever your goal, the only thing that matters is always to enjoy.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.