Karabo Mailula explains how she navigates a jam-packed schedule

Mailula told SABC Sport that she actually feels sad when she misses a race. Just three days after running a personal best of 1:14:21 in the 21.1km race, where she finished 71st, she returned to the road and became the first South African home in Joburg in 34:44 on Heritage Day.

The 24-year-old has now competed in five races in just four weeks, but she says she simply loves being on the road.

"It's all about mindset and what you tell yourself during the race. I knew that I was tired but I told myself that I am strong and that I will finish this race. If I'm not running I feel sad, but once I hit the road I'm very happy."

READ: Zenzile Pheko credits back-to-back 10km podiums to hard work

Mailula, who has completed an Honours Teaching Degree at the University of Pretoria, came into this year’s race with a clear target.

The Boxer Running Club athlete won the Joburg 10km last year and wanted another strong performance this time around. She achieved her goal by finishing inside the top ten.

Mailula, who is coached by Caster and Violet Semenya in Tshwane, says her busy schedule has also given her valuable experience.

She believes her trip to Denmark for the World Road Running Championships taught her an important lesson about racing at the highest level.