Marinus Roux is not your average runner. He is a man who has set his sights high, determined to challenge himself both physically and mentally. From running every single day for over a year to achieving a distance of 250km in a single month, he has proven himself to be a true inspiration. In this article, we will delve into the life and achievements of this extraordinary athlete, exploring the mindset that drives him and the obstacles he has overcome along the way. We have put together some questions for him, as we are sure it will inspire you too.
I have always been a sports athlete and running has always been a part of it. However, like any sports person, I hated running and doing fitness tests. After school, I stopped doing sports, picked up weight, and became depressed, insecure, and never put myself ahead of others. In 2021, I saw a video of HellahGood running every day, and I thought he was crazy. But he gave me the courage to start running to work on my fitness. So, in 2022, I decided to run to work on myself. Although it was not consistent, and my life was not consistent either, I went through some things and then discovered Goggins, the typical motivation guy haha! There was something that stood out for me, and that was the fact that motivation is temporary, but discipline is forever. Every day is a choice, and some days are hard, but I wanted to improve every day and become an everyday athlete. It took a lot of discipline. I thought running was impossible for me until I started. I stopped putting limitations on myself!
I have lost over 25-30 kgs. I used to weigh 110 kgs, but now I weigh 80 kgs due to continuous improvement. My goal in running was always to lose weight, overcome depression and anxiety. It became an escape from all my mental battles, and through running, I could clear my mind. It became a therapeutic place for me to come to. I came to the realization that it was me vs me, and I needed to seek the feeling of discomfort because in my life, I was too comfortable with many things, and it made me mentally and physically weak. So, I had a serious mind shift and worked so damn hard! I healed alone in my darkest times in life, so I felt like challenging myself with running because I loved it so much, based on the mental side of pushing yourself beyond boundaries. For me, the more I ran and got comfortable, the more I sought out uncomfortable challenges and challenged myself, and I've loved that process. The feeling of breaking my own limits is so satisfying.
For me, the most challenging part has been the early mornings. If I couldnāt do the evenings, I HAD to do the mornings. I hate waking up early, but because I really want constant improvement and have become disciplined, it has become essential in my life to achieve it. But, in general, walking out the door is the toughest part. After that, it becomes easy. There shouldn't be any excuses for not wanting to improve. If you want it, run for it!
Oh yes, improvements definitely! My pace has improved. I used to run my fastest 1 km pb in the beginning at 5:50, and now itās 3:50 pb. My 5, 10, 21 km pbs have improved every month, and it's because I run every day. My legs have become used to running longer distances naturally.
The most important thing is to impress yourself! Impress yourself with the limits you have set yourself before, and try to break those barriers. If you are saying to yourself that you can only run three times out of the seven days of the week, I can promise you that you are more than capable of running for the whole week easily. You just have to switch your mind to believe in yourself! Our minds are so used to the comfort of the way we have lived, but for once, just challenge your mind. It has helped me improve my mental health and makes my headspace healthier. Our minds are so strong that you can literally switch the way you think and become this stronger
I haven't experienced any injuries yet. My recovery method has been effective and works well for me. If I feel any pain in my legs, I do a shakeout run for less than 4km at a slow pace, and I automatically feel better. I also take cold baths in the mornings and warm showers at night to help my muscles recover. Initially, I used to recover in ice baths, but I only did that twice and eventually became used to it.
I have an 8-5 job, and on most days, I go for a run after work, covering distances ranging from 5-18km. Luckily, if I have work after 5 pm, I get advance notice and wake up early in the mornings to run. On days with unpredictable schedules, even if I come home late, I still make it a point to go for my run. The latest I've ever gone for a run was at 11:30 pm.
I have set many goals for myself. My first goal was to complete a 10km race, which I achieved last year with RLC. I then set a goal of running for one month every day, which helped me start my streak. After that, I challenged myself to run 10km every day for a week, which I achieved. Next, I aimed to run a half-marathon, which I also accomplished. I then aimed to run 250 km a month consistently, which I achieved too. Currently, I am training for a marathon, and I am also working towards the 4x4x48 Goggins challenge.
I recently reviewed my list of commitments, and I am proud to say that I have kept myself disciplined and accountable. Discipline is the only thing that has helped me come this far.
I have realized that I am stronger and more capable than I ever thought I was. Staying disciplined has helped me remain motivated, and I am no longer a victim of my pain. Instead, I am a champion willing to work hard every day, with the mantra of mind over feelings.
With all of this in mind, we would love to see him continue to achieve and also motivate others who never thought they could. Don't forget, it's "Rather Late Than Never"...
https://www.strava.com/athletes/39239214
