Gerda Steyn shares her recovery insights ahead of the upcoming season

After shattering course records at both the Two Oceans and Comrades Marathons last year, Steyn is once again a favourite to repeat her success.

Many athletes find it challenging to prioritize races, often leading to fatigue.

Steyn's demanding schedule last year included competing in the Two Oceans, Comrades, Oom die Dam, Loskop Marathon, Valencia, and the Olympic Games, alongside several 10km races.

The toll of constant travel and participation in multiple events can weigh heavily on an athlete’s body.

"I believe there are two sides to it. Firstly, I’m fortunate that I recover quickly due to my genetics. I’ve always noticed this, and I often feel fine after a race, recovering much sooner than expected. I consider myself genetically gifted in that sense, as my recovery tends to be fast. However, I don’t take this for granted—I truly value it. I always make sure to listen to my body between races, take recovery days seriously, and avoid back-to-back races unless necessary," said Steyn.

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Steyn emphasizes that athletes often push themselves too hard as races come rapidly, leading to burnout.

"Athletes should focus on getting their mindset right and taking it slow when necessary. However, sometimes there's a tendency to keep pushing even when it's not required. We must learn to select our races wisely, allowing enough time for rest and recovery, so the body is ready for the next challenge it’s a long season," Steyn added.