Runner Stephen Mokoka on adjusting his training program for the Olympics

Leading him to make significant adjustments to his training regimen to sidestep a repeat of disappointment. At 39 years old, Mokoka prepares for his fourth Olympic Games, set to compete in the 42.2km marathon in Paris just before the event’s conclusion on 10 August. His primary focus is crossing the finish line and prioritizing completion over final placement.

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''We are trying to work with what we have. I have shifted my program from running at 06:00 in the morning to running at 08:30, so that I can get warmer weather and I have shifted again from training at 16:30, I am now training at 14:30. So we are just trying to work with what we have,'' said Mokoka.

Starting on Monday, Mokoka will intensify his training regimen, honing specific aspects of his running under the guidance of his coach, the esteemed Michael Seme, in Tshwane.  

''On Monday I have to resume with training, so I can say - my training has been good so far, now I am moving to a lighter part which is tougher because I will be more focused more on speed,'' added Mokoka.

Regardless of the outcome in Paris, Mokoka is determined to complete the marathon, a promise he made to himself.

''Yes, the ultimate goal. I had two chances to complete a marathon in the Olympics, the first one I did was in 2012, I think I ran 2:19 and finished 49th, that's the bench below 49th place. And the highest mark is for me to finish the Olympics, because I could not finish the previous Olympics. We did try to look at all things that might have contributed to that,'' concluded Mokoka.

Mokoka stated that he wasn’t in peak condition during the previous Olympics, participating in only a few races three years ago as part of his preparations. Now, having competed alongside runners’ consistently achieving sub-28-minute times in the Absa Run Your City 10km races, he declares himself fit.