25-06-2025
Wade Gouden: the South African fitness influencer who turns sweat into inspiration
Wade Gouden holds up his medal after completing the Comrades Marathon.
Image: Supplied
In the vibrant landscapes of South Africa, where the sun rises over the Indian Ocean and sets behind rolling hills, one man's dedication to fitness and digital influencing is making waves.
Wade Gouden, an ambitious fitness influencer and athlete from Durban, has recently completed the gruelling Comrades Marathon, solidifying his place in fitness history.
Gouden has been creating engaging content since 2020, diving headfirst into the world of fitness in 2021.
His motivation stemmed from an inherent love for activities that inject a touch of excitement into life.
"I just love doing fun things that make life a bit cooler and extraordinary," he says.
This enthusiasm is vividly illustrated in his latest endeavour: the KZN athletic trinity, a unique challenge comprising the Midmar Mile, Comrades Marathon, and Amashova cycle, all taking place within six months - a remarkable first in the world of fitness.
Although he faced setbacks last year when he attempted the Comrades Marathon but could not complete it, this year's event marked a triumphant return.
'It has also required a lot of hard work and dedication and has brought me so many cool experiences,' he shares with palpable pride.
Starting his content creation journey was one of the biggest risks Gouden felt he had taken.
Once a shy individual, he stepped out of his comfort zone to inspire others, and with remarkable success.
"It's more than paid off," he reflects, underscoring his immense personal growth.
Each day, Gouden finds inspiration in the opportunity to pursue his passions, treating his career as a gift.
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Wade Gouden running in a marathon.
Image: Supplied
"I feel that I'm blessed to be able to do what I do... not everyone is so fortunate to pursue goals of their choosing," he reflects, adding depth to his commitment.
Despite his success, he faces some bizarre misconceptions.
'For some reason, people think I'm really tall,' he chuckles, pointing out the amusing disconnect between his stature and his perceived height in videos.
It's just one aspect of the diverse life he lives in Durban - a city rich with culture and adventure, ideal for training and creativity.
His journey has extended beyond South Africa's borders; an unforgettable trip to India with family changed his life perspectives, inspiring him to seek further adventures in life and exploration.
"It's like it is made of magic and just opened my mind and soul to so much more in life," he recalls.
As he sets his sights on the future, Gouden plans to tackle the Sami Stagger marathon through the Sami Pass in November, among other projects.
His advice to aspiring influencers is simple yet powerful: 'Don't be afraid of rejection or negative responses ... life is too short to feel shy to let yourself experience life.'
His preferred morning routine consists of a warm glass of turmeric with black pepper and honey, an antidote to his sinus issues that he claims he couldn't live without.
Gouden's weekends reflect his disciplined lifestyle, often spent relaxing and preparing for races or attending temple services.
And despite a rigorous training schedule, he admits to having a sweet tooth, indulging in chocolates and ice cream - a reminder that even the most committed athletes have their guilty pleasures.
Through ups and downs, Gouden embodies resilience with his mantra, 'Let Krishna handle it.'
This philosophy seems to have guided him through challenges, allowing him to steal the spotlight in the fitness community while inspiring countless others to chase their dreams.
