In March 2008 I noticed Vision Personal Training opening up at
Bangor. With the motivation of a Fiji holiday coming up it took me
a further 2 months to work up the courage to walk through the door
and see what it was all about. So in May 2008 I became part of the
Vision family and my life changed. I took on the commitment and
challenges given to me and so in 2009 I made a New Year's
resolution to step things up and start running. Well.... I thought
it wouldn't be that hard given that I've had a fairly sporty
childhood but I will never forget the first time. My goal..... To
jog up to Akuna Oval and back. Just over 1k return, couldn't be
that bad right? On my return I collapsed through the Vision
doorway, wheezing, coughing and gasping as I frantically searched
through my backpack for my asthma puffer!! It was then that I
decided to make it my mission to train further for my first event.
So, in 2009 I competed in the Sydney Running Festival - 9 K. My 2
teenage daughters decided to run it with me for support and feeling
sick and nervous at the start they reassured me with- "toughen up
mum, you can do this!!" So I did and my passion for running really
kicked in.
Since then I've competed in many events including- City to
Surf, Sutherland to Surf, Mud Runs , Obstacle races, Sydney Running
Festival, Run Sydney, Run Melbourne, River Run, Brighton Beach side
Dash, Harbour to the Hill, Noosa Sports Festival , Team Triathlons
and Gold Coast 1/2 Marathon x 3 just to name a few. My goal for
2014 was to complete 12 events in 12 months - which I'm happy to
say, was achieved!
Whether I'm at home or travelling interstate or overseas my
running gear is the first thing I pack. I love the fact that I can
run anywhere, anytime. It gives me time to think, plan or solve
anything on my mind and it is always a great start to my day. I've
been known to run in the snow, up along airstrips or through
villages in Fiji but I like the challenge of exploring new places
when out running.
Training is a commitment and whilst I've had injuries along the
way it's no excuse to stop training but rather to train around and
with it. This is only possible with the help of my 2 amazing
trainers. They pick me up when I'm feeling low, encourage me and
recognise that at times my goals are pretty intense. From them I've
learned about how important nutrition, recovery and cross training
is to support my running but most of all they are always there for
me.
My mental toughness has grown and each day I say a positive
affirmation to myself.
So from the words of my 2 daughters back in 2009, I believe over
the years I have "Toughened Up".
My motto - "Get Up - Get Moving"
