Chris Bruce

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"