My gorgeous mum was here over the weekend. I was super excited about her coming down – as it’s the first time she’s seen me since we’ve been pregnant. Well – she saw me at 4 weeks but that doesn’t really count. She’s my inspiration when it comes to living a fit, healthy and happy life. She’s super driven – she’s a doctor so her day consists of caring for others. If you ask any of her patients or friends they’ll all tell you how loving and caring she is for others. She loves to enjoy life – she loves travelling and eating good food, drinking good wine and she’s never one to say no to a chocolate or yummy dessert. On top of all that she loves keeping fit and active. Her and my step dad are constantly cycling somewhere. Whether it’s 20km to the nearest winery for lunch on the weekend or they’ve booked a cycling holiday somewhere in Europe – they love it. She also loves running and is the reason I started. 5 years ago – she asked if I would do the mothers day classic with her. It was 5km. I’d gone for jogs before but had never signed up for an actual run. Being the competitive person I am – I didn’t want to just finish it either. It was either all or nothing. At first 5km felt like miles. I’d run for what felt like ages – and it would be no more than 500 metres. Every morning I got up and tried to go that little bit further and run that little bit faster.
Here’s where those small goals I have talked about before come in. 5km in under 30 minutes was my aim. Every day I gave myself a new little mile stone – run 200 metres more or run 10 seconds faster. This keeps your spirits high and reminds you that you are improving – even though some days you feel you’re not. We did that Mother’s Day Classic together and it was awesome. Once we had finished my said – right next year we do 10km. My next challenge. If my mother could do it – I bloody better be able to. From then on we did the 10km for the next 2 years. Having her paving the way and knowing she was doing it helped me so much in my training. After our 2nd year of doing the 10km – I decided I wanted to try and conquer a half marathon. It was such a huge step so I found a 15km run in Melbourne – City to Sea – that would be my in between goal to the half. When I mentioned my desire to do half marathon to mum she was keen as mustard. OH no – again – if she was going to do it – nothing could stop me. 2 more years on and I’ve since conquered not only the half but the full marathon – something I never dreamed I would be able to do – and I wouldn’t have if not for her. This year – I can’t compete in any running festivals being pregnant – but that’s doesn’t stop mum. She turned 60 in January and is doing her 2nd half marathon in May, she is such an inspiration. She set out on her 22km training run whilst down this weekend – and smashed it with a PB. I’m so lucky to have this role model as my mum who pushes me unknowingly to conquer goals.
It doesn’t have to be your mum – but finding someone who you respect and inspires you is immensely helpful in reaching your dreams. We all want to be superwoman and do it alone – but no matter what it is – a little help consciously or subconsciously along the way can make those dreams a little closer
Love and Life
the figure x
