03/04/2026
Here’s what behind the scenes of getting the medal, finishing a race, or hitting the PB really looks like.
There’s fun in fitness for sure, and there’s choice too.
We get to pick out version of “hard.”
What a privilege that is in many ways.
But I don’t think what’s spoken about enough is what pushing yourself, truly takes.
There’s the headspace of when you’re going to fit it in around work, family, and life.
The planning of fuelling yourself so you perform.
The recovery to make sure you’re adapting.
The mental preparation for discomfort.
They all carry weight.
But without any of that, you don’t get to reap the rewards.
It’s not a given, and you have to work for it, at it, on yourself to overcome.
I haven’t shied away from the fact that this training block has taken a lot out of me.
Physically? Absolutely.
But mentally? There’s been much more. A mixture of doubt, stress and timing have all played a part.
Training for hard things isn’t just simply to say you can do it in my opinion.
It’s also because I know it shapes me into a newer version of me.
More resilient.
More understanding.
More compassionate.
It’s like I get to add layers to the version of myself.
And how bloody fortunate am I that fitness goals allow me to improve my whole self, not just the physical part.
There’s a lot to be said that goes on behind the scenes, on the tough miles, when you’re in your head or even those around you who support you.
And I never take it for granted that I’m lucky to get to be in a body that lets me do these things and to keep growing through challenge.
