Welcome to Meet a Mover Monday! Everyone has a story, and each week we will introduce you to one of our OpMovers so you can learn a little bit about theirs. We are all at different stages of our journeys, but we all started in the same place.
This week, say hi to Rachel.
Who are you?
I’m Rach, I live in Wynnum – a bayside suburb of Brisbane, and I am currently a stay at home mum with 2 boys (10 and 8) and a small girl (2). I also have a husband and a beagle 🙂
When did you start running and why?
I started running in October 2013. At the beginning of that year I started walking as I was inspired to start getting healthier and fitter by Operation Move but I was adamant that I was not a runner. Then slowly the stories that people had about the benefits of running – strength, confidence, post run highs – started to get me wondering if I could do that too!
What is your favourite moving activity?
My most common distance is 5k because I can fit that in to my day pretty well but I think my favourite (so far) is 10k. I think it’s because if I’m doing 5k I feel like I should be running the whole distance but if I go further than that I don’t have that expectation on myself.
Top 3 must have gear
Good shoes that are properly fitted, sports bra and spibelt or shorts/skirt with pockets. I always carry my phone with me just in case of emergency.
Fave post moving fuel?
I don’t really have a fave but I came home from a run once and my husband cooked me up some bacon and eggs and that went down really well! I’m not good with the nutrition side of things and fuelling to support my running – something to work on 🙂
What do you listen to when you run?
Favourite songs on my playlist for running are Katy Perry Roar, Pharrell Williams Happy, Katrina and the Waves Walking on Sunshine and Kate Miller-Heidke Supergirl.
Tech lover or naked runner?
Tech lover. While I’m running I glance down at my watch too often but sometimes I can use that to my advantage and talk myself into going further by saying things like “it’s just another 200 m”, “just run for another 2 minutes”, etc. I also love looking at the stats after I have uploaded the run and being able to look back and see how far I have come.
Words of wisdom to new movers?
Take it slowly – especially if you are coming from a background of no physical exercise like I was. And consider cross training to build up strength in your legs as that will help prevent injury.
I am most proud of…
The fact that it is over a year later and I am still running 🙂 I have never stuck to any kind of exercise regime, gym membership or classes for any length of time before so that is a huge achievement in itself for me. Also that I am planning on doing a half marathon (or two) next year! I can’t believe I am even thinking about it!
So awesome Rach! You’re such an inspiration to me and an amazing support. I’m so glad we got to run together in Melbourne! xo
Thanks Jo! And right back at you with the inspiration and support 😀 xx
You are so supportive and encouraging on the forum – thank you for that. I am so glad to have met you IRL and I hope we get to do an event together in the future.
Have the BEST day xox