I asked my current athletes on our group chat to ask me anything - all things running, actually all things, I am an open book and I will answer candidly and off the top of my head… So here we go!!! **photo from 2017 running a half marathon PB, those were the days :)
What is your favourite distance to run Kate and why? (Christine) Ah I love this question because I think it's why sometimes (besides my imagination, pattern recognition, empathy) I'm a good coach. I honestly have had stages where I have loved every distance and have focused on each one at times. Loved v's being successful (personally I mean) are two different stories as well though!! 5k I love because it is intense and over quickly, and I love running fast! Pretty much the same with 10k but you have to hold on longer mentally and physically. Then the half you get into a rhythm and it is a strength distance (mental/physical) I think my best comparative times are in the half marathon (see photo!). As for the marathon, I do love this distance and have had my best "feeling" race in the marathon (one of those dream races where time doesn't exist and you lose yourself, are in the zone doing running/being running) but also some back end failures (in my head and legs, even though they were faster times) I'd say I/m in love with the marathon but it has been a cruel lover at times!. Trail/50k/100k - getting into the endurance groove is so invigorating, being in the bush and using powerful legs to go very long distances is just amazing - a total different experience but still also a favourite!! Uh oh, see what I mean, I love all the distances so there you go!!!!!
What has been your favourite race and do you have a ‘bucket list’ race you want to complete? (Lisa) Hmmm it depends on what aspect of the race I think about. Ones where I performed well (internally) seem to stand out eg. Melbourne marathon where I felt that epic flow in a marathon, gold coast half marathon with the sunrise and fast course. Then Tarawera 50k in NZ with Deb Thorley an amazing experience, scenery and I was super strong, Taupo 100k was like a dream come true to run all day in New Zealand. A couple of races I won, that was kinda cool! Oh and (even though I was injured and it was my slowest) I'll always be grateful to experience Boston Marathon, it was an unbelievable experience too!!!! So a wide variety there of favourites 😍
When did you start running and why? How did you get into coaching? (Beth) In my younger life I played netball and swam, did gym classes, walked, I did something pretty much every day, it just made me feel good (I guess people say it’s mental health, but back then I didn’t have the words or knowledge to say that) - I would not really like runners as they were always in their own world and never said hi when you passed them! Ha!! One night I had a dream, I literally dreamt I was running, and it was smiling, I felt a pure happiness and joy. So I gradually (in my netball shoes!) added little runs into my walks (I'm talking light post to light post) where no-one could see me and with a jumper tied around my waist (I know right!?)... and the rest is history?? That was when I was 30, after I’d had my kids, so about 18 years ago, in 2005
How did you start coaching?... I met Tim Crosbie at a race one time, he helped me coach myself to a marathon PB (36min PB!!) and then encouraged me to do my coaching courses. By this stage I was already coaching my friends anyway, and I knew I loved it, I just love everything about it. And also the rest is history??
I know that we are all suppose to be happy with our bodies the way they are but honestly what impact does your weight have on your running? I personally feel just 2 kgs makes a difference to how I run. (Leone) Very interesting first question, here comes my honest answer. As a taller and stronger runner (ie. I stood head over all the other fast-ish women in races) it's something that has been a "thing" in my running journey. But also something that we need to generationally get over. The key to this is ~ power to weight ratio ~ so I might not be the lightest person in the bunch but I'm stronger and more powerful and therefore can run just as well. Strength training is key. How you feel about yourself is key. If I feel strong I run strong and I don't weigh myself. Eat to fuel, don't eat shit, you'll feel good about yourself, you'll run better. That's it!
What’s the biggest mistake you have made either in a race or in training. Funny and/or serious. (Deb) This could be a whole post too... probably trying to run through injury has been one of those mistakes I kept making over (because the injury was different each time, because personality, because 🤯 runner brain). I will think of more but I think that is reoccurring lesson.