“I’ve always been a bit of a masochist when it comes to running. Sure, I’m not the fastest, but I love the challenge of pushing my limits. Back in August, I decided to test those limits with the 16km club run. Let’s just say it was a real eye-opener. I finished dead last (and I mean dead last), but hey, it was a personal worst! And somehow, that made me feel amazing. It reminded me that even when I’m at my slowest, I can still finish.
Inspired by this newfound confidence, I started looking for bigger and better challenges. That’s when I stumbled upon an ultramarathon event at Wilpena Pound, South Australia. The smallest distance was 50k, and the biggest was 100 miles! Wilpena Pound has always been on my bucket list, so this seemed like the perfect opportunity to tick it off.
Fast forward a few weeks, and everything changed. Work stress, understaffing, and a nasty cold conspired to knock me down. I was feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and a bit like a fraud. Looking back at all the amazing things I’ve done, I couldn’t believe I was doubting myself. But there it was, staring me in the face: I wasn’t ready for that 50k ultra. Not yet.
And then there’s the little matter of perimenopause. Yeah, that thing no one talks about until you’re knee-deep in it. Hot flashes, night sweats, unexpected weight gain, and mood swings – it’s been a wild ride. I’ve gained about 15kg (can’t blame it all on the lockdowns, unfortunately), but I’ve also become stronger than ever. Deadlifts are my new obsession.
So while I might not be ready for that ultra adventure just yet, I know I will be. It’s time to start from scratch, go back to basics, and rebuild my running mojo. This isn’t a failure; it’s just a new chapter in my life. A chapter filled with challenges, but also with opportunities for growth and adventure.
I’m excited to share this journey with you. Stay tuned for updates, training tips, and maybe even a few hilarious perimenopause stories along the way!”