How to Keep Your Head In The Game

How have you found the strength to pick yourself back up again?
“I’ve had my fair share of injuries and setbacks over the years and it’s something that can be not only physically but emotionally crippling if you let it get to you and don’t get on top of it. Surrounding yourself with positive and loving people in these times of struggle and setbacks is vital. Of course rehab, rest, adequate nourishment and time are essential for recovery, but having the right support network when you’re down is one of the most important things needed to get your head back in the right place after a setback.”

What tips would you give people to get up and try again?
“The biggest thing to help anyone struggling to get back up would be to set some goals. Setting SMART goals (goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely) increase the chance of you accomplishing that goal and are a great way to keep yourself accountable while working towards something.”

How do you keep your head in the game?
“Knowing my why and knowing that consistency is going to better me in the long run helps me keep my head in the game. I also stay clear of comparing myself to others and know that I’m going to achieve my best results when staying in my own lane and sticking to my own goals.”

When you’re not feeling like being active, how do you motivate yourself to get moving?
“I’ve always said that motivation gets you going, but it’s discipline that keeps you going. Ask any athlete or someone that trains fulltime, odds are they’re not going to be eager to get to training every day. Everyone has their days and you’re allowed to have them too. This is where discipline comes into play. I personally set myself a plan each week with what sessions that I want to do and which days I can fit them into my schedule. I put them into my calendar on my phone so I can’t use the, ‘I don’t have time excuse’; you wouldn’t cancel plans with your friends so don’t cancel plans with yourself.”

What are your favourite workouts to do?
“I’m active seven days a week but I am currently only training about four or five days a week. My style of training has changed so much over the years, these days I get a lot of variety and in my training and I genuinely enjoy all my sessions. I structure my week around my strength and conditioning, but add in things like reformer pilates, boxing and yoga where I feel like my body needs it or I just feel like doing it. I’m definitely not as strict or structured with my training as what I used to be; I’m a lot more flexible with it and I’ve never enjoyed it more.”

What are you most proud of about your fitness journey?
“I’m most proud of giving most things a go, regardless of whether or not I thought I was ready. I’ve done some pretty cool endurance races over the years, most of which I was not ready for at the time of me saying yes, but I’m a yes person and I’ll figure it out or prepare for it after I’ve committed! One of my favourites would probably be the Enduro World Championships for True Grit that I did last year, where we had to complete the 12km obstacle course as many times as we could as a team in 24 hours – running through a freezing cold lake at 2am was a new experience!”