Life is busy and full of ups and downs. Exercise is the one thing I do purely for me. There are no expectations except the ones I choose to set.

I love all forms of exercise, partly because I’ve seen firsthand, through my dad, how staying strong and looking after your body when you’re young can shape the way you age and how you face illness. But the biggest reason I move is what it does for my mind.

Movement is my reset button. Running especially. Running is where I meet the strongest version of myself. It quietens the noise and becomes its own kind of meditation. I tune in to the rhythm of my feet and my breathing and it calms me. Every run leaves me feeling lighter, clearer, and more able to face whatever the day brings.

In learning to push past what I once thought were my limits, I’ve challenged myself in ways I never imagined - from completing a half Ironman to building this business from scratch. Running has reshaped my mindset and shown me that the limits I thought were fixed were never really limits at all.

Working out helps me find balance in the chaos of life. As a mum of two, a military wife, and running my own business, there’s always something demanding my attention. Training is the one time that’s just for me, no emails, no snacks, no mental to-do list.

It pushes me mentally as much as physically. Some days I don’t feel like going, some days I’m tired, some days it all feels a bit much. But showing up anyway reminds me I’m stronger than I think.

Being self-employed can also be isolating. Showing up with other people in a class, or even just sharing a walk with friends, gives me a sense of community and belonging. The encouragement and laughs, are just as energising as the training itself.