Everyone meet Zoe, one of our zippy road runners! If you've been along to a road runners session, you will have seen Zoe leading the pack along the inner city streets. Read about what keeps Zoe motivated in her running journey, how FAT has helped her training and why she keeps coming back for more!
Tell us a little about yourself!
Hiya I'm Zoe!
I love being out and about, getting involved in what's happening around me and being around friendly positive people.
I work in property, as a retail leasing broker - in this job I am exposed to a variety of passionate people with bright ideas, who I love assisting through the market ensuring they find the right space for their business.
How did you get into running / what does your running journey look like?
I started running in year 7, and competed for school in cross country and track running from then, through into college. I followed a loose training program around my other sports but never really ran with a squad or had a coach.
At school I loved the stamina running gave me and the positive effect it had on the other sports I played, for example, my fitness helped me have wins and comebacks in tennis matches and to play a whole game of netball at centre - when I didn't necessarily have the best skill!
Over the last few years, I’ve enjoyed running a few times a week and most recently have been loving the FAT Road Runners sessions!
How did you hear about FAT, do you remember your first session?
I came across FAT on Instagram and was attracted to the outdoor aspect!
My first session was earlier this year at a Wednesday morning Club Commercial Bay corporate session on the Sky Deck at the PwC Tower. On the Friday I was back for more, this time at Silo Park for a big end of the month FAT Friday class. I’ve been hooked since!
You’ve been coming to Road Runners (& FAT) regularly; what is it about RR that keeps you coming back?
Haha yeah, I can't really get enough! Everything! But a few of my favourite parts are:
The structure - running sections with strength exercises and speed work. It is a way of training I would find difficult to go out and do myself. It had been more than 5 years since doing any structured running training; with 4 weeks of FAT RR sessions, I'm already enjoying feeling a faster natural pace and stronger up hills.
The community and trainers- the club feel and friendly faces. I like that the session is serious and the trainers are professional but no one takes themselves too seriously. Running can be such an individual sport so it’s especially nice to have a group to train with.
My friends - I'm lucky to have Olive and Harri, who love it as much as me, to go along with!
Do you have a running motto or mantra? What keeps you going while you’re running?
Back in my cross country days, my mum gave me a tip that still comes into my mind every time I face a hill. It's to run "up and OVER the hill". Running up a hill, we can be so focused on making it to the top that when we reach it, relief hits and we naturally tend to slow down and jog it off. This little motto helps me push further, beyond the top and to keep running over the hill!
What would you say to someone who is unsure about coming to Road Runners?
What are you waiting for?! If you have seen FAT RR and you are even just slightly interested - you should come! With the running in small sections, and a focus on the strength/speed work in between, it's an effective session for both people keen to start running and experienced runners who want to break through a plateau.
Outside of our weekly session, what is your relationship with exercise/movement?
Having grown up involved in all kinds of sports/activities so find it easy to say yes to going along and trying new things. I really enjoy exercise, especially when it is outdoors and with friends. My favourites would be running, mountain biking, barre pilates, tennis, water sports!
Could you tell us 3 pieces of advice you would give to someone on their mental and/or physical health?
#1, be proactive! I kind of look at it like, if we don't have our mental and physical health, then what do we have? So, try to make your health a priority and put yourself first.
This ties into - #2 find something you like - if you enjoy it, then it is easy to put it first! With this, you can make a routine and have consistency.
Lastly, #3 you don’t know unless you try! Try new things, say yes to going along – you never know when/where a new passion can be found!