Chapter 3 – Gillian’s Support Team

In today’s chapter of Gill’s journey to reach the New York Marathon in November we thought it would be a good idea to talk about all of the people that are helping Gil achieve her dream.

Being a distance runner put a huge toll on your body and without the right people around your it can all end badly very quickly.

So read on to see what it actually takes to keep up an extensive training regime while remaining injury free.

I am super proud to be one of the people that is lucky enough to be a part of this journey but at the end of the day, with being a busy mum and working Gil is going an amazing job at getting all of her planned training sessions done.

Read on to see what it takes…

PS: I’m super proud of Gil, as a part of her training plan she just completed the Great Ocean Road Half Marathon a few weeks ago. She really pushed hard during the run and even though the course is extremely tough (lot’s of hills) she still managed to knock a few minutes off her last half marathon time off a flat course on the Gold Coast! Awesome work Gil – you rock!

Karen xoxo

My Personal Trainer Extraordinaire, Karen Robertson

I’ve been training 1:1 with Karen for over five years now, and have trained in Karen’s Pram Fitness sessions since their inception a few years back. It was actually Karen who inspired me to start running in the first place, after I joined her very first Saturday morning run club a few years back! Strength and core training support my run sessions immeasurably. As an added bonus, Karen is passionate about nutrition, and has guided me to making ‘clean eating’ a normal part of my everyday life.

Run Club, Boobs On The Run

I joined the “Boobs” run club in their ‘Stay running’ program earlier in 2017 as a way of kick-starting my running again, following the birth last year of my youngest bub. It is understandably hard to motivate yourself to run three times a week – especially if you’re training solo. Joining a ‘run club’ is a nice way to get yourself on track.

Chiropractor, Kelly Burns – Health Space, Rozelle

I’ve been seeing Kelly at Health Space for regular chiropractic adjustments since my first pregnancy in 2011. Kelly, who is a pre & post-natal specialist, can take significant credit for my overall wellbeing – I’m a chiropractic (and Kelly) devotee!

Physiotherapy, Michael Rizk – iMove Physio, Rozelle

I’ve been fortunate enough to not suffer any run-related injuries to date (touch wood), but perhaps this is thanks to Michael’s preventative ‘run assessment’ approach to supporting my goals. Mic’s assessments have helped to adjust my cadence to a sustainable level that will minimise the risk of injury moving forward. I’ll continue to check in with iMove Physio as I progress – and, of course, if I ever feel a niggle coming on!

Pilates, Petra & Jackie Of The Studio

I’ve only recently discovered pilates, having been a yoga fan for many years. And, I absolutely love it. I initially started one-on-one tuition as a means of improving my core strength after I had abdominal separation in my last two pregnancies. But the benefits are so much more – my flexibility and posture are improving, and I think pilates perfectly compliments the rest of my training program. A plug for The Studio in Rozelle – reasonably new, and fabulous!

Sports Massage: Santino – Health Space, Rozelle

Santino also works out of Healthspace, and is a magician with his hands. I’ve decided (as far as the budget can support it!) to look after myself with regular massage – particularly as we get closer to November.