This champion took up running in her 30's and quickly went from non-runner to marathoner in no time! Now training for marathon number 7 and with her first ultra on the cards this year, nothing can stop her now! Meet Katie...
Tell us a bit about you.
I live in Adelaide and started my running journey in my 30's when my kids were in primary school. I ran my first marathon in Sydney at the age of 42. It was a BIG scary deal! I went from not being able to run around the block to now lining up on the start line of my 7th marathon this weekend and am planning on running my first ultra this year (eeek!). I am a true believer that you can "Do Hard Things" and can go outside your comfort zone to achieve things you never thought possible. I love both road and the trails and dabble a bit in both. I am a mum of two and work full time; I am the Running Mums Australia admin for South Australia and a proud Runfaster Ambassador. I proudly love my running tribe and the beautiful friends I have made through running and I try to show other women to dream big. I also love to capture moments through photos and am well known for a run-fie or two on my photo reel.
What keeps you fit and active?
The feeling that keeping fit and healthy gives me not only physically, but mentally.
Do you have any tips to share to help with motivation and accountability?
Motivation will only get you so far. Set small goals or big goals depending on what you are working towards; if you have something to work towards it helps get you out the door to train. Accountability can be found in many ways, a program you can tick off when you do sessions, a coach, a friend who can meet with you to run or virtually at the same time. Knowing you are out there even if you aren't together can make the world of difference. One of my favourite quotes is "Keep Showing Up" because consistency helps you improve which helps motivate you to keep going. I also of course love my Runfaster tights to make bright colourful outfits that make me get out the door! I love a bit of matchy-matchy!
What's your favourite RunFaster print and/or style?
My two favourite lengths are Mid Shorts and 3/4. Signature fabric is my favourite. If you've seen me, I love the bright prints, especially anything pink! One of my all time favourite prints was Wildcat but I have many favourites I love.
Any other stories or comments?
I remember when I bought my first pair of Runfaster long shorts, they were black and I didn't own any bright prints (or shorts!). At the time there were no pockets (how did we live without them/). They were my first pair of shorts ever, "free the knee" as they say, and it was the start of something amazing, a feeling of confidence in a pair of shorts that weren't too short and held everything in. It was the start of my now long love affair with RF, a brand that gives women confidence and empowers them to feel fantastic at any age or size.
You can keep up with Katie on Instagram - @katie.wood.runs