keeeeep gooinnnggg.....

Just when I got to feeling fit, Easter came along with all of it's fun & frivolities & now & feel fat & unmotivated!! Reminder to self:
KEEP GOING.
With 3 weeks until the Anzac day 100k I am tired, tested, too stressed with work to see the wood for the trees. It's hard work sometimes. But I'm getting up every day & running even on those tired legs.
So. Not the best prep being stressed for my 100k challenge but I know that when I'm out there running it doesn't matter, my willpower will instill & I'll have an amazing run & always keep going.

When you're feeling like you're going to crumble, keep going.
When you feel like you have lost the commitment, keep going.
When you feel like you're about to give up, keep going.
When you finish, you'll thank me for reminding you to KEEP GOING!!

6 foot track marathon 2015

My 6 foot track 45k marathon 2015 run race report & photos...

MILES IN THE MISTY MORNING 

CREEK CONQUERED & CONTINUING WITH WET FEET

TECHNICAL TRAIL BLAZING IN THE LAST 2 K'S

The dawn of the day was divine for running in the blue mountains, quite chilly, a soft morning mist lingered as I assembled with the many fitties about fling themselves up & down a few hills for the foreseeable hours ahead. 
Pre-race nerves radiated the air as excited runners chatted about times, terrain & the terrors of the inclines. The elites set off with a bang, charging off at great speed, the incredibles that they are.
I chatted to a running friend of my goal to just finish & we set off on our ultra challenge in the last wave at 7.35am. A slow start as the running jam caused chaos down the steep slippy slopes, it gave me some time to make up to beat the sweep too. So I put in some 5 min k's to keep ahead of the 7 hour cut off crew.
I felt great running along the track, out in the bush, perfect cool temperatures, the soft mists subsiding to reveal stunning views, I felt alive again, after weeks of stress at work, I realised why & how much I LUV trail running, the feeling of freedom & appreciation of the amazing beauty of the mountains.
Ahead the course challenged, whether it be thee river crossing equating to wet gravelly socks & shoes, the 10k hill climb; that was relentless as the sun started to get hot hot hot! Then beautiful soft undulating trails that I would have enjoyed a lil more if my legs had been willing. 
Note to self again: train babe train.
Marathon running in the mountains always confronts your resolve & Saturday was no different, but I did it & so proud to cross the line in not too much over 6 hours. Feeling effin fabulous & energised. It was an amazing race, well organised, amazing support & volunteers, the atmosphere at the end was electric. See you next year 6 foot track, you were awesome!!! 

A do run run run...

This Saturday I am tackling the 6 foot track 45k's of elevation spiked marathon in the Blue Mountains national park NSW set on a variety of technical trails stretched over the significant miles.
I am getting the pre race jitters. The self doubt seeping into my usual confidence, being of fit & healthy, but now I'm running scared. There's nothing like a little nervousness for the big races to make you respect the course & distance.
I have been running 80-100ks for the last 6 weeks. I have been reaching the top of my hills, testing my mettle each morning. But still I am wary of the way I will perform on the day & I am slightly apprehensive if I will be able to even complete the mountainous challenge this weekend. I'll be delving deep into that inner strength bank I'm sure.
Life is challenging at times, currently every day at work feels like a mighty marathon, but each day I survive to live another & I live & I learn. Some days I find ways of thriving & others I scrape by & feel physically & emotionally exhausted by the end. I wonder what kind of race it will be....
Time will not be on my mind, rather enjoying the surroundings & my experience out there, this time I'm seeking something more spiritual than a sprint finish & quick win, I want to discover my true authentic self out there.
I'm sure on Saturday I will learn some more about running, spirit & hopefully leap over those obstacles, be humbled by the experience & sample the taste of sweet success at the finish line. Sending out amazing running wishes & gratitude for the opportunity to participate. 
Good luck to all 6 foot track marathon runners xoL

tribe vibes

I LUV this concept.. The way we live our lives & share our energy attracts those around to connect with us.. People in your life come & go, but that's ok, let them go even though sometimes that's sad, it hurts, new souls will enter your life & enrich & enhance & bring to you new & exciting opportunities. Your vibe attracts your tribe!!

Currently vibin'~...

RUNNING EVERY DAY
YOGA PRACTICE
GIVING GRATITUDE
LIFE COACH LEARNINGS
BEACH LIVING
RAW FOOD MAKING
GREEN SMOOTHIES
GENERATING GOOD ENERGY
CLASSIC BOOK READING
BOHEMIAN STYLING
SUN & MOON GAZING
BEING HEALTHY & HAPPY
NEW & OLD LUVS

How you live, what your belief systems shape your life is what people are attracted to, surround yourself with those who are powerful inspirations to you too... Happy human relationships this weekend xox

practice gratitude

My instagram post yesterday that sums up everything... Everyday give thanks. Everyday be grateful. For this life we have is truly amazing.

I am writing 10 things I am grateful for every single day, this exercise has helped me realise the blessings I have in my life, to be able to run, to be free, to be healthy, to be loved, to be alive. I implore you to do the same & watch the abundance of good energy infiltrate your life. Everyday I find new ways of giving out my gratitude to everything that has an impact on my day, life & being. My lists go a little something like this..

1) I am truly grateful for my run to work this morning, even though I was tired I felt great when I got to work & with a few more miles in my legs it is by far the best way to get around, running free.
2) I am so lucky for my visit from a special friend last night, who thoughtfully brought me fruit & made me feel very special, & for a beautiful evening, for that I am beyond grateful.
3)I give my eternal thanks to my job, for my career that has taken me round the world, for the fun along the way doing something that I luv & am passionate about & working with wonderful people.
4) I am giving so much gratitude to my family, for my upbringing & unconditional love & support forever, to my parents & grandparents, thank you.
5) I am amazingly blessed to be able to eat healthy food everyday to feel good & always remembering that for some on this planet it is more than they will ever know.
6) I give my gratitude to my life by the beach, the beautiful views from my apartment make me settled & serene & I am so appreciative of my home as I breathe in the sea air & listen to stunning sounds of the ocean as I go to sleep.
7) I am sincerely thankful for my freedom, to go wherever I please, to wear whatever I want, to do whatever I want to do, I have been given so much opportunity in my life.
8) I am thanking the universe for my health, for my wellness & awareness of being good to myself, my fitness is so important to me & I am increasingly grateful every day that I am fit & well.
9)I am sending out luv & gratitude to my favourite friendships, they know who they are, around the globe, always in my fondest thoughts, for the fun times & for the luv & laughs.
10) & finally today thanks for my life, for my approach to every day  to make the best of this amazing life we have, I am truly blessed beyond my wildest dreams & I promise to live out those dreams with positive thoughts & with gratitude every day.

yoga yoga yoga

I feel like I have found myself .. On my pinkish yoga mat a lot lately. 

Yoga was always secondary to my running, balancing the cardio yang with a spiritual bit of yin, stretching out the act of running's tightening muscles & it always complimented my training. 
But now I have found that it is more, so much more & has possibly become my true love. & it's changing my body & mindset with positive effect.
The benefits of yoga have been widely broadcast but yoga is a very personal practice & journey that whilst affecting the individual definitely differently I only have amazing experience to exhale. & inhale. & breathe. 
I'm hoping that all the asanas & stretches & meditations seriously help me in the 6 ft track ultra mega mountain marathon in 3 weeks!! With only a few long runs in my legs I'm hoping that my warrior pose has strengthened me, I'm going to run it like a warrior whatever..

hey you...

So I'm back & that's all I wanted to say after I've been away!! Ha..

I'm feeling fit & fab after running around the world in the past few weeks, lots of running, yoga & lots of stories to share, will be with you shortly..

Happy fit & healthy weekends ~ peace & luvs xox

2015 potential..

I'm upgrading for 2015. My destiny is to do lots of running & nutritious whole food eating & I am doing them with total conviction this year as must say I did last year!

I feel great. From 2 years of my veganism ventures I have got to the point where I am benefitting from prolonged 'healthy living' & I am so grateful to have found this way of life. 
My body is full of energy, my skin is glowing & my being is bursting with boundless potential. 

My potential races this year are giving me focus to get my runners dusted off & my feet hitting the street. I have been doing a lot of yoga, meditation & now again I'm revving up the running factor.

Races to be run:
6 foot track marathon 45k - March 14th 2015
Anzac day challenge 100k - April 26th 2015
Big red run 250k desert stage race - June 27th to July 3rd 2015
Please follow my training on the trails, the trials & tribulations that I'll be sharing with you in the next few months.

I'm hoping that this year brings joy, peace, health & well being to each & every one of you... xoL

magical new year

Remember to make yourself that better version of you for this new year, whatever your aspirations, make sure you're giving yourself the best opportunities in your life. Fitness makes you feel more beautiful, health is a gift that keeps giving, healthy body & mind is what life is all about. Strength is something to be admired & if in your possession, to be valued beyond.
I've been reading & performing 'the magic' a book that asks you to count your blessings every day, on a 28 day program to be grateful. I'm currently about a week in. I implore you all to look into doing something similar for the new year, whilst I already feel more positive I know that the true benefits are still to come & I can't wait. Being grateful, sending out positive vibes can only create good energies in your own life & relationships.
Beauty is something that truly shines & I want to be my most beautiful self in 2015... Have a magical new year xoL

make it yours

I'm going to make this next year - 2015 - MINE, are you with me??

Plans for my year ahead...

RUNNING:
1) 6 foot track marathon - in the Blue mountains 
2) Anzac day 100k run - in NSW Sydney 
3) Big red run 250k stage race - in the Simpson desert
WELLBEING:
1) practise yoga daily - vinyasa flow for strength & focus
2) eat healthily whole foods - vegan, clean living, conscious imbibing
3) meditate every day - for peaceful mindfulness
4) practice being grateful - for all the gifts that life keeps giving
WORK:
1) turn inspiration into activation 
2) fulfil my potential of my passion for fashion & fitness
3) do my own thing...
RELATIONSHIPS:
1) be a compassionate human being
2) have heart & give good energy out - to attract good people
3) pass on love & understanding

Make this next year your best yet too, always good to set your intentions, to send out your message to the universe... MAKE IT YOURS xox

NOW is the right time

NOW. The festive fun time is the best time to give yourself a break, be good to yourself, share the LUV to your friends & family, treat yourself & others, be kind & giving, send peace & positivity out to the world at this time - the right time. Happy Holidays & well wishes to all!! XoL

& my gift to you guys ~ my vegan mince pies recipe...

Yummy vegan mincemeat:
100g apricots
100g figs
50g sultanas
50g hazelnuts
3 tblsp port
1 juice orange
tsp cinnamon
tsp nutmeg
tsp all spice

Healthy vegan pastry:
11/2 cups oats
1/2 cup almonds (ground to meal)
1/2 cup coconut 
2 tblsp maple syrup
2 tblsp macadamia nut oil
1 tsp vanilla 

Basically.. Mix the mincemeat roughly in a food processor. 
Likewise the pastry mix. Roll out the pastry after chilling in the fridge for 20 mins & create mini pie shells in a baking tray, fill with the mincemeat & fill in the top with pastry. Bake for 40 mins at a low oven temp..

Serve with a glass of festive port on xmas eve...

namaste & newness

Now I have had a few days of rest & reflection. My energy is restored & I am reevaluating my routine. I need to take my life back to basics. I am so blessed to have a healthy mind & body which is possessed through my running wild in the woods, my peaceful yoga practices & spiritual time meditating & reading, & finally feeding & nourishing my body & soul.
Why I recommend running - ask any runner if they're happy. I defy you to find someone who runs who isn't happy, running gives you a healthy outlook. I'm always in a better mood post run when those endorphins are fizzing & I have the knowledge that my run is done. & when I'm in training I feel fit = smiles.
Why I recommend yoga - to twist your body, to flush out the toxins, to quieten your mind throughout the postures, to exude health & self awareness. Yoga at times can be confronting & we know that we don't get anywhere if we don't confront ourselves & our fears. Yoga helps me to deal & heal.
& what about Meditation? It comes to me through running (that repetitive beat of my feet) or through yoga practice (being mindful of each breath) but pure meditation, sitting on my own, in stillness & silence as I chant my mantra in my mind, it gives me a beautiful vibe of oneness, that slip of light that carries me through the challenges.
For nourishment, the past few days I have only eaten fresh, organic produce, juices, smoothies, key ingredients - garlic, beetroot, ginger, blueberries, mango, kale & spinach, apples, almonds... (my coriander gazpacho deliciously nutritious & my beetroot juice just health in a glass of gorgeousness - see below) I am sure my recovery had been respondent to healing properties of whole foods.
I can see where the balance is needed in my world & sending out best wishes to you to, for you to find your happy place on this planet, 
namaste xox


'THE CURE' CORIANDER GAZPACHO -

12 CHERRY TOMATOES
1 MEDIUM RED CAPSICUM
1 LARGE GARLIC CLOVE
LARGE HANDFUL CORIANDER
JUICE OF LIME
10CM OF CUCUMBER
CHILLI FLAKES
PINK SEA SALT
& BLENDED TO SMOOTH... (SERVED WITH SONOMA KALAMATA OLIVE SOURDOUGH - BEST BREAD EVER!!)

BEAUTIFUL BEET JUICE -

HANDFUL SPINACH
HANDFUL KALE
1 BEETROOT BULB
1/2 LEMON
1 CARROT
10CM CUCUMBER
5CM GINGER 
1 SMALL APPLE
COLD PRESSED JUICED... ON ICE =)

tough times

Just let that sh*t go... Sometimes you have to. Work, life, problems, sadness, let it all go. NOW.

Just when I was feeling good (yes a little stressed at work with my million meetings & managing) but I've been concentrating on healthiness, been yoga practising, been lightly running, BUT I get knocked down. Shingles. So down.

I've been told it is caused by being STRESSED & severely run down. So making potions of beetroot & ginger, green veggie juices & sneaky homemade chocolate treats to keep my immune system functioning & my energy levels boosted. Vitamin C & B12 & zinc are being bountifully imbibed.

Sadness consumes me, I can't run, or exercise at all & I must rest. But it is the psychological therapy I miss & being ill is killing me. I need to switch off & give myself a break or xmas will be no fun for me!! The only real cure is REST. (& rom coms!!)

I have not always been so health orientated, a teenage alcoholic, a drug fuelled twenties & a history of eating disorders has obviously affected my being & body that is why I have made the decision to detox, to give my body a best chance to be clean & pure & in return it has given me strength & power & vigour. 

I can't help thinking about my past life & the damage done. Being ill makes you realise how precious health & happiness really is. Cherish yourself, this is the only life you've got. Do what makes you happy as long as it is good for you! I wish I had this realisation sooner rather than in my late 30's!! But hey, NOW is better than never.

Sending out luv & light to the world for a peaceful, healthy & happy run in to the festive holiday......

new challenges...

6 foot track marathon entered. March 14th 2015. Will require much of the following...

Commitment: what it needs to achieve what you desire. The will to get up every morning to run. 

Time: Creating space in life to put into you. Every single training session counts. 

Effort: You have to put in the hard yards. Pushing your limits.

Reward: Feeling fit strong & healthy at the start line. Crossing the finish line in any which way.

be better

Monday morning memo...

I want to be better. A better human. A better runner. & I am going to become better by being kind to myself & challenging my limits. 

Everyday running & yoga can only make you happier & stronger & 'better'. Fact.

It doesn't matter who you are, where your fitness is at, what state of mind you are in. Any step, even a baby step, is a step forward, it's about making progress. Take it. That step or a leap frog jump over any obstacles. Throw yourself into it. Whatever that is for you.

Passing on the positivity. There. Over to you. XO

Girl Rising

After my yin yoga class last night, giving me peaceful openness I watched this movie, confronting, heartbreaking yet beyond inspirational. I implore you to watch this amazing doco. & to be a part of the movement 'GIRL RISING' By giving a girl an education she has a better chance to be safer in this world & to create a better life for herself, her family, her community & for the entire human race. I have been blessed in my life with an education that has given me incredible opportunities & I wish that could extend to the girls who need it more than most, to empower the most vulnerable. Surely every girl has the right to live her life with freedom & without fear, with support to learn & to survive.

rocky road

These photos from last weekend are from the mighty Blue Mountains, climbing rocky crags, scrambling to the summit, trekking for 7 hours, camping & making fires with baked beans & potatoes (beautiful but fundamental food), dancing around the campfire in me onesie =) the bioluminescent bugs dancing with me in the night & hiding from mysterious wildlife in the tent, lots of laughing & basically loving life at it's most basic!!

It's so good to get away from it all, be in nature, be challenged on the trail, & to break out of the daily grind that has been getting me down of late. Listening to the sounds of the stream rippling by & of the bush noises well into the night, the beautiful light that was twilight took me away from myself & I was happy to just be present in the wonder filled wilderness.... 

sunny Sundays

My perfect Sunday recovery day..

1) Early morning awakening with natural sunlight pouring through my windows, slinking around my place.
2) Supping green chai tea & making bliss balls for breakfast whilst watching the football lying on my floor cushions.
3) Vinyasa flow yoga class at my new local studio, my new luv. Power, focus, strength.
4) Run 7ks to & from the park in the sun listening to some 90's club classic tunes.
5) Chatting in the park with one of me besties & her dog.
5) Lying in the sun on my balcony, reading Stephen Fry's "More fool me".
6) Veggies shopping at whole foods for organic smoothies ingredients for the week.
7) Chatting on Skype to my family & friends across the world.
8) & polishing off a whole tub of 'SO delicious' coconut milk turtle trails ice creammmmmm.
9) An early night. Bath of epsom salts & in my bed. Night xo

new magic

THE MAGNIFICENT MOUNT SOLITARY - TRAILING FROM HERE TO THERE CREATED SOME FUCKING GOOD MAGIC TODAY, READ ON...

Having just returned from an amazing / challenging bush adventure in my fave Blue mountains, run / walking from the Golden Stairs to Mount Solitary to Chinamans Gully & all the way back again. I feel positively alive. & I had to write of a happier state of being after me last post & I want to send gratitude out there for the experience. With beautiful clear skies kindly provided, my 'nature healing' expedition clearly was just the tonic.
I'm excited about the future again, I feel like things are about to change, & I am going to make the necessary adjustments in my life to create a new direction. Don't know why I'm sensing this but I just am & being away today helped to give me the clarity of mind, I ran off the blues! There's nothing like summiting a long hard climb for building confidence.
Now I found these words (below) & they have been my mantra all day, all the while when I was panting, pushing on, heaving myself up the steep & rocky terrain, feeling faint in the hot heat, & with my tired legs screaming at me... 
KEEP GROWING & GIVING & MOVING.
Running not only empowers & inspires but it keeps me wanting to be the best version of me, & after 6 hours out there today I'm feeling pretty proud of myself, for personal growth is important to share the love, so, to new magical beginnings..... 

feeling lost

"Climb every mountain, search high & low, follow every byway, every path you know. 

Climb every mountain, ford every stream, follow every rainbow, til you find your dream." 

(The wise words of the reverend mother - The Sound of Music)

I hope when I run in the Alpine challenge in a few weeks time I find myself again, feeling lost... Sending out some prayers to the universe to guide me there... Hope that wherever you are, you're on your right path navigating your way through the rocky terrain that is life too... xox