The off-season has been a whirlwind of fun, solid training, and exciting new experiences. I transitioned into a new job as a support worker, which I’ve been thoroughly enjoying. I also completed my first marathon and embarked on my first round of hospital-based placements through university.
One of the standout moments was participating in the Wings for Life World Run, a global charity event where everyone starts running at the same time. In Australia, this meant a late 9pm start. The unique twist of this run was that instead of racing towards a finish line, we were running away from a "chaser car" aiming to stay ahead for as long as possible. I went into the night with no specific plan but felt good enough to push for a new half-marathon personal best, which I achieved. The thrill of running in the pitch black at 11pm, coupled with the electric atmosphere, drove me to keep going. Ultimately, after 3 hours and 43.1 km, I was caught by the chaser car. Unintentionally, I completed my first marathon and had an absolute blast doing it. That night is one I’ll cherish for years to come.
Throughout the off-season, I stayed active with the Momentum crew. Beyond our usual training, I joined them on a trail run, which was a fantastic adventure and pushed me out of my comfort zone. I also attended the Tri Vic Awards with the crew, where I was honoured to win the 'Athlete’s Athlete' award. The club also received recognition for their 'Tri-Cycle' initiative, highlighting their hard work and dedication in supporting us.
In addition, I competed in a 30km running race, maintaining a pace of 4:05 min/km, which boosted my confidence as I prepared for the triathlon season.
I also celebrated my 21st birthday with a quiet but perfect gathering, spending the day with family and having friends over in the evening.
University this year has been a rollercoaster, especially leading up to exam season. With three out of four of my subjects—neuro, cardio, and musculoskeletal—being content-heavy, the studying and memorizing were intense. Practical exams added to the stress, making me question my commitment to the degree. However, after passing the exams and starting my first placement, my nervousness turned into excitement. Working in an acute ward in a fast-paced hospital environment was a great fit for me. I enjoyed interacting with patients and found it much more engaging than classroom learning. I’m looking forward to my next block of placements in a few months, eager to continue learning and growing in this field.
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