Introducing fisiocrem sponsored athlete Meg, a dedicated fitness enthusiast with a strong passion for running and gym workouts.
Meg is currently hooked on both running and hitting the gym. These two activities complement each other perfectly, keeping her energised and grounded.
Meg says, “Every run feels like an adventure, but the Brisbane Half Marathon truly stands out.” As she crossed the finish line, her watch revealed she had achieved a 5-minute personal best time! She considers that a solid win!
Meg says her biggest supporter is, “My mum, who’s at every race with me, triple-checking that I have everything I need and cheering me on.”
For Meg, race day preparation is both a mental and physical challenge. The night before, she switches off from social media to focus all her energy on the event. She ensures her meal includes a balance of protein, carbs, and fats, including her usual 8 to 12 hours of sleep. Physically, she’s refined her approach over time to avoid getting sick before the race. It’s a delicate balance to get right.
Meg is drawn to trails through rainforests and near waterfalls. Running in her hometown of Cairns holds a special place in her heart. The paved and unpaved paths that she explores in her backyard, fill her with gratitude. Meg says, “There’s a calming energy in nature that you can’t find anywhere else.”
MEG’S TOP RECOVERY TIPS
Meg’s top recovery tips are, “Fuel your body and rest as much as you can to avoid burnout. Remember, where your energy and focus go, results follow.”
Meg Taylor
Introducing fisiocrem sponsored athlete Carmen, a dedicated mum pushing hard towards her goals and participating in multiple sporting activities.
Carmen’s favourite activities are running and functional training at her local F45. She has found a great balance in her fitness journey and is shifting her focus from triathlons to Hyrox. She says, “I’ve learned that missing training sessions is a normal part of life with young kids.”
Carmen’s most treasured run was the Two Oceans Half Marathon in Cape Town, South Africa. She was mesmerised by the natural scenery, especially as she watched the sunrise over the Table Mountains. However, Sydney holds a special place in her heart, as it is where she completed her very first marathon.
Carmen’s biggest fitness achievement is completing her first marathon in 2023, the Sydney Marathon (42.2 km). It was an incredible experience, especially considering the challenges she faced along the way. During her training, she had to balance her preparation with the demands of raising three kids under five and supporting her husband, who had just started a new company. They also bought a new house and moved mid-training block. Carmen focused significantly on mentally preparing for the infamous 35 km wall that everyone warned her about, and she was proud that her grit and mental strength helped her get through the marathon without feeling like she hit that wall. On race day, she encountered a setback, spending 40 minutes hobbling to a medical tent to strap her ankle, yet she still finished under her goal time, with an official time of 5:42:07, despite a heatwave. Additionally, Carmen raised over $1,000 for ‘At The Ark Inc’ her charity of choice, making the journey even more meaningful. The support from Daniel and their kids (Leo, Isla, and Cruz), her coach Zac, and her friend Kylie, who ran alongside her, played a crucial role in her success. It was a day filled with challenges, but crossing the finish line felt like the culmination of her hard work and dedication.
Carmen says her biggest supporters are, “My husband Daniel, my children and my coach Zac. They all inspire me and keep fueling my passion for running. Along with my friend Kylie who cheers me on each race.”
Preparing for a race involves both mental and physical strategies for Carmen. Physically, she follows a well-structured training plan tailored by her coach, which helps her build the necessary endurance and strength. Mentally, she spends a lot of time visualising the race and focusing on overcoming any negative self-talk that may arise, silencing that inner critic.
Carmen says, “I remind myself of the hard work I’ve put in and the support I have from my family and friends.”
CARMEN’S TOP RECOVERY TIPS
Carmen’s top recovery tips are, “Listen to your body! Ensure you have high-protein meals, enough sleep and time to relax during a busy race weekend.”
Carmen Exler
Introducing fisiocrem sponsored athlete Joel, an active runner and dedicated family man based on the Gold Coast.
In 2017, while living in Tasmania, Joel experienced atrial fibrillation and briefly flatlined in the hospital. This resulted in him being on beta blockers and aspirin for 12 to 18 months, which led to a significant decline in his physical activity. He struggled to even mow the lawn without feeling exhausted, contributing to considerable weight gain. In 2019, his family relocated to the Gold Coast, where doctors cleared him to resume an active lifestyle. Inspired by the fitness culture, Joel embarked on his running journey, well after believing he would never be active again.
Joel likes to inject some humour into his race day routine to ease his nerves. In addition to that, he ensures he has trained sufficiently to meet his goals and has a solid race day plan in place. He approaches goal setting with a “good, better, best” framework, allowing for unexpected circumstances that may arise during a race. “On race day I make sure I have planned for details like finding parking, doing my warm-up, and knowing how to reach my start zone. All of which help reduce my anxiety.”
Joel grew up running in Launceston, Tasmania, a city rich with stunning landscapes ideal for jogging. “I lived near an area that connected several picturesque spots, creating fantastic running loops.” Some of these spots included: Cataract Gorge, Duck Reach Power Station, and Trevallyn Dam. These locations provided a variety of trails, ranging from paved paths to rugged terrain, featuring steep hills and numerous stairs. After heavy rain or during water releases for power generation, the sight of the powerful white water rushing over the dam walls was truly breathtaking. “However, coastal sunrise runs on the Gold Coast were equally spectacular.”
Joel says, “My wife and children. They are my greatest motivators and supporters, inspiring me to set an example of a healthy and active lifestyle. Also for accepting the need for more running shoes even though I just bought a pair.”
His wife puts up with the alarm going off every 10 minutes until he finally wakes up for his morning runs. She also drives the kids around during his races. Joel’s son, who is becoming quite fast, believes he will soon outpace his dad, which drives Joel to train hard to maintain his title as the fastest in the household for as long as he can.
The most memorable experiences in Joel’s life from running largely stem from the lifelong friendships he has formed through the sport rather than the running itself. “My best friend, who is also a runner, connected in high school in Tasmania where we frequently trained together.” They participated in national events, competing both alongside and against each other. Now, nearly 30 years later, their friendship, rooted in their shared passion for running, continues to thrive.
JOEL’S TOP RECOVERY TIPS
Joel’s top recovery tips are, “It’s crucial to respect the effort involved by allowing your body enough recovery time between activities. Also, a post-race massage is essential for aiding that recovery.”
Joel Ashdown
Introducing fisiocrem sponsored athlete Lauren, a nationally recognised Triathlete based in Queensland.
Lauren has been participating in triathlons for many years and enjoys the diverse challenges they present to both her body and mind. “I’ve found that if you just start, you’ll often complete something you didn’t think you could.”
Lauren’s greatest achievement so far has been completing the 2024 World Triathlon Multisport Championships in Townsville last week. This triathlon competition consisted of a 3km swim, a 115km bike ride, and a 30km run, all under the intense heat and humidity of Townsville. Lauren dominated her age group (Female 25-29) and placed 1st overall with a time of 6:18:18 to claim a podium finish.
Lauren says her biggest supporter is, “My family and friends, whose encouragement and selflessness are crucial to my successful triathlon journey.” On the sports side of things, Lauren’s training buddies, both near and far, motivate and push her to achieve her best. They also remind her of how far she has come and what she still has yet to achieve.
As a visual person, Lauren places her triathlon race suit and an A3-sized poster of her next race in her room. This way, during tough training sessions she can look at these items for motivation. Also, to physically prepare for a race, Lauren remains consistent with her daily training and focuses on the small details that make a difference.
Lauren says, “My favourite running destination would be Cairns or Townsville along the esplanade or a trail run in the bush/mountains. I enjoy the mix of both.”
LAUREN’S TOP RECOVERY TIPS
Lauren’s top recovery tips are, “Doing some form of super-aerobic activity, magnesium baths and resting in my recovery boots.”
Lauren Hume
Introducing fisiocrem sponsored athlete Robyn, a 72-year-old running enthusiast based in sunny Queensland.
Robyn’s favourite activity at present is running, specifically parkruns. Robyn and her husband do a lot of travelling and completed several parkruns in Tasmania recently.
Robyn’s biggest achievement is completing the Queenstown Marathon at age 67 and securing first place in her age category. Robyn says, “I hadn’t run before, but I thought I would like to be involved.” Since then, she’s run several marathons on the Gold Coast, Noosa, Sunshine Coast and New Zealand. Robyn’s first Gold Coast Marathon involved her running in a Charity Group called Hummingbird House (a hospital for terminally ill children).
Robyn says her biggest supporter is, “My daughter Rebecca, who initially pushed me into running 10 years ago. Along with my husband Shane, who is an amputee and can’t run but supports me in my running.” Robyn says, “I have now run 156 parkruns which I thoroughly love doing. It helps with my regular event training.” Her grandkids also support her running journey because they love having a nanny who runs.
Robyn says, “I conquered my Gold Coast Marathon goals earlier this month all thanks to my training, it really paid off.” She ran the 5km race and placed 3rd in her age group. Afterwards, she participated in the 10km race, achieving a personal best and securing 1st place in her age category. She didn’t expect these results with so many runners competing across the race weekend. Robyn aims to reach Perth by the end of the year with her virtual run around Australia. She’s also considering participating in another event later in the year to push her limits.
ROBYN’S TOP RECOVERY TIPS
Robyn’s top recovery tips are, “Hydration, definitely some form of stretching, rest and good nutrition to keep the body moving.”
Robyn Bell
Introducing fisiocrem sponsored athlete Matilda, a 26-year-old based on the Gold Coast, who is an age group triathlete competing in amateur level races throughout the year. Matilda’s favourite activity is triathlons. She is planning her upcoming events for the year and aiming to smash a PB time.
Matilda is currently training for the half marathon at the Gold Coast Marathon. She plans to achieve this goal by gradually increasing her mileage, focusing on consistent, steady improvements. Held every March, she has participated in this event for three consecutive years. She says, “It’s one of the bigger races with a great atmosphere, lots of people, and a strong sense of community.” Mentally, she reminds herself of all the work she has done to get to this point, focusing on the process and believing in her ability to succeed.
A memorable experience for Matilda was finishing the Noosa Tri for the first time. It was her first Olympic distance triathlon, taking over three hours to complete. Matilda says, “Crossing the finish line, just six months after starting in the sport, was an unforgettable and incredibly rewarding moment.”
She trains with a coach and a training club, where they motivate and support each other. Her coach, Marcus, pushes and supports everyone to achieve their goals. Matilda says her biggest supporter is, “My coach and family, they are always motivating me to be my best and cheer me over the finish line.”
MATILDA”S TOP RECOVERY TIPS
Matilda’s top recovery tips are, “To actually take the time to stop and recover. My favourite thing is to go home, just chill out, lie down and rest.”
Matilda Gee
Meet fisiocrem sponsored athlete Jodie, who cherishes the freedom of running, along with making meaningful connections. Jodie deeply values a sense of family that her running groups offer the local community.
As a running coach, Jodie sees her athletes’ accomplishments as her own. While embracing the high and lows, Jodie sets out a specialised path for each of her athletes.
Jodie’s biggest achievement came when she conquered the Bravehearts 777 Marathon event (7 marathons in 7 days, across 7 states) as a National Runner. Her goal was to support such an charity that offers support, guidance, and training to future generations of remarkable individuals. Jodie managed to hit her goals and cross the finish line alongside other extraordinary people. Jodie believes that children deserve a normal childhood without fear or limitations, as so she decided to complete the Bravehearts 777 Marathon to give back.
Jodie says, “I feel supported by so many family members and friends, but my biggest support comes from my Mother and Daughter.”
Jodie is preparing for this year’s fisiocrem GC30 and has incorporated a variety of terrains into her regime such as: flat surfaces, sandy trails, and uneven ground. She says, “the fisiocrem GC30 offers a beautiful and challenging experience, showcasing the stunning Gold Coast seaway and trails.”
She is also preparing herself for the GC Kokoda Youth Challenge 96km event in July. Jodie will also compete in the Trail Trips: Wild Earth Triple Crown later this year and will be representing fisiocrem in three events simultaneously and looks forward to planning her training schedule and embracing the increased trail running as part of this exciting journey.
JODIE’S TOP RECOVERY TIPS
Jodie’s top recovery tips are, “Consuming the right proteins, gentle stretching and elevating my legs to allow blood flow and mitigate swelling.”
Jodie Cumner
Meet fisiocrem sponsored athlete Amy, who loves to push her limits both physically and mentally. She finds herself seeking new challenges to grow in all aspects of her life.
Currently, Amy’s favourite activity is marathon running. She finds fulfillment in the challenge of completing a 42.2km race.
In 2023, Amy’s main goal was to enhance her parkrun time and performance. Although she didn’t achieve all her goals, she gained valuable insights into the significance of consistency, patience, and resilience. Each race and training session provided new lessons about her capabilities, contributing to her growth as a stronger and more experienced runner.
Amy is registered for this year’s fisiocrem GC30 and attempting to complete the 15km race distance in May. She is also planning to pace the 2hr marker in the Sydney Marathon. To ensure her success, Amy’s training plan includes speed work, long runs, strength training, and sufficient rest.
She is also prioritising injury prevention and recovery to keep her body strong and healthy throughout 2024.
Amy’s most significant fitness accomplishment was qualifying for the Boston Marathon. This feat required eight months of focused training, discipline, and perseverance. She followed a structured training regimen, progressively increasing her mileage with specific speed workouts and long runs. This assisted her mentally and physically for the race. Amy also achieved a time with a comfortable buffer that allowed her entry into the Boston Marathon the following year.
AMY’S TOP RECOVERY TIPS
Amy’s top recovery tips are, “Proper hydration, nutrition, sleep, and active recovery techniques such as foam rolling, stretching, and massages.”
Amy Cheung
Meet fisiocrem sponsored athlete Challise, a mother of three and a swimming instructor on the Gold Coast. She finds joy in travelling to discover the wonders of the natural outdoors.
Challise’s preferred sport is long-distance running, but following a recent back injury, she has reintroduced swimming into her routine as a form of cross-training. Swimming helps her maintain cardiovascular fitness while alleviating pressure on her discs and vertebrae. Additionally, she enjoys paddle boarding and kayaking alongside her husband and children.
In 2023, Challise faced an exceptionally challenging year, enduring three severe injuries: a ruptured ankle, a broken elbow, and a ruptured UCL, along with severe kidney damage. Despite these setbacks, Challise remained resilient and aspired to complete several hiking trips around Tasmania. This included an 82-kilometre track ultra with her elbow immobilised in a brace. Throughout her recovery, she prioritised maintaining movement to nurture both her mental and physical well-being, ensuring a smooth return to activity when the time was right. She says, “I try to laugh and have a great time in whatever I’m doing.”
Challise eagerly anticipates 2024, as she plans to integrate swimming into her event schedule. By incorporating a variety of individual running, swimming, and aquathon events, she aims to diversify her training regimen. To avoid surgery for her back injury, Challise is diligently focusing on building stability. She has enlisted the help of a colleague for regular swim coaching and is making thoughtful decisions regarding her running training and event participation. Additionally, she is paying close attention to her nutrition to support her fitness goals.
Additionally, she has enlisted the help of a colleague for regular swim coaching and is making thoughtful decisions regarding her running training and event participation.
Challise says her biggest supporters are “My family, along with my eldest child who has a physical disability. I try to lead by example in every moment I have.”
CHALLISE’S TOP RECOVERY TIPS
Challise’s top recovery tips are “Listen to your body, challenge it appropriately, and nourish it with necessary rest and recovery.”
Challise Curgenven
Meet fisiocrem sponsored athlete Sam, a dynamic 22-year-old track and field athlete. He’s always been involved in the sport ever since 2015 during the ‘Little Athletics’ tournament.
Sam has had a lifelong passion for racing, relishing in the thrill of speed and nurturing a love for running since early childhood. Each year he aims to gradually enhance his overall speed. He says “on a daily basis, I motivate myself in both personal and sport related challenges.”
In 2017, just two weeks before nationals, a hamstring injury set him back during the Noosa Gift. He was forced to remain on the sidelines, which affected him mentally. Bouncing back in 2021, Sam found his confidence and clocked a personal best time of 10.78 seconds in the 100m. He then went onto become the open men’s 200m champion and 6th Australian overall at nationals.
Undeterred and driven, Sam has continued to make waves in the current season of 2023-2024, claiming top spots in several Queensland meets and achieving impressive times of 10.36 seconds and 20.92 seconds. With aspirations still high, Sam hopes to potentially represent Australia in the upcoming Olympics in Paris 2024.
Sam says his biggest supporter is ”My coach and training squad help me push my limits in each session, along with my training partner Charlie.”
SAM’S TOP RECOVERY TIPS
Sam’s top recovery tips are “Sleep. It’s important and trying to maintain 6-7 hours a night is crucial. Also, stretching and staying consistent with your training routines.”
Sam McArthur
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