My name’s Nicole, I’m 25 and I’m a chocoholic. Not a day goes by where I don’t have at least a few squares of the good stuff. I love food, enjoy a glass (or two) of moscato and believe exercise is a curse word. So why has Suzie asked me to contribute to this site? Here’s why…

Suzie and I first met as trainees at work at 19. We would catch-up over lunch and became fast friends. It was also around this time that we joined the same gym. Our favourite class? Jam – a high energy dance class. We didn’t care that we couldn’t keep up, or that most of the moves probably should have been attempted in a dark nightclub after a few drinks. I’d danced as a kid and loved that the class didn’t feel like I was exercising. If I knew that I was meeting Suzie it would give me the motivation to put on my runners and head out the door.
I still remember the day Suzie told me that she had enrolled to being training to become a personal trainer. It was hard not to notice her look at the ads in the gym, and she was so excited about her new career. It was definitely a natural fit for Suzie – she’d been motivating me to exercise for ages by that point. She’s still doing it to this day. Suzie and I catch-up at least once a week for a walk or jog and I really value this time. Not only do we get to increase our heartbreak but we get to have a good gossip and laugh while we do! I’m a full time uni student and work part time, and between these responsibilities, as well as trying to maintain a social life, my health and fitness falls by the wayside. And as much as I make plans for gym sessions or healthy meals, most of the time something else gets in the way or takes up my time and it becomes my last priority. I’m guessing I’m not all that different from most 20-somethings, who are either time poor or who think that they don’t need to make their health a priority while they’re still young.
I was really excited when Suzie asked me if I would be keen to contribute to her site. Not only do I love talking about myself (!), this blog will help to make me more accountable for my own health and will get me thinking about ways I can try to incorporate more fitness around my schedule.

So where am I at? This Sunday I’ll be participating in the Mother’s Day Classic Run. I love the idea of this event! By registering to participate with a small fee not only are you helping to raise funds for the treatment and prevention of breast cancer, but you’re getting in some exercise on a Sunday morning. Great for the body and soul! Last year Suzie and I participated and trained in the lead-up like demons, running about 2km three times a week. I have to admit, I’m a little nervous about this year. I definitely haven’t trained like last year, where I managed to complete the 8km course in just over an hour (a huge achievement for someone with no previous long distance running experience). I don’t think I’ll smash last year’s time at all, but I’m going to give it my all!

I’m also going to start thinking about ways I can start to coordinate some more incidental exercise into my day. Suzie has given me some hints and tips in the past and I’m going to consult her e-book for inspiration also. Will let you know what I come up with!

Wish me luck for Sunday!