Episode 348 - Resilience and Running: Katherine Watson’s Journey from Ballet to Trail Running

In this episode of the FitMIND FitBODY podcast, I chat with the energetic and inspiring Katherine Watson. Katherine shares her unique journey from growing up in England and moving to the remote town of Kununurra in Australia. Her story is full of adventure, starting from her early years exploring the red dirt landscapes of Western Australia.

Katherine talks about her introduction to running and sports during her school years in Kununurra and later in Perth. She shares how her love for gymnastics and ballet transitioned into a passion for running. Katherine’s journey wasn’t easy, as she faced challenges like a severe spinal injury that changed her career path from dancing to joining the military as an air traffic controller.

Despite these challenges, Katherine’s determination to stay active led her to triathlons and eventually to running marathons. She shares her experience of running the City2Surf in Sydney and her eventual shift to trail running, which she found more engaging and enjoyable. Katherine emphasises the importance of community and finding joy in the journey, not just the destination.

Tune in to hear Katherine’s incredible journey, her insights on running, and her practical tips for beginners. Whether you’re new to running or looking for inspiration, Katherine’s story will motivate you to lace up your shoes and hit the trails.

Katherine's website - https://www.positiveframepsychology.com/

Katherine’s Running Tips:

1. Start Slow: Begin with a mix of walking and running. This helps build endurance gradually without overwhelming your body.

2. Enjoy the Process: Focus on the joy of running rather than setting strict goals. Enjoy the movement and the experience.

3. Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how your body feels. If you need to slow down or walk, do so.

4. Don’t Compare: Avoid comparing yourself to others. Everyone’s running journey is unique.

5. Stay Motivated: Find what motivates you, whether it’s setting small goals, exploring new routes, or running with friends and family.

6. Consistency is Key: Regular runs, even short ones, help build a habit and improve fitness over time.

7. Embrace the Community: Joining a running community can provide support and encouragement.

8. Adapt to Your Environment: Be flexible and adapt your running to different environments, whether it’s trails or roads.

9. Recovery is Important: Take rest days and allow your body to recover, especially after long runs or races.

10. Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate small achievements along your running journey.

A couple of BIG favours:
1) please like and review this podcast so more people will discover it :)
2) come on the podcast and talk about your running journey and/or refer someone you’d love me to interview (whether you know them or not :) )  Lets not keep the power of running a secret any more!  Hit me up on Facebook/Instagram (FitMIND FitBODY) or send me an email - Michelle @ FitMINDFitBODY .co 

Don't miss an episode of the FitMind FitBODY Podcast. Sign up to our email list and get notified when new episodes are released.

https://fitmindfitbody.co/podcast/