Episode 670 - Running Through Life’s Different Seasons with Kat Cacavas

In this episode of the ZenRUN Podcast, I chat with the wonderful Kat Cacavas. Kat is a dietitian, health promotion officer, yoga teacher, marathon runner, charity founder, traveller and someone who has spent much of her life helping other people live healthier lives. She grew up in Melbourne in a family where movement was simply part of everyday life. Running, dancing, swimming, surf lifesaving, athletics… if there was a sport going, chances are Kat gave it a go. Although she loved running from a young age, dancing was her first love for many years. It wasn’t until her early twenties that running started taking centre stage, eventually leading her to marathons all over the world. Including one of the most extraordinary first marathons I’ve ever heard. Kat’s debut marathon wasn’t in Melbourne, Sydney or the Gold Coast. It was in Sierra Leone. That race became the beginning of something much bigger than simply running 42.2 kilometres. Over the past decade, Kat has built an incredible connection with Sierra Leone through running, eventually founding the Make Ways Foundation, which now supports young people through movement, education and opportunity. What started with taking donated running shoes in her suitcase has grown into a registered charity, three shipping containers of sporting equipment, a community sports store and employment for local people. It’s one of those stories that reminds you just how powerful running can be. We also chat about Kat’s career as a dietitian and health promotion officer, why food doesn’t have to be complicated, how clever supermarket marketing influences our choices, and why chasing the latest fad diet rarely solves the real problem. Kat also shares something deeply personal. For the past three years she and her husband have been navigating IVF. She talks honestly about how fertility treatment has repeatedly interrupted her running, the emotional impact of constantly rebuilding fitness, and how she’s learned to rediscover the joy of simply running again whenever she gets the chance. It’s a beautiful conversation about resilience, identity and remembering that running can look different in different seasons of life. Along the way we also chat about: Growing up in Melbourne and discovering a love of running and dancing. Running half marathons through Paris and Nice while travelling. Completing her first marathon in the heat and humidity of Sierra Leone. Why running holidays are one of the best ways to explore a new place. Building strength after repeated ankle injuries… including one caused by stepping on a mango! Why runners shouldn’t underestimate yoga, breathing and mobility. How running has given Kat friendship, adventure, purpose and community. The original Athens Marathon and why it’s firmly on Kat’s bucket list. Kat’s running tips Running doesn’t have to look the same in every season of life. Build your identity around more than just running. Running while travelling is one of the best ways to experience a new place. Don’t ignore your body when something doesn’t feel right. Yoga can improve strength, mobility, breathing and body awareness for runners. Sometimes the greatest running memories come from the people you meet, not the finish line. Links mentioned in this episode Make Ways Foundation: https://makewaysfoundation.org/ Make Ways Foundation documentary trailer: https://vimeo.com/1179061019/6127657463?share=copy&fl=cl&fe=ci Kat’s online yoga for runners: https://createdconnections.com.au/ Kat on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katcacavas/ Kat on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MakeWaysFoundation/ Kat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-cacavas/ 💛 Want to feel like a runner again? If this conversation resonated, Feel Like a Runner Again is a simple, practical program designed to help you rediscover the joy of running. You’ll learn how to quiet the mental noise, let go of the pressure, and make running feel like your escape again, not another thing on your to-do list. 👉 https://www.zenrun.app/courses/feel-like-a-runner-again 🙏 A couple of big favours 1️⃣ If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the podcast - it helps more runners discover these conversations. 2️⃣ I’m always looking for runners to interview. If you (or someone you know) has a running story to share, I’d love to hear from you. Find me on Facebook or Instagram @ZenRUN.club or email [email protected] 🎧 Don’t miss an episode Subscribe to the ZenRUN Podcast in your favourite podcast app so new conversations land straight in your ears.