From Exhausted to Empowered - A Single Mom's Triathlon Journey

In this inspiring conversation, Natalie shares her remarkable journey from an exhausted single mother of three who struggled to find time for breakfast to a confident triathlete who discovered that challenging her physical limits could transform her entire approach to self-care. Her story reveals how embracing a seemingly impossible physical challenge became the catalyst for reclaiming her energy, strength, and sense of possibility.This Episode Natalie shares her journey from never running to training for a 100km triathlon while raising three young children. We explore:How starting with tiny, manageable steps (running just 1km) led to life-changing growthThe surprising discovery that physical challenges create rather than deplete energyPractical strategies for "Tetris-block" time management as a busy single parentWhy self-care should be viewed as a necessity rather than a luxuryQuotable Moments "I used to struggle with really simple things like feeding myself breakfast. I'd run around getting everybody breakfast, but I physically couldn't also feed myself. When you start treating yourself in the same way, like 'this is not an option, this is non-negotiable,' you realize you actually do have time, no matter what circumstances you're in." - Natalie"I don't feel any guilt whatsoever, and that's because I genuinely feel like it's my duty to take care of myself to the most possible capabilities that I can. I need to be the healthiest, most alive, most vibrant, most rested, strongest version of me so that I can look after them and stay alive for as long as possible because they need me." - Natalie"When I'm on my runs, my brain gets to process things. It's the most bliss I've ever experienced. The mental clarity that I gain from exercise is something I've never had in life up until this moment." - Natalie"I used to find really normal day-to-day things hard. Getting three children dressed was hard, getting them to school was hard. But now I do genuinely hard things, like really physically, mentally, emotionally difficult things. Those other day-to-day things have become so manageable." - Natalie"Make self-care as non-negotiable as you do taking care of others." - NatalieResources MentionedEvery Woman Triathlon (Perth-based event with tutus!)The power of reframing "I don't have time" to "That's not a priority for me"Google Calendar as a color-coded self-care assistantBatch cooking to free up time for trainingConnect With UsFollow She Speaks on Instagram: @shespeakswellbeingstrategiesVisit our website: www.shespeakswellbeing.comA Note on Wellbeing She Speaks is dedicated to amplifying women's voices on self-care and wellbeing. While we share personal experiences, please remember that this podcast is not a substitute for professional mental health support. If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a qualified mental health practitioner.She Speaks is proudly supported by the Western Australian Government and Department of Communities Women's Grants for a Stronger Future Grants Program.