Living the simpElle life: Lucy

As we continue completing the steps towards achieving our individual goals, it’s always great to hear about the journeys of others. What struggles have they faced? How have they felt? Where have they surpassed their own expectations?! 

No better way to find out the answers than to ask the questions in the form of this mini series – Living the simpElle life – where I talk to someone who has inspired me with their story.

I heard a great phrase last year –

“The Universe is made up of stories, not of atoms”

 – so that is what I want to share with you, stories, to open up the Universe to us all!

Each individual we meet embodies what this blog is about. They have dug deep to find motivation, they have sought inspiration and in doing so become inspirational to others. They have been empowered with knowledge to change and that is what their story will do for the rest of us…

Meet: Lucy Edwards

I met Lucy through the Team Naturally, Run group of ladies on Facebook. The group was created by Leah of Naturally, Leah who recently guest posted here on keep it simpElle with an Introduction to Whole 30. I’ve seen Lucy do all sorts…running, cycling, swimming…even all three at the same time! But I had no idea of the full extent of Lucy’s journey…

…here’s Lucy’s story…

– {THEN} – 

Elle: What made you decide to start training / running? …What were your plans / goals?

Lucy: I had never been a very active person, I wasn’t interested in exercise at all up until about 6 years ago.
I decided I fancied trying belly-dancing as it seemed a gentle way to get fit without working up too much of a sweat (plus I loved the costumes)! I danced with a group for two years and performed in live shows, which I really enjoyed. As I gradually became fitter I moved on from belly dancing to Zumba, then onto gym classes, trampolining and yoga.

I got into running in 2011 after hearing good things about the Couch to 5k programme. I downloaded the app, signed up for a 5k race and a gradually built up my distances and speed. At the time, 3.1 miles seemed a huge distance and I struggled to get past the first few minutes of running, but I stuck with it as I was determined to run a 5k race.

– {HOW} – 

Elle: What’s your favourite way to workout?


Lucy: Currently I am obsessed with indoor cycling (aka spinning). I’m lucky enough to be a Project Manager for a state-of-the-art indoor cycling studio which is opening next month, I’ve been involved in every aspect of the studio from branding, design, marketing, instructor recruitment, sourcing the bikes and planning the soundtrack! I’m passionate about the project and I’ve been living, sleeping, eating and breathing indoor cycling for the past few months! At Cycle Rhythm, our classes are all about an empowering soundtrack, passionate instructors, a luxury environment and no membership contracts!

Elle: What’s your typical weekly schedule?

Lucy: I’m currently training for my next triathlon as well as a half-marathon, so my weekly schedule usually involves 3 runs, 1 swim, 2 cycles or spin classes and a yoga class or strength training session. I do alter and change things around to fit into my plans for the week, and I always try to include a rest day.

Elle: What / who has been your inspiration?


Lucy: I recently met four time world Ironman champion Chrissie Wellington- her story of determination and drive to suceed really inspires me to go after my goals and not to give up. I’m also inspired by members of my triathlon club who have completed endurance events in tough conditions. 

Elle: What was the first big difference in you, that made you feel proud and excited?

Lucy: I noticed big improvements in my fitness when I was working with a Personal Trainer last year, I went from not being able to complete one full press-up to doing about 40 in a row!

Elle: Did you make any changes to your diet once you started training?

Lucy: I changed my diet around the time that I first took up belly-dancing. I lost 5 stone over a period of around 18 months, going from a size 18-20 to a size 12. I’ve maintained my weight-loss for almost 5 years now. Healthy eating and fitness has become part of my lifestyle, I couldn’t imagine going back to the way I was before I lost weight and got fit! These days I try to focus on eating foods which will give me energy and sustain me for my active lifestyle.

Lucy – BEFORE

Lucy – AFTER

 – {NOW} – 

Elle: How do you track your progress?

Lucy: I use a TomTom Runner watch to track my running distance/time/pace. I also keep an exercise diary where I make a note of the training I have done over the course of the week.

Elle: Have your goals changed since you started your journey?

Lucy: Yes, when I initially took up exercise I never dreamed I would be running a half-marathon, taking part in a triathlon or working in fitness one day! I’ve set new goals as I’ve progressed in my journey, I love a new challenge and I’m always signing up for events or races. My goal for this year was to take part in 12 races and so far I have completed 7 with several more lined up over the next few months. When I started my journey, my aim was to lose weight, but now I am more focused on challenging myself, feeling strong and improving my speed.

Elle: How do you keep yourself motivated?

Lucy: Signing up for a race keeps me motivated, I will definitely put in the training if I know I have a half-marathon or triathlon coming up. I am generally quite motivated, as I enjoy my training and look forward to each session.

Elle: If you could go back and give advice to the “before” you…or any other person contemplating changing their lifestyle…what would you say?!

Lucy: My advice would be to ease into it gently and don’t feel pressured to change your lifestyle overnight. Try out lots of different classes and different types of exercise until you find something that is right for you. Exercise has to be enjoyable for it to be sustainable and I believe there is something which will appeal to everyone.

..so what d’ya think?! 

If you’d like to leave Lucy a comment below please do so or you can connect with her here – 

Blog: http://lucylunges.blogspot.co.uk

Twitter: @lucylunges

Instagram: lucy_lunges

Cycle Rhythm website: www.cyclerhythm.com

If you would like to share your own story please get in touch with me: {Contact Elle}

Until then, keep living that simpElle life 😉 

Elle 🙂