Welcome again ๐ 365 days of 2014, 365+ days of living the simpElle life. The final one in the series.
This fortnightly mini series which started almost one year ago in 2013 – Living the simpElle life – is where I talk to someone who has been empowered to change.
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 I hope that is what their story will do for the rest of us…
Meet: Mollie Millington
I met Mollie through the blogosphere a couple years back! As well as blogging, Mollie is a London-based personal trainer and wellness coach. She also coordinates RODS Racing social media.
…here’s Mollie’s story…
– {THEN} –
Elle: What made you decide to start training / running? …What were your plans / goals?
Mollie: Originally I started running in 2005 for a local RSPCA fundraiser. I played recreational football and thought running would help me play too. I developed Achilles tendinitis which made me turn to indoor cycling. I wanted a new competitive challenge and thought triathlons would satisfy my body’s physical needs. Most recently I have been using exercise as a way to manage stress levels and support RODS Racing (rodsracing.org).
– {HOW} –
Elle: What’s your favourite way to work out?
Mollie: Dancing, but I don’t get to do it very often. Second favourite would be indoor cycling with some great tunes.
Elle: What’s your typical weekly exercise schedule?
Mollie: I just started marathon training so I have been running 5 days a week. It is a 25 week training program with a slooooow build up. My work is a mile from my house which means I am lucky enough to cycle commute every day. We adopted a dog 10 weeks ago and I take him on 3-4 twenty minute walks a day. I am amazed how much weight I have lost with walking alone!
Elle: What / who has been your inspiration?
Mollie: This is a tough one. I go through phases where I am super-motivated and others where I am over-committed and completely disinterested in exercise. I make vision boards with images of strong women from my old fitness magazines and hang on the wall. I also hang every race bib up to remind me how far I have come. Of course, the RODS program keeps me going too and my fellow London blogging friends. Those girls are tough!
Elle: What was the first big difference in you, that made you feel proud and excited?
Mollie: When I was preparing for my wedding 4 years ago, I was lifting 3 times/week, eating right, and running. I toned up and actually had biceps!
Elle: Did you make any changes to your diet once you started training?
Mollie: I try to drink 2L of water a day when I run and choose ‘whole’ foods as snacks (anything in its original form- apples, nuts, raisins, hummus). Unfortunately, I have a Diet Coke dependency problem.
– {NOW} –
Elle: How do you track your progress?
Mollie: I used to use a Nike fuel band but now I rely on Strava as I am mostly running and get more info about my training progress.
Elle: Have your goals changed since you started your journey?
Mollie: My goals are always changing. I register for races to keep me focused. Having a deadline helps me design a training plan that keeps me interested and fit. Overall I want to be a strong capable woman.
Elle: How do you keep yourself motivated?
Mollie: RODs Racing plays a huge part in this. I know with each mile I run, I am helping raise another dollar (and pound) for an orphan in need.
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?!
Mollie: Don’t ignore injuries. Stretch more. Take proper swim lessons (or spend money on anything you would like to really be good at. You are worth it!)
…so what d’ya think?!
If you’d like to leave Mollie a comment below please do!
You can also find her here:
W: www.ptmollie.com
FB: www.facebook.com/happinessPT
T: @PTMollie
If you would like to share your own story please get in touch with me: {Contact Elle}
Until then, keep living that simpElle life ๐
Elle ๐
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