Welcome back to my mini series – Living the simpElle life – where I talk to someone who has inspired me with their story.
I heard a great phrase recently –
“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: Stanislava Bazitova
![]() |
Stanislava |
– {THEN} –
Elle: What made you decide to start training / running? …What was your plan / goals?
SB: I was lucky to get tickets for one of the amazing NIKE running events, so I was really motivated to train hard and do my best on the day of the run. I was really proud of myself when I managed distances I never dreamt of, and that kept me inspired to carry on. “Run a marathon” was one of my New Year’s resolutions, so the only way to do it is by training hard.
– {HOW} –
Elle: What’s your favourite way to work out?
SB: Accompanied by motivated people, inspired by my instructor, wearing my favourite tights and surrounded by nature if possible.
Elle: What’s your typical weekly exercise schedule?
SB: Twice a week NTC and at least 5km run.
Elle: What / who has been your inspiration?
SB: My inspiration has been you, Elle, always there for me, encouraging me to do by best and then better it. Another powerful inspiration for me have been the Paralympic Games last summer. I was astonished by those truly amazing athletes who regardless the dificulties they have, achieve amazing results. That is totally admirable. People are capable of great things if they are dedicated.
Elle: What was the first big difference in you, that made you feel proud and excited?
SB: I became stronger and lean, more flexible and resistant to weariness. I started achieving stuff I never dreamt of, like running my first 10k. Training helped me get rid of stress and be more efficient at work and in my studies.
Elle: Did you make any changes to your diet once you started training?
SB: I have always been a healthy-lifestyle person, but ever since I started training and running, my diet has changed a lot. I am more selective when it comes to buying and preparing food. I belive that training alone it’s not enough. To feel the difference and take a full advantage of your workouts, you need a balanced diet as well. The best improvement in my eating habits is that I eat often, but not excessively. I keep my metabolism working all day. But nutrition is a very personal thing. Something that works for me, might not work for someone else, so one should listen to its own body and find the best way to treat it.
– {NOW} –
Elle: How do you track your progress?
SB: I use my fuelband to keep track on my daily performance, the NikeRunning App keeps track on my runs, and the most tangible way is my own body, which really indicates my progress.
Elle: Have your goals changed since you started your journey?
SB: Yes! They grow bigger!
Elle: How do you keep yourself motivated?
SB: I think about how I usually feel after work-out – awesome, alive, strong and happy.
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?!
SB: Just keep going. Results will come. No matter how difficult it is. Hard work pays off for sure!
See?! …inspirational huh?!
If you’d like to leave Stanislava a comment below please do!
…and if you have a story you would like to share just get in touch! {Contact Elle}
Keep living that simpElle life ๐
Elle ๐
Hello Stanislava,You inspired me. Sometimes I wont go to gym because I'm just tired or lazy, but after reading this, I am now more inspired to exercise a lot and keep motivated. Actually I would also love to have that NikeRunning App that will keep track on my runs.Regards,George
Hey George! I'll be sure to pass on your comments to Stanislava ๐ You should defo check out the Nike+ running app. I've been using if for years and love having all my data readily available! It's free too ๐ Let me know what you think if you do get it!Elle ๐