Living the simpElle life: Venetia

Hello again 🙂 and a warm welcome back to my mini series – Living the simpElle life – where I talk to someone who has inspired me with their story. 

It all started because I heard this great phrase – 

“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: Venetia Marriot 

– {THEN} –

Elle: What made you decide to start training / running? …What was your plan / goals?

VM: I was always into sports from quite a young age. When class used to complain about doing cross country in PE I would be happy about it. So I guess being active has always been in me. But over the last couple of years it’s pretty much been a way of life. 2011 to 2012 was a really tough time for me – I was in my final year of uni, I was working and was a part time carer for my father who was terminally ill. I found running was my ‘thing’ where I could be in my own headspace and away from all that was going on in my life. I didn’t really have any goals when I started running consistently, it just felt like something I wanted to do, until I got roped into a 10k…then a half marathon…then a full marathon! 

– {HOW} –

Elle: What’s your favourite way to work out? 

VM: Running first and foremost! But I love the relaxation and strength building of yoga, it really balances out the exertion of pounding the pavement. I love working out with friends, it always help to have someone next to you who will push you that little bit more 

Elle: What’s your typical weekly exercise schedule? 

VM: My typical week of exercise would be 2 – 3 runs with some yoga and strength training thrown in the mix, although my schedule isn’t always so regimented! 

Elle: What / who has been your inspiration?

VM: In terms of chicks in the fitness world that would have to be Bangs (blogger at Bangs and a Bun / Spikes & Heels) and Robin Arzon. For me they completely embody what it is to be a fit, strong, well educated and inspirational woman. I love what they do and they always look good doing it. 

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

VM:  I think that would have to be my level of dedication. I’ve trained for over 8 races since 2012. Don’t let the Instagram and Tumblr posts fool you, it has been really hard. It makes me proud that even though it was hard I never walked away from the challenge. In turn, having people approach me, both people I know and people I don’t know telling me that what I’m doing is inspiring it does make me feel happy to know I’m doing a good thing 

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

VM: Oh dear. My diet has been TERRIBLE! And I don’t like vegetables! I never trained with the intention of losing weight or anything so before now, I never really paid much attention to my diet. At first, as long as I was eating breakfast, lunch and dinner and drinking a lot of water then that was good for me. But now I’m really trying to be a bit more aware of what is going into my body and how it will either help or hinder! I’m trying really hard with the vegetables now! 

– {NOW} – 

Elle:  How do you track your progress? 

VM: I run with Nike+ app which is really cool at keeping a track of your runs and PBs which is great. I try not to delve into the whole ‘progress pic” thing too much because I don’t think my journey is about aesthetics as much as it might be for the next person. Although it is nice to notice when your abs pop a bit lol. But I definitely feel a lot fitter than I was last year so that can only be a good thing 

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

VM: I’d say my goals have changed slightly. As much as running is still my release from everyday life, I now look forward to actually training for a race. If you told me last year that I’d run a marathon this year I’d have probably laughed in your face! Now I’m hoping to do another; maybe I might do a duathlon? Or even a tri? Well, I’d have to sort my swimming out if that were the case, ha! But I do feel like now I’m more open to these challenges 

Elle: How do you keep yourself motivated?

VM: Some days it’s easy, other days it’s hard, but ultimately you get out what you put in. I always feel better when I complete a workout and sometimes I have to remind myself of that. It’s kinda like when you cross something off your to-do list. It might have been a drag getting it done but saying you did it is always better. 

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?!

VM: Cheesy but, there’s no time like the present! Social media is your friend, connect with people that have the same interests or goals as you! Feeling like you have the support of others is really nice; you can learn from others and they can learn from you. And don’t give up!

Inspirational?! …just a little huh?! 

If you’d like to leave Venetia a comment below please do! Or connect with her on Instagram: venetianarelle 

…and if you have a story you would like to share just get in touch!

Keep living that simpElle life 😉 

Elle