Today we’re joined by Sam, a friend and enthusiastic runner.

Once overweight and unhappy, he turned his life around through sustainable lifestyle changes, discovering the joy of running. Now, he’s not only achieved an incredible physical transformation, hitting personal bests and smashing records, but also a profound psychological shift.

So today, we dive into all things running - our personal journeys, insights, goals, ambitions, advice, and memorable race experiences.

We talk of the community essence of running. How it’s about embedding yourself in a group of like-minded people who share your passions and values. It’s an opportunity to build friendships, find your people, and nourish your true self. When you surround yourself with a community that aligns with your principles, life feels more fulfilling, more authentic

We’ll also touch on the challenges many runners face, like getting caught up in the numbers — comparing paces, focusing on race results, and feeling the weight of expectations. But rather than fixating on the statistics, we need to take a step back and recognize how far we’ve come, the barriers we’ve overcome, and practise a little more self-compassion. Of course, it’s great to have challenges, to set goals, and to push ourselves, but running is about so much more than hitting personal bests. It’s about being present in the experience, soaking up the atmosphere, and smiling through the process

Today, we’re joined by a special guest, Saskia, a Positive Psychologist who is deeply passionate about helping individuals connect with their true selves.

In this episode, we dive into the powerful concept of values—those fundamental principles that act as a compass, guiding our daily behaviours, decisions, and overall life trajectory.

Values are more than just ideals; they are the driving force behind our actions and, when aligned with our lives, can lead to a profound sense of fulfilment and purpose.

Saskia shares her insights on how we can identify these core values through introspection and self-awareness, and why it’s crucial to live in harmony with them.

But in today’s fast-paced world, filled with endless distractions, staying connected to our values can be challenging… the constant barrage of digital noise and the pressures of modern life can pull us away from our true selves. So, Saskia emphasises the importance of creating intentional moments to pause, breathe, and disconnect from the digital world. By doing so, we can not only enhance our mental clarity and sense of balance but also reinforce our commitment to value-aligned living.

Through this conversation, we hope to provide you with practical insights and inspiration on how to cultivate a life that is deeply rooted in your values. By understanding what truly matters to you and aligning your actions with these fundamental principles, you can navigate life with a greater sense of purpose and fulfilment.

Find Saskia: www.flourished-you.com

Email: saskia@flourished-you.com

Book: https://designingyour.life/books-designing-life-original-book/

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Today I’m joined by Jordan Foster, head coach at Coopah Run Coach, mum to Gracie and a keen runner.

In our discussion, Jordan provides insight on her incredible journey through the world of running — from overcoming early hurdles of overtraining and burnout, to participating in numerous marathons, and now ultimately finding balance and a healthy approach to the sport.

We discuss how running should be integrated into your lifestyle in a way that enhances your well-being. Often, with self imposed and external pressures, running can sometimes lead to feelings of stress and overwhelm. That's why we emphasise the importance of ensuring that running remains a positive and fulfilling part of your life - something that nourishes you rather than depletes you.

Throughout our conversation, we address common challenges runners face, such as pre-race anxiety and the pressure to meet specific goals. Jordan introduces practical strategies to alleviate stress and underscores the importance of not comparing yourself to others - recognising that every runner has a unique journey, but in the end, we're all heading towards the same finish line, and we should focus on enjoyment, immersing yourself in the race day atmosphere, and fully experience the moment.

Finally, Jordan offers valuable advice for upcoming races, encouraging runners to reflect on their training, celebrate milestones, and approach race day with a positive mindset. She reminds us that race day is not just about competition - it's a victory lap, a celebration of the hard work and dedication that has brought you to this moment.

Jordan: __jordanfoster

Coopah: coopahruncoach

https://coopah.com/