One Rising Star

Posts

Winging it to Win it

“You don’t have to be perfect, just prepared enough to wing it!” I competed in Hyrox this weekend, and while I’m proud of the outcome ( 1st place in our age category (40–49) for the women’s pro doubles division ), I’ve been having mixed feelings about my personal performance. Truthfully, things didn’t quite unfold the way I’d visualized them in the lead-up, and I wasn’t as sharp as I’d hoped to be on race day. I also worked out two days before (S hould’ve known better!) , so my legs were still feeling it. That said, my partner and I still pulled off the win, which speaks volumes about the work we’ve each been putting in individually. It was exciting ( and a little intimidating ) to compete alongside some big-name CrossFitters in the region, but we held our own and that felt pretty good! Over the past few months, I’ve been consistent and disciplined with my training. Thankfully, I stayed healthy this time around, unlike last year, which already felt like a small victory. But, I didn’t ...

Hakuna Matata

“ It means no worries for the rest of your days; it’s our problem-free philosophy.🎶 ” As a teacher who juggles a heavy workload throughout the academic year, I truly look forward to the times when I can take a break and escape this reality through travel. But as a solo female traveler, there’s always that nagging feeling of nervousness. Despite my extensive research, it’s hard not to feel anxious when I’m heading into the unknown alone. This spring break, I had thought to stick with what I knew, perhaps a revisit to Bali or Sri Lanka, but deep down, I craved something new. Kenya had been calling me for a while, especially because of my love for African vibes. Having been to Tanzania before, I didn’t feel the need for a full safari adventure. Instead, I was more drawn to the coastal city of Mombasa; I remembered an old colleague from there and how she spoke of it so lovingly, so I thought it would be great to explore the place myself. Mombasa turned out to be just what I needed. I ...

Living Outside The Box

"I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I believe I’m on the path I’m meant to be." As we get older, it’s easy to get trapped in society’s idea of what life "should" look like. By the time we hit 40, there’s a well-defined picture of success: owning a home, starting a family, climbing the career ladder. But as I approach this milestone, I’m choosing to remind myself that true happiness isn’t found in checking off someone else’s list. It’s found in stepping outside the box, embracing the unexpected, and allowing life to unfold in its own unique way. Sure, my path hasn’t always been conventional, and I’ve often found myself comparing my journey to others, wondering why I’m not where they are. But when I take a step back and reflect, I see how much I’ve gained by stepping off the well-worn road. Life may not have gone according to plan, but I’m proud of the unexpected milestones I’ve reached along the way. I’ve traveled to over 40 countries, lived in three (ye...

How Mind Overpowers Muscle

“Physical strength will get you to the start line, but mental strength will get you to the finish line.” As I continue my fitness journey, I’m always looking for new ways to challenge myself and push my limits. Recently, I’ve been gearing up for HyROX in April, where I’ll compete in the women’s doubles pro category alongside an amazing partner. Last year, we clinched 1st place in our age category, and this time, we’re ready to raise the bar even higher. To prepare, I’ve been integrating more running and higher-intensity training into my weekly routine, alongside some soccer, which I’ve been playing once a week. It’s been a juggling act, but I’m thrilled to have found a balanced training schedule that works for me. My routine includes a bit of weightlifting, CrossFit, soccer, HyROX-specific training, and running, plus two rest days to make sure my body is properly recovered to bring my best performance to each workout. When it comes to long races and tough challenges like HyROX, one thi...

Turkish Delights

"Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer." My winter journey through Turkey was lovely, even though I was battling a nasty cold the entire time. But, when you’re exploring a country as rich in history, culture, and cuisine as Turkey, a little sickness can’t get in the way of the adventure. I arrived in Istanbul on a chilly evening, my first view of the Bosphorus River and its famous bridge lit up against the dark skies. The sight was beautiful, and I wasted no time indulging in a local favorite, recommended by my taxi driver— kumpir , a huge baked potato loaded with toppings. The next morning, I set out to explore the surrounding area - Ortakoy - before heading to a friend’s wedding. The city quickly spiked my curiosity, with its old streets and numerous food and shopping stalls. For the next few days, I stayed in Istanbul’s historic district - Sultanahmet - soaking up the sights. I wandered through the cobblestone streets, visiting the iconic Blue Mosque ...

The runner in me

“Mind over miles.” A few years back, I was all in. I was that person signing up for every race that came across my radar—10K’s, half-marathons, marathons—you name it. The thrill of crossing the finish line, the camaraderie at the starting line, the way the crowds cheered you on, it was all so energizing. I didn’t even need music to get through a run, even a whole 42km marathon, which, I know, sounds crazy to most people. But there I was, in my zone, taking it all in and doing something I enjoyed. I collected lots of medals and racked up plenty of podium finishes, but most importantly I had some memorable international races, and met tons of amazing people along the way. I discovered that running was a really accessible sport; all you needed was a pair of shoes and the will to go. I could literally show up to a race, put one foot in front of the other, and—boom—be part of a community of people all working toward the same goal. So, what happened? Why did I stop running? For me, it came d...