One Rising Star

“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...

"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 ...

“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...

“It hasn’t been easy. It’s actually been really tough. But look at you, moving forward and still giving it your best. I’m so proud of how hard you’re trying.” A few years ago, I was totally immersed in the world of CrossFit, high-intensity workouts and heavy lifting. It became a significant part of my life, shaping not just my physical health, but also my mental resilience.   When I suddenly began struggling  with my mental health, and as a result, experiencing anxiety attacks and sleepless nights, I knew the  constant drive to perform at a high level in the gym was adding unnecessary stress to an already heavy mental load. I started to realize that the toll these demanding workouts were taking on my mind and body outweighed the benefits. So, a fter several years of pushing myself to the limit,  I made the decision to, not quit, but just scale bac k on CrossFit. I was stepping back not because I didn’t love it anymore, but because doing it too frequently was no ...

“These are the moments, these are the memories.” As the new academic year kicked off, I found myself navigating the often-overwhelming waters of starting at a new school. The transition has been challenging, demanding longer hours and amplifying my anxiety, which, as usual, has taken a toll on my sleep. Coupled with a lingering lower back injury, my fitness routine has suffered, and my motivation has dipped. Maintaining a balance between work and my fitness goals is crucial for my physical and mental well-being, and lately, it has felt like a struggle. When the midterm break approached, I contemplated staying in Dubai to catch up on rest and regain my training momentum. However, an undeniable pull tugged at my heart—one that urged me to return home to Canada and spend time with my parents. I had always been hesitant about flying back for just a short visit, but this time, something told me that it was exactly what I needed. My week at home turned out to be the perfect solution to the r...

  “I could try to be just like you, but I wanna be like me - the girl in the mirror.” Have you ever looked at a picture of yourself and thought “YIKES!”? Of course you have! We all have! We can all get a little self-critical from time to time, can’t we? I’ll be honest, I don’t often love seeing pictures of myself, especially those really close up, like selfies. Every image seems to amplify my insecurities and highlight “ flaws ” that I wish would disappear. I’m a pretty simple girl—no make-up, no heels, just me as I am, and I find that the world often holds up a different standard of beauty for females, one that's heavily curated and polished. My negative thoughts can weigh heavily at times, and social media ( with all its’ filters ) only magnifies those feelings of self-doubt. Over the last year, I’ve taken a number of selfies or mirror pictures. Some were taken to capture moments during my solo trips, some were taken to track physical changes influenced by diet, training and r...