From Exhausted to Empowered - A Single Mom's Triathlon Journey

In this inspiring conversation, Natalie shares her remarkable journey from an exhausted single mother of three who struggled to find time for breakfast to a confident triathlete who discovered that challenging her physical limits could transform her entire approach to self-care. Her story reveals how embracing a seemingly impossible physical challenge became the catalyst for reclaiming her energy, strength, and sense of possibility.

This Episode Natalie shares her journey from never running to training for a 100km triathlon while raising three young children. We explore:

• How starting with tiny, manageable steps (running just 1km) led to life-changing growth
• The surprising discovery that physical challenges create rather than deplete energy
• Practical strategies for "Tetris-block" time management as a busy single parent
• Why self-care should be viewed as a necessity rather than a luxury

Quotable Moments "I used to struggle with really simple things like feeding myself breakfast. I'd run around getting everybody breakfast, but I physically couldn't also feed myself. When you start treating yourself in the same way, like 'this is not an option, this is non-negotiable,' you realize you actually do have time, no matter what circumstances you're in." - Natalie

"I don't feel any guilt whatsoever, and that's because I genuinely feel like it's my duty to take care of myself to the most possible capabilities that I can. I need to be the healthiest, most alive, most vibrant, most rested, strongest version of me so that I can look after them and stay alive for as long as possible because they need me." - Natalie

"When I'm on my runs, my brain gets to process things. It's the most bliss I've ever experienced. The mental clarity that I gain from exercise is something I've never had in life up until this moment." - Natalie

"I used to find really normal day-to-day things hard. Getting three children dressed was hard, getting them to school was hard. But now I do genuinely hard things, like really physically, mentally, emotionally difficult things. Those other day-to-day things have become so manageable." - Natalie

"Make self-care as non-negotiable as you do taking care of others." - Natalie

Resources Mentioned

• Every Woman Triathlon (Perth-based event with tutus!)
• The power of reframing "I don't have time" to "That's not a priority for me"
• Google Calendar as a color-coded self-care assistant
• Batch cooking to free up time for training

Connect With Us

• Follow She Speaks on Instagram: @shespeakswellbeingstrategies
• Visit our website: www.shespeakswellbeing.com

A Note on Wellbeing She Speaks is dedicated to amplifying women's voices on self-care and wellbeing. While we share personal experiences, please remember that this podcast is not a substitute for professional mental health support. If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a qualified mental health practitioner.

She Speaks is proudly supported by the Western Australian Government and Department of Communities Women's Grants for a Stronger Future Grants Program.