Story by Daria
Running brings me joy because I love pushing myself to my limits and crossing boundaries I didn’t think were possible. I enjoy the process of preparing for races even more than the race itself.
Being in “training mode” is something I really cherish—even when it’s tough. There’s something beautiful about committing to the grind and enjoying every minute of the journey, even when it’s not always easy. It’s all about growth, both mentally and physically.
The running community is incredibly important to me. The support and energy you get from fellow runners and spectators make a huge difference.
For me, hearing strangers cheer my name at the races and connecting with others at every race creates a sense of belonging, and that’s something special.
I also really enjoy running both with my club and by myself. While the group runs bring that extra motivation and sense of teamwork, solo runs give me time to reflect and focus on my personal goals. Both experiences are essential to my love for running.
My biggest challenge was running my first marathon at the Gold Coast Marathon. I was worried about hitting the famous “wall,” but I used self-talk to stay calm and focused, telling myself I wouldn’t experience it. Even when I felt pain in my feet toward the end, I pushed through.
My second big challenge was participating in the Border to Hell Ultra Relay, where my team ran 32.5 hours nonstop. I only had 1 hour of sleep and had to both run and cycle, with each runner supported by a cyclist.
We covered almost 500 km as a team of 6, and it was an intense test of endurance. I run because it teaches me perseverance and self-belief—it’s a journey where you constantly learn about your limits and how to break them.