Inspiration: Running People

Ask me 2 years ago if I would ever consider running for fitness/fun, and my answer would have been a resounding NO.

I watched some of my friends get into running, namely Zoe and Fi. I admired them for their strength and stamina, and for their perseverance in what seemed like a very boring and taxing 'leisure' activity. They even ran in the cold and rain, which I thought was courageous (I still won't run if it's raining).

Later, when I was contemplating running for health/weight control/fitness, I read on Facebook about my friend Tina's success with her fitness in Melbourne:

Tina - before and after

She is absolutely amazing and a true inspiration. It got me thinking: Can I do that too?

More locally, our neighbour Anna, our good friend Tymara and my cousin Christie all go for regular runs and all have bodies to die for. I wanted to be like them!

Meanwhile, I started training for the Mother's Day Classic. Team Tish members Tymara, Carly, and Louise did a couple of early runs with me until it got too difficult logistically. New friends Julie and Alexis kept me company on early Sunday morning runs, and Bronwyn came along for a couple too.

I was amazed and surprised how many people DO run, and how good it actually feels.

Thank you, my running friends, for inspiring me and encouraging me. You are truly wonderful!

Brisbane Running Festival: TEAM TISH

On Sunday 7th August, I'll be running my first 10km run!

Inspired by my success - and with so much support from friends and family - in running 4.5km for the Brisbane Mother's Day Classic (8 May 2011) and 5km in the Rotary Fun Run (22 May 2011), I've decided to take the plunge and pledge to run 10km in the Brisbane Running Festival (7 August 2011). Two weeks before that I'm going to run 8km in the RBWH Foundation's Royal Run for Research (24 July 2011).

Three years ago I would never have considered running for fun. But some things have changed since then.

The Brisbane Running Festival has featured me on their "Inspiration" page!

Inspiration: Bizness Babes

Hatiheri could not exist if it were not for the wonderful and timely support and guidance of "Bizness Babes".

"inspiring women to turn ideas into business"

I did the course in Brisbane in August 2010. My coach was Liana Kabel and my business facilitator was Sam Jockel.

"Bizness Babes is a not for profit organisation with a range of business training programs for women who want to succeed in business.

"We began in 2006 with a vision to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit of mothers. Women who don’t have access to mainstream business education. Women who dream to succeed.

"Through our Business Development Program we have given hundreds of women the tools to create successful micro enterprises.

"We let business success be defined by the women themselves. While you may aspire to develop multi million dollar businesses others just want to have some financial independence … the freedom to choose salmon rather than sausages for dinner!"

Bizness Babes website

Bizness Babes on Facebook

Bizness Babes on LinkedIn

Bizness Babes on Twitter (@biznessbabe) 

Are you a Bizness Babe? Please add your business to the 'Comments' section. Thanks!

Inspiration: Dreams Unlimited

OK.... so I know this is going to sound terribly sentimental, but it's TRUE!

I'm not much of a perfume wearer, but I have found one that I really like and every time I use it I contemplate its title.

Dreams Unlimited.

And I think YES.

And I like wearing it for not only the gorgeous fragrance (citrus, green chilli, white flowers and cedarwood) but also the message of its inspiring title.

And I love that it all serendipitously ties in with the fact that Hatiheri was able to be launched thanks to the amazing support and training of Bizness Babes, who are in turn assisted by the Wise Foundation, which is connected to The Body Shop Australia.

I always have been a supporter of The Body Shop's values and visions and I am thrilled to continue to be inspired by them.

(NB This is not an advertisement - I really do feel this way!)

What about you? What inspires you on a daily basis?