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‘If one of my friends challenges me to take part in any sporting event, I’ll do it’
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As part of our exciting IMAGE Active series, we're spotlighting our most active IMAGE team members. Next up, is our chief financial officer Olga Gordeychuk, whose recent sporting fix has been hybrid fitness racing with her husband and close friends.
First of all, I want to share a little bit about me… I’m Russian-born, grew up in Ireland (Greystones) and am now living in Spain with my husband Ciaran, our two kids Nikolai and Emilia and our dog Masha. In my free time, I enjoy training with my husband and spending time outdoors as a family. I also love travelling the world and experiencing new cultures, so whenever possible, we take the opportunity to explore Spain and beyond in our campervan.
Alongside my adventurous spirit, I have a natural curiosity for functional activity and human performance, so while on a break from IMAGE a few years ago, I also qualified as a personal trainer. My new fix, however, has been hybrid fitness racing – in the form of Deka and Hyrox.
How did you become involved in Deka and Hyrox?
I have always found benefits and enjoyment in physical activity. As most of us in the modern world lead a predominantly sedentary life, I take any opportunity I can get to move and spend time outdoors. By taking part in Deka (10 functional exercises with 500m run between each) and Hyrox (eight functional exercises with 1km run between each), I find the perfect balance between strength training and running. I was introduced by my friend (and now trainer) Dena Hogan, who is an elite 15 Hyrox (one of the best 15 Hyrox athletes in the world) and master coach. She more or less forced me to get involved, and I’ve never looked back.
How long have you been involved?
I’ve been training with Team Hogan (Dena and her husband Tom’s coaching business) for the past two years. This year I am taking part in a number of Deka and Hyrox races here in Spain. I am competing both individually and in a mixed doubles race with my husband.
What do you enjoy the most about the sport?
The balance between strength and cardio is the best mix for performance and longevity, in my opinion. Furthermore, I enjoy doing Hyrox-style workouts. Very often I will do partner WODs (workout of the day) with my husband – a great way to get some quality time together outside of our busy schedules (and sometimes the kids get involved). It gives us a healthy activity to do together, while simultaneously encouraging each other to keep training.
Have you made friendships/grown a network?
Being part of Team Hogan has been great. We attended their training retreat in Cyprus and made friends with other athletes. This season we are running a relay in Malaga as part of another Team Hogan initiative with clients of theirs we have not yet met. I have done a few Deka Fit (part of the Spartan series) races with my girlfriends too. It gives us a great excuse to meet weekly for a training session and a catch-up.
Do you enjoy additional sports or activities?
I enjoy anything that gets me moving and closer to nature! I have tried everything from long-distance running, to trail running, martial arts, yoga, hiking and swimming. If one of my friends challenges me to take part in any sporting event, I’ll do it.
What advice do you have for someone who is interested in joining a new sport/club/team/activity?
Just do it! I am a big believer in trying new things. I prefer to be a generalist across different sports and activities than an expert in just one. The fun element is key for me, and different sports also allow for a sort of cross-training which prevents injury. The hardest thing is to start or get back into it, but once you do, the benefits (both physical and mental) are incredible.
What has been your proudest moment?
Unfortunately, I don’t have any gold medals to talk about, but crossing the finish line of the Rome marathon with my husband, attending a weekend yoga seminar in Italy with my eight-year-old daughter, or that hug at the end of a Deka doubles with my friend are some of my proudest moments. Maybe not directly related, but while practising as a PT during my career break, I got huge satisfaction (and pride) in seeing clients who had not exercised regularly find a new routine that they enjoyed and found beneficial.
Do you think there is still a stigma around women in sport/women going to the gym etc?
I think that has changed, for the better. We see different female sports getting a lot more coverage, attention and investment. I have the feeling that it has also encouraged more and more women to get involved. And, in my circle, I see much more of a balance between men and women in the various training groups and clubs. I strongly believe this is healthier, and both sexes can learn from each other.
How often do you train/attend?
Five to six days a week – but I see it more as a lifestyle, than training. And, as I already mentioned, I mix up my training a lot. I regularly train in strength, running, yoga and walking. Walking and/or swimming is a great way to include some active recovery in your training. Resting is just as important as training, and I have learnt to listen to my body (but do not tell my trainer, Dena).
Does your sport/activity help your professional life? Does it help you destress?
I think it is important, for our mental health, to have other activities and interests outside of work. I strongly believe my lifestyle outside of work supports my professional life. By finding a lifestyle that works for me, it helps me perform at my best when I am in work. Also, having colleagues who are interested and passionate about sports and wellness is a great plus.
My daily routine is…
I don’t think I have a fixed daily routine. But I juggle my exercise, my meditation practice, work, two kids, a husband and a dog in any possible way and in no particular order! I am also very lucky to work for a company that does allow for flexibility around my family life, as long as I give work 100% they give me back 100% flexibility. This means that at times I step out during the day, but then I am happy to pick up work again in the evenings or early mornings.
How do you mind your mental health?
I have been practising yoga and recently started my meditation practice, following a fantastic retreat I attended (a present from my husband). But also a simple walk or a run along the vineyards not far from my house is a huge benefit. Just 20 minutes a day in nature can help us lower our heart rate, lower stress levels, increase our mood and improve our memory and concentration.
Is there anything you would like to see change within your sport/activity?
I would like to increase my yoga practice and consistency. If I go less than twice a week for a few weeks, I can feel the stiffness during my strength training and running, and it also affects my mental health.
Do you have any goals for the future in your chosen sport/activity?
My goal never changes, and it’s to enjoy whatever sport or activity I am doing to the max. If I stop enjoying a particular sport/activity I will just stop and find another. My goal is to never see it as a chore… but, I’ll leave the gold medals to the other amazing Irish women in sport out there.
IMAGE Active is an exciting series of exercise-driven events, motivating meet-ups, and empowering content to help you achieve new levels of physical health, offering encouragement, support, and empowerment every step of the way. At its core, it is about coming together to form connections, cultivate healthy habits, and feel better than ever. So, stay tuned and check out our hub for regular updates on all upcoming events and content.
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