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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.