Meet fisiocrem sponsored athlete Challise, a mother of three and a swimming instructor on the Gold Coast. She finds joy in travelling to discover the wonders of the natural outdoors.
Challise’s preferred sport is long-distance running, but following a recent back injury, she has reintroduced swimming into her routine as a form of cross-training. Swimming helps her maintain cardiovascular fitness while alleviating pressure on her discs and vertebrae. Additionally, she enjoys paddle boarding and kayaking alongside her husband and children.
In 2023, Challise faced an exceptionally challenging year, enduring three severe injuries: a ruptured ankle, a broken elbow, and a ruptured UCL, along with severe kidney damage. Despite these setbacks, Challise remained resilient and aspired to complete several hiking trips around Tasmania. This included an 82-kilometre track ultra with her elbow immobilised in a brace. Throughout her recovery, she prioritised maintaining movement to nurture both her mental and physical well-being, ensuring a smooth return to activity when the time was right. She says, “I try to laugh and have a great time in whatever I’m doing.”
Challise eagerly anticipates 2024, as she plans to integrate swimming into her event schedule. By incorporating a variety of individual running, swimming, and aquathon events, she aims to diversify her training regimen. To avoid surgery for her back injury, Challise is diligently focusing on building stability. She has enlisted the help of a colleague for regular swim coaching and is making thoughtful decisions regarding her running training and event participation. Additionally, she is paying close attention to her nutrition to support her fitness goals.
Additionally, she has enlisted the help of a colleague for regular swim coaching and is making thoughtful decisions regarding her running training and event participation.
Challise says her biggest supporters are “My family, along with my eldest child who has a physical disability. I try to lead by example in every moment I have.”
CHALLISE’S TOP RECOVERY TIPS
Challise’s top recovery tips are “Listen to your body, challenge it appropriately, and nourish it with necessary rest and recovery.”
