Two little words.

The past 18 months have been a roller coaster. I have been scared, emotional, ridden with fear. Felt excited, had fun and been inspired. The most important thing that I can do now is recognise this has not only been MY journey, I have not achieved this on my own. This tale is not complete with out mentioning the amazing people who helped me learn to run again. To say those two words that we don’t say enough. THANK YOU. So here we go.

On the medical side…

Dr Tymms, my amazing orthopedic surgeon, who wonderfully repaired my snapped achillies and opened up my leg twice more to fight away the infection.

Dr. Leo, my anesthetist and the team at the Epworth Eastern hospital.

Jacqui Louder, my sports psychologist. Thank you for listening and guiding me through this roller coaster of events. I gained so much from the time I spent with you.

Steve Hawkins, my physio who got me back on my feet. Your experience, knowledge and care are phenomenal. Your enthusiasm towards my rehab ultimately was something money couldn’t buy.

John Quinn, my wonderful physiologist who helped me though the final stages of my rehab. I am fascinated by your knowledge and your wonderful ability to get athletes back on their feet.

Ian Nathan, my massage therapist. Your work extends far beyond massage and I have learnt so much about my body and how it operates. Your ongoing support, care and understanding in incredible.

Getting me back to running…

Joe Gulli, my old coach. Your genuine nature and being able to relate to athletes is such a wonderful quality. I still have your words of wisdom in text message you sent me after I had told you about the injury

Peter Van, my coach. I don’t think there are enough words to thank you. Your support in all aspects of my life through this time was so great. The friendship you offered me, the professional direction you adopted and the laughter that you can generate was a massive part in my recovery. Most of all, thank you for your belief in me to achieve my goals. Without you, I would not have achieved what I did. Thank you.

Lloyd, Dys and Bells, my dedicated training partners that I see day in day out. I love training with you. Thank you for being so supportive and interested in my recovery. I know training will be fun when you guys are there.

Thank you to the Angelsea Beach team. You are an amazing group of people, I love training and racing with you.

John Baldock, your passion towards the surf club and me is mind blowing. Thank you for all the support you have offered during this time.

My friends…

Jadey, Dani, Andy, Tanya, Andrea, Tegs, Kate P, Ebon, Gabe, Jess, Jack Gulli, Jemma, Marty, Steve, Abi, Kate, Jan, Sara, Nai, Matta, Nes, George, Steve, Mans, Crib, Em, Crib, Date, Hayley, Pammi. Thank you for your visits and time spent with me over summer.

Housemates Gabby, Adrian and Saana, thank you for putting up with me and helping me live and get by on one leg.

Workmates and colleagues Dave, Jane, Andrea, Nat, Kate Bu, Kate P and the crew at Fed Square, thank you for caring so much and getting me back to work.

My support group…(aka my family)

Wendy, my aunty who had this same injury. Thank you for offering me your insights.

Aaron and Holly thank you for caring and understanding what I was going through and supporting me during this time.

Mum and Dad, your support to me though this time was amazing. Thank you for caring so much, for allowing me to not have to worry about the smaller challenges that life throws at you during these times of toughness.

And most of all my beautiful sister, Claire. You have inspired me, encouraged me, put me back into line, told me to pull my head in and taught me so much. I cant thank you enough.

I cant thank all of these people enough and everyone who was part of this time in my life. I love you all and thank you.