A Sunshine Coast warrior woman who has finished clearing her own personal and athletic hurdles is now preparing to take on the world.
Kate Jackson is a radiographer working at Sunshine Coast University Hospital (SCUH), but she also moonlights as an athlete who has just qualified for the Obstacle Course Racing World Championships.
Ms Jackson started obstacle course racing three years ago after her husband suffered a severe stroke. She quickly fell in love with the unpredictable nature of the sport.
“I thoroughly enjoy the social interaction and competing with like-minded people from all over the world. It is great for my physical and mental health,” she said.
“I love the unpredictable nature of Spartan, Tough Mudder and Ninja Warrior-style events.”
She said she was thrilled to recently qualify to attend the world championships in Belgium in September.
Athletes represent more than 140 countries in the championships, where races consist of varying distances and terrains of up to 15km.
They combine natural features such as rivers and hills, with 20-50 single-attempt obstacles staggered throughout. The challenging military-style obstacles can range from monkey bars to spear throws and cliff climbs.
“I qualified to attend the Obstacle Course Racing World Championships by winning the female over-40 age category at Spartan Gold Coast. I am one of five females representing Australia individually and in the team event,” she said.
Ms Jackson is preparing for the race by working with four trainers across four different fitness facilities and urges others to create time for their fitness journey and to have fun along the way.
“My preparation is starting to heat up,” she said.
“I work with multiple trainers, across my four different gyms. The Farm Gym in Nambour has a Spartan-style outdoor obstacle course.
“Integrated Athletics is a functional fitness centre, the Ninja Jungle helps supercharge my strength and ninja skills, and I started reformer pilates at Ezyfit earlier this year, after breaking my sternum.”
Ms Jackson trains with her husband, children or friends when possible.
“I love the social interaction and sense of accomplishment after completing a race,” she said.
“Life is short, make the most of every opportunity. We all have extremely busy lives and there will always be an excuse for not going to the gym.
“Please create time for yourself and I’m sure you will have fun on your fitness journey.”
Local journalists supporting local people. Help keep independent and fair Sunshine Coast news coming by subscribing to our FREE daily news feed. All it requires is your name and email at the bottom of this article.
