I’ve been really fortunate to pick up a few medals and an academic award this year, three rowing wins at the 2025 Rowing Victoria Masters State Championships, an overall win in the 2XU Triathlon Series 24/25, and an Outstanding Student Award for my Certificate IV in Fitness. Been turning over a favourite line in my head: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal. It’s the courage to keep going that really matters.” That’s felt like the engine behind everything that’s happened because the last few months have been busy too, specifically with trying new things I've never done before.
Moments that were equal parts unexpected and rewarding. In this time I did my first duathlon and, to my amazement, came 1st overall, not just in an age group, but outright first female. Also did my first trail run which was wet, muddy and much more technically demanding than I'd imagined: 3rd in my age group and 11th overall out of 161 females. I placed 5th in the Rowing Victoria Masters Individual Standings, and was named Most Successful Female Rower at Hawthorn Rowing Club; something I couldn’t have imagined when I started rowing later in life than most. I’m grateful to those who helped, pushed, believed in me and offered encouragement along the way. Your support hasn’t just been part of the journey; it’s been the difference-maker. Here are a few things I've learned along the way.
1. Lean on Your Supporters
- 2025 Rowing Victoria Masters State Championships
- ???? Female Masters Coxed Quad Scull
- ???? Female Masters Club Coxed Quad Scull
- ???? Female Masters E Coxed Four
- ???? Female Masters E-K Eight
- ???? Mixed Masters D Coxless Quad Scull
- ???? Hawthorn Rowing Club’s Most Successful Female Rower Award
- 5️⃣ Rowing Victoria Masters Individual Standings – 5th Place Female Rower Overall
Takeaway: Find a group, or at least one or two people, who’ll keep you honest with your sessions and celebrate the small victories. Some people will criticise (see my blog post about Karolien Florijn), but your supporters will back you every step of the way.
Try this: Set up a weekly check-in, whether it’s a short phone call or a quick group catch-up, to share how your training is going.
2. Steady Beats Flashy
???? Overall Series Champion – 2XU Triathlon 24/25
Putting together consistent swim, bike, run and strength sessions, rather than chasing one big workout, helped me stay injury-free and enjoy the process. Cross-training really helps if you row or use the ergometer regularly, as these can cause repetitive-strain injuries. Mixing it up and using all parts of the body makes a big difference. Swimming is particularly therapeutic, as is stretching.
Takeaway: A balanced programme beats sporadic “all-out” days and discipline is better than motivation because you can't always be motivated but you can almost always be disciplined.
Try this: Plan your week around three pillars: cardio, strength and active recovery. Even a 30-minute strength session can pay dividends.
3. Learning on the Go
???? Outstanding Student Award – Certificate IV in Fitness (Holmesglen, Mar 2025)
Studying alongside training meant burning the midnight oil more than once. By applying each new concept in the gym or during my training the next day, I found the theory stuck a lot quicker.
Takeaway: Put new skills into practice as soon as you learn them. Trust those who know more than you do, if an expert offers advice, take it!
Try this: After each study block, jot down one practical tweak you can make to your next session. My sessions have definitely improved by doing this.
None of this was easy, there were sore muscles, early mornings and times when motivation ran very low. But every small step forward mattered. If you’re working towards your own goals, I hope these simple reflections help you keep moving in the right direction.
Catherine Ashley