FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ironwoman to swap the sand for the streets on the Gold Coast
Friday 26 May
Three-time surf lifesaving world champion Candice Warner will run past the
same world-famous beaches on which she once competed when she takes on her
debut marathon at the 39th Gold Coast Airport Marathon on Sunday 2 July.
It's been three years since the 32-year-old Sydney local ended her
decorated surf lifesaving career to raise her two daughters, two-year-old
Ivy Mae and one-year-old Indi Rae, alongside her husband, Australian
cricketer David Warner.
During that time, she has launched a swimwear range, established a media
career with Channel Nine on Sports Sunday, Wide World of Sports and The
Today Show, and travelled the world supporting David all while fulfilling
motherhood responsibilities.
While she continues to reach personal and professional milestones, Warner's
desire to challenge herself has never waned.
Thus, in February, she fixed her eyes on the start line of her first
42.195km road run on the Gold Coast, the scene of her many battles with
competitors during her surf lifesaving career.
"Being a former Ironwoman, I used to set goals all the time and there was
no better feeling once I achieved them," she said.
"Since stepping away from the sport and becoming a mother of two, I haven't
set any goals for myself or challenged myself either physically or
mentally.
"This marathon means so much. Since retiring, I haven't really pushed my
body to the limit, except during child birth!"
Prioritising training amongst family and other commitments is not a foreign
concept to Warner, having been thrust into the professional sporting
spotlight at age 14 when she became the youngest female to qualify for the
Ironwoman Series.
While finding the time to train remains a challenge, Warner said the
biggest hurdle preventing quality training during the past four months has
been having to adapt to new environments while travelling with her family
supporting David.
"In India, most days were above 40 degrees Celsius and I was unable to run
on the streets as they were so hectic," she said.
"So, it was all treadmill for me until I flew to England. Once I reached
England I could run outside and get a good gauge of where I was at.
"Luckily, I'm extremely dedicated to my training so it's going well.
"The Gold Coast Airport Marathon fits perfectly into our busy schedule as
Dave won't be away touring and will be able to support me on the day and be
at the finish line with the girls."
The renowned fitness enthusiast said her active and healthy lifestyle was
paramount to her wellbeing and encouraged other parents to push aside the
challenges of being a parent and work towards goals such as the Gold Coast
Airport Marathon.
"For me, exercise is a priority. It's good for my mind and it makes me feel
great," she said.
"I think setting little goals along the way and being organised is the key
when you have kids.
"Also, making time for yourself is important but that's always easier said
than done."
With only a little over a month until the starter's gun fires, Warner
admitted she was nervous but determined to achieve her biggest endurance
test since her surf lifesaving career.
"I'm very excited but definitely scared at the same time," she said.
"This is a massive run with a lot of strength and willpower needed but I'm
looking forward to the challenge.
"I'm really focused on achieving my goal of finishing and doing a decent
time. Ideally, I'd love to run sub-3:30 but I think four hours is more
realistic for my first attempt.
"I hear once you run one then you get the bug and want to run more."
The 39th annual Gold Coast Airport Marathon will be held on Saturday 1 and
Sunday 2 July.
Set to attract more than 27,000 participants of all ages and abilities,
this year's race program will feature the Gold Coast Airport Marathon over
42.195km, Wheelchair Marathon, ASICS Half Marathon, Wheelchair 15km,
Southern Cross University 10km Run, The Star Gold Coast 5.7km Challenge,
Zespri 4km Junior Dash and Zespri 2km Junior Dash.
To enter or for more information visit goldcoastmarathon.com.au.
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