Our incredible instructor Dianna, shares her journey from running to ultramarathon running, and how her yoga and mindfullness practises play a role in .... Here's what Dianna had to say

'In 31 years of running from road and track to state level triathlon and international trail running in France, Canada, NZ and Australia, I’ve found myself where I am now: being grateful to just run in the beautiful Dandenong Ranges, trek in high altitude in Nepal, and to love Parkruns with my friends. 

Funny enough, as I started regular running, I also ‘found’ yoga through my university degree - it was part of my course and my teacher, an inspiration. He was grounded, unpretentious and wise. I was instantly drawn in. I began a regular practice, felt the brief moments of stillness, but recognised yoga was not a destination but a journey. It complemented my running, especially in my competitive years - I reflected on disappointments and gained as much insight as I could to be ok with being uncomfortable - when races got tough - it was long - it was hot- it was cold- it was lonely - when I fell - when I cried - and when I finished strong. 

yoga was not a destination but a journey. 

One of my toughest ultra runs was an 85km ‘race’ in the Australian Alps. It was full of technical hills to climb and descend, it was raining heavily, it was cold, I was alone, and the last 30kms in the dark of night, crossing rivers and listening to only my breathing and my thoughts. Passion! I wanted to finish, and I did. 

Yoga has taught me to be comfortable with being uncomfortable! Well, a fair bit of training helped too! I ran/hiked for 23 hours ! From morning, all day, all night, until dawn the next day. Yep, I cried at the end with friends there to catch me!

If you have this passion, if you have a dream, a goal, see yourself achieve it. You can do it!  

I have run several 100kms, so many 50kms, and hundreds of half marathons. Who cares? I did it because I LOVE running in wild places, I want to feel alive. This is my true ‘wellness’. It has many layers, and is different for everyone. Find yours. It is inside you, waiting. 

My yoga, meditation, strength and Pilates practice and certainly my passion to teach it to others, inspire me. I love your personal stories, I love to see others ‘grow’. Teaching is learning. There is always space to learn. 

Wellness is so much more than physical movement - be open, be curious about your inner workings, the mind and soul. I hope to see you on the mat soon. 

Back to news