Words by Lisa Weightman  |  Photos by Natalie Wong

As a 4 times Olympian, an Associate Partner at IBM Consulting, a mother of a 7-year-old, and a professional marathoner, to this day Lisa is still breaking records. After placing 26th at the Tokyo Olympics, she knew she has something to give at Sydney10, but a 31:20 10K (just 3 sec off Aus record) was more than what any of us expected. Here she shares the training post-Tokyo leading up to today, and how she balances her work, family and training.

Rest, Reset, Reframe

AFTER TOKYO, we went into Hotel Quarantine in Brisbane and I went back to full-time work.  14 days later I arrived home to my family and spent most of the time hugging Pete!  I’m at my best when our family unit is together so coming home to Lachlan and Pete was a reward in itself. 

After a lovely break from a structured training program, I was hoping to get into the Nagoya Women’s Marathon but was unsuccessful in securing a spot.  I felt any marathons later than March would impact my marathon preparation, and given the selection criteria for Commonwealth Games and my previous performances, particularly the recent silver on the Gold Coast, I had hoped it would be enough to gain selection for Birmingham provided I proved my fitness over the 10km and Half Marathon.  I’m proud to have proven that in my recent race in Sydney, running 31:20. 

In the past, it’s been harder to prove that fitness whilst in marathon training in hot conditions.  I’ve been in that shape before but I’ve been away in Queensland sweating it out when the key races have been on in cooler weather!  With the Sydney event, I really focused on a taper and got the absolute best out of myself.

I have been very fortunate to be running with my friends at Melbourne University and my husband Lachlan.  We have a lot of laughs whilst bettering our fitness on the track and it’s been extremely rewarding being part of such a positive group of runners. 

Coming into Sydney10

I’ve been running 170-180km per week for a few months and really tapered down for the 10km to give myself the best chance of showing my capability.  My training set by my coach Dr Richard Telford and executed with the Melbourne University boys have been really balanced and the strength-based track sessions, in particular, were indicating a good run was ahead.  Your track sessions don’t lie.  I thought a 31:30 was within reach but was absolutely over the moon to exceed that!

The Race Plan

I was really mindful of not looking at my watch and just running by feel.  I checked my halfway split and 15:31 was a PB for me for 5km so that gave me a huge confidence boost to keep at it and enjoy the race. Crossing the finish line and seeing the time in bright lights was a very special moment. 

So What’s Next?

I’m returning to the Noosa Half Marathon at the end of May.  I know that the plan Dick, Lachlan and I have in place is well on track for a fun year ahead with Commonwealth Games.  It means we are on track and can stay on course.

Stick to your plan and just do YOU.

I have a unique mix of work, elite running and family life. But it’s not unique to those working and running mums and dads out there. It’s the norm. Therefore, to be successful across all three aspects of my life I have to forge my own path and prioritise but most importantly I have to plan blocks of rest time to refocus and absorb.

It’s not an easy path in the life of an elite runner, so give yourself permission to take rests, absorb the training and refocus on the next big hairy goal! Athletes often forget that rest is part of the program.

Mums never forget rest they just don’t get much and throw in a full-time job – argh!  Plan your rest or it will never happen and your PBs will struggle to eventuate, despite the training endured.