Today Rachel and Armana have their first guest from New Zealand, elite athlete and coach, Lydia O’Donnell.

This female has donned the national silver fern kit on several occasions but her route to the top was far from simple.

A brief stint in America which turned out wasn’t for her and trying to juggle a career and become a full-time athlete left her at an all time low. However, this resilient female bounced back and has taken national titles in the 5,000m, 10,000m and half marathon distances, boasts a 2:39 marathon personal best and is still excelling in her running career to date.

She was the winner and female team record holder of The Speed Project, an event which Lydia sights as one of the best things she has ever done, Lydia is not only striving to be the best herself but in her role as a coach and founder of Femmi, she is also striving to better the next generation of athletes too.

A real, inspiring and educational conversation, we hope you enjoy it.