Keep Smiling is hosted by Lara Rebecca. With a focus on wellbeing, mindset, and growth, this podcast features honest and authentic discussions with inspirational guests, with an aim to destigmatise the conversation circulating mental health, raise awareness, and provide hope to listeners.
Keep Smiling is hosted by Lara Rebecca. With a focus on wellbeing, mindset, and growth, this podcast features honest and authentic discussions with inspirational guests, with an aim to destigmatise the conversation circulating mental health, raise awareness, and provide hope to listeners.
Today, I’m joined by Olivia - a Welsh International elite endurance athlete, ACA chartered accountant and first time Mummy to 10 week old baby Alexis, to talk about her running journey, the many transitions she’s experienced, and the power of never underestimating yourself.
Olivia’s path in running has evolved over the years, from being a competitive short-distance sprinter to embracing the world of long-distance running.
Her passion and love for the sport are unmistakable - she describes the mental escape and euphoria it offers, the sense of purpose it brings, and its profound impact on her mindset. For her, running is freedom - especially during those golden-hour runs along the water. This intrinsic joy, she believes, has fueled her incredible progress and achievements.
Earlier this year, Olivia became pregnant. Determined to maintain her routine, sense of identity, and well-being, she continued training through this transition. And just a few weeks after giving birth, she returned to competition, redefining what it means to balance the roles of mother, athlete, and professional - an experience she describes as truly surreal.
She also discusses how her perspective on competition has shifted with her evolving responsibilities, the gratitude for her body’s strength, the empowerment she’s found, and her lessons in never underestimating what our bodies are capable of.