What began as a goal to start jogging again became a celebration of persistence, confidence, and achievement. For Natalie, crossing the ‘City to Surf’ finish line started long before the race day. It began with a simple goal: to get back into jogging.
Building Confidence, One Tuesday at a Time
Natalie had heard about the ‘City to Surf’ a few years ago and always wanted to take part. But after spending some time away from running, returning to it wasn’t something that would happen overnight.
The first challenge was making the transition from walking to jogging. It was quite challenging to go from walking, even fast walking, to a really slow jog,” Natalie shared. With supports tailored to her goals and wellbeing, Natalie gradually worked towards improving her fitness and confidence. Together with Interchange WA Support Worker Rachel, she made training part of her Tuesday routine. Working around her weekly health progress, they built her endurance step by step, progressing from walking and fast walking to slow, steady jogging.
There were cold mornings and days when getting out to train wasn’t easy. But Natalie kept showing up. Every Tuesday, she took a small new step towards her goal.
I heard about ‘City to Surf’ a few years ago and always wanted to give it a go. Getting back into jogging was a goal of mine, so it was a great challenge to work towards. Now I’ve done it, and it feels amazing.” – Natalie
As a trusted NDIS provider, Interchange WA supports people to pursue meaningful goals that enhance their independence, health, and community participation. Whether through community access, supported independent living, or personalised supports, every journey is shaped around the individual.
Support That Makes Goals Possible
After weeks of training, she crossed the finish line and earned something she was really proud of: a medal to showcase her achievement. For Natalie, the medal represented much more than just completing four kilometres of run. It was the result of setting a goal, putting in the work, and having someone alongside her to encourage her every step of the way.
It’s also a reminder that meaningful achievements don’t always begin with a giant leap. Sometimes they begin with a walk. Then a slow jog. Then another Tuesday of giving it a go.
Ready for the Next Challenge
And Natalie isn’t finished challenging herself yet. With the ‘City to Surf’ behind her, she has already turned her attention to a new goal: swimming.
She’s been building up her laps and preparing to take part in a 25-metre freestyle race.
From getting back into jogging to crossing a finish line, and now back into the pool, Natalie is showing just how far that first step can take you.
