Nichola O'Ceallaigh

"I’m certainly no sports star or even high achiever but fitness has always been part of my life.

I enjoyed running through most of my teenage years and early adult life, winning a few races here and there. I then began doing more strength type training after joining a crossfit gym and loved the social aspect as well as pushing hard through workouts.

In 2019, I decided to mix things up a bit and train for a Hyrox event. I entered the pro category in NYC and ended up with an 8th place finish. Then Covid hit, my mom fell sick with cancer and passed away 2 months later, weeks of quarantining after travelling during the pandemic….lets just say the most difficult thing I have ever been through. And all whilst being pregnant with my first child!

I honestly feel being able to work out through this time (including those dreaded home workouts whilst quarantining) helped prevent me from hitting rock bottom, helped me keep my head up and get through each day and most of all helped me push my precious babe out 4 months ago.

I recently decided to start documenting my fitness journey through Instagram. I’ve also decided to enter a Spartan race to give me a new challenge for 2021 and keep me motivated. And I really hope travel restrictions end ASAP so I can enter some more.
I am 4 months post partum and being a mom certainly is not easy but I feel physically and mentally great.

Squeezing in a workout most days really helps me be the best mom I can."