Former Ironwoman Candice Warner will run her debut marathon at the 39th annual Gold Coast Airport Marathon on Sunday 2 July (Photo: Twitter @candyfalzon)
Three-time surf lifesaving world champion Candice Warner will run past the same world-famous beaches on which she once competed when she takes on her debut marathon at the 39th Gold Coast Airport Marathon on Sunday 2 July.
It’s been three years since the 32-year-old Sydney local ended her decorated surf lifesaving career to raise her two daughters, two-year-old Ivy Mae and one-year-old Indi Rae, alongside her husband, Australian cricketer David Warner.
During that time, she has launched a swimwear range, established a media career with Channel Nine on Sports Sunday, Wide World of Sports and The Today Show, and travelled the world supporting David all while fulfilling motherhood responsibilities.
While she continues to reach personal and professional milestones, Warner’s desire to challenge herself has never waned.
Thus, in February, she fixed her eyes on the start line of her first 42.195km road run on the Gold Coast, the scene of her many battles with competitors during her surf lifesaving career.
Candice will have the support of her husband David Warner and two daughters her two daughters, two-year-old Ivy Mae and one-year-old Indi Rae at the finish line. (Photo: Twitter @candyfalzon)
“Being a former Ironwoman, I used to set goals all the time and there was no better feeling once I achieved them,” she said.
“This marathon means so much. Since retiring, I haven’t really pushed my body to the limit, except during child birth!”
Prioritising training amongst family and other commitments is not a foreign concept to Warner, having been thrust into the professional sporting spotlight at age 14 when she became the youngest female to qualify for the Ironwoman Series.
While finding the time to train remains a challenge, Warner said the biggest hurdle preventing quality training during the past four months has been having to adapt to new environments while travelling with her family supporting David.
Candice has managed to fit in training while travelling with her family and is ready to take on the 42.195km road race (Photo: Twitter @candyfalzon)
“In India, most days were above 40 degrees Celsius and I was unable to run on the streets as they were so hectic,” she said.
“So, it was all treadmill for me until I flew to England. Once I reached England I could run outside and get a good gauge of where I was at.
“Luckily, I’m extremely dedicated to my training so it’s going well.
“The Gold Coast Airport Marathon fits perfectly into our busy schedule as Dave won’t be away touring and will be able to support me on the day and be at the finish line with the girls.”
The renowned fitness enthusiast said her active and healthy lifestyle was paramount to her wellbeing and encouraged other parents to push aside the challenges of being a parent and work towards goals such as the Gold Coast Airport Marathon.
Candice has established a media career with Channel Nine on Sports Sunday, Wide World of Sports and The Today Show (Photo: Twitter @candyfalzon)
“For me, exercise is a priority. It’s good for my mind and it makes me feel great,” she said.
“I think setting little goals along the way and being organised is the key when you have kids.
“Also, making time for yourself is important but that’s always easier said than done.”
With only a little over a month until the starter’s gun fires, Warner admitted she was nervous but determined to achieve her biggest endurance test since her surf lifesaving career.
“I’m very excited but definitely scared at the same time,” she said.
“This is a massive run with a lot of strength and willpower needed but I’m looking forward to the challenge.
“I’m really focused on achieving my goal of finishing and doing a decent time. Ideally, I’d love to run sub-3:30 but I think four hours is more realistic for my first attempt.
“I hear once you run one then you get the bug and want to run more.”
Half marathon completed at training this morning. 1:39:34mins pretty happy for my first attempt. 9 weeks to go until Gold Coast marathon. pic.twitter.com/sY8owGY7E2
— Candice Warner (@CandyFalzon) April 29, 2017
The 39th annual Gold Coast Airport Marathon will be held on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 July.
Set to attract more than 27,000 participants of all ages and abilities, this year’s race program will feature the Gold Coast Airport Marathon over 42.195km, Wheelchair Marathon, ASICS Half Marathon, Wheelchair 15km, Southern Cross University 10km Run, The Star Gold Coast 5.7km Challenge, Zespri 4km Junior Dash and Zespri 2km Junior Dash.
RUNNERS. TAG YOUR PHOTOS WITH #GCM25