Endurance athlete and social impact leader Samantha Gash prioritises her health and wellbeing for the long run.
For Gash, staying healthy means practising progress rather than perfection and engaging in regular exercise like trail running, strength training, mountain biking and yoga.
Just recently, Gash and her friend Dr Jessie Ling completed a Great Himalayan Trail fundraising trek– traversing the entire length of Nepal’s Himalayas. They finished in 48 days, crossing the finish line at 5160m, at Kanchenjunga Base Camp . During the trek– which they’ve called “Resilience in Motion”– the pair single-handedly navigated the remote, rugged and sometimes undefined trails to complete 48,000m of ascent.
Along with being an immense physical accomplishment, Gash and Dr Ling also raised more than $80,000 for World Vision Australia’s crucial women’s and children’s programs in Nepal.
This isn’t the first time Gash has combined her athletic goals with opportunities to create positive social impacts. She’s an ambassador for health and life insurer, AIA Australia– a personalised, science-backed health and wellbeing program that supports every day Australians to make healthier lifestyle choices.
She’s also the founder of Her Trails– a global adventure platform for women delivering online holistic trail running programs–is a highly regarded international speaker influencing change and has been twice recognised as a finalist in the Women’s Agenda Leadership Awards.
Read Sam Gash’s full “How I Manage My Health” profile below, and see other women profiled in this series here.
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In the morning, I…
like to wake before the sun has even risen, to enjoy a few quiet moments to myself. As the world around me sleeps, I relish the peaceful stillness and take the opportunity to have a warm shower and think about how I want to approach my day. These precious moments of solitude set the tone for the rest of my day, helping me feel centered, focused, and ready to take on whatever challenges come my way. For me, it’s the small somethings that make a big difference.
My exercise routine includes…
a mix of trail running, strength training, mountain bike riding and yoga. I believe that having a well-rounded fitness routine is key to staying healthy, developing skills, having fun and preventing injuries.
My favourite workout is…
trail running at my favourite trail in the Dandenong Ranges. There’s something so freeing about being out in nature and feeling like a kid on undulating trails.
I find balance in…
practising progress, not perfection. Rather than opting for perfection, my preference now is to learn to say ‘no’ when I need to.
On health, I encourage women to …
think and plan for the long run. It’s so important to prioritise self-care, because this is the foundation of your wellness journey. It’s easy to get caught up in the demands of daily life and neglect our own needs. As an AIA Vitality Ambassador, I really want to instil in women that by taking a proactive and mindful approach to health, we can prevent future health issues and feel our best both, physically and mentally. For example, there are so many long-term benefits to be had from engaging in regular exercise and eating a balanced diet, as well getting enough rest. I want women in my network to know that it’s okay sometimes to face challenges managing stress – but it’s especially important to seek out support when needed. Unfortunately, sometimes as women, we put others’ needs before our own. By making self-care a priority, we can show up as our healthiest, best selves for those we need us.
What kind of role do you play in the community advocating for a healthy lifestyle?
As an AIA Vitality Ambassador, I am passionate about inspiring individuals to take on challenges and embrace the prospect of a healthier, longer and better life – one that encompasses sustainability, nourishment, and holistic well-being. I firmly believe that it is through overcoming challenges that we grow.
Taking on new challenges is an integral part of a healthy lifestyle. These challenges push us outside our comfort zones, ignite our potential, and empower us to reach new heights. Whether it’s training for a half marathon, trying something new, or committing to more sustainable practices – challenges provide us with the opportunity to discover our true capabilities.
When we take on challenges, we not only improve our physical fitness, but also cultivate resilience, determination, and a growth mindset. These qualities are essential for overcoming obstacles, adapting to change, and maintaining a positive outlook in the face of adversity.
I encourage individuals to embrace challenges as stepping-stones to personal growth and transformation. This is why I’m so passionate about sharing my own experiences of embarking on endurance events, balancing motherhood, and making a social impact to encourage others to pursue their own aspirations fearlessly.
My mission is to empower individuals to seize challenges, embrace a healthy lifestyle, and unlock their full potential.
What are the ‘Small Somethings’ you do each day to help improve your mental and physical health?
Working with AIA, the leading health, life and wellbeing insurer, I’ve learned so much about the importance of investing in the small moments and rituals – I like to call these my ‘Small Somethings’. For example, I am a big advocate of getting enough sleep and establishing a regular sleep routine, as these small changes can have a huge impact on your overall wellbeing, especially if you’re consistent over a long period of time.