4 October 2024
What brings you joy? Childhood Records to Master Athletics.

Image Source: Cathy McKeown
At Collins SBA we are committed to helping Australian business owners to live their best life. We are very proud of our own Cathy McKeown who inspires us everyday with her own best life!
For many of us, childhood passions fade into memories as life takes over.
But sometimes, a spark from the past can reignite a fire we didn’t even know was still burning.
That’s exactly what happened when Cathy McKeown opened a newspaper clipping from her mum 10 years ago. The clipping, from when she was just 9 years old, showed a record she’d set for an 800-meter race.
“I looked at it and thought, ‘I wonder if I can run that time again?’” she says.
That single question led to a journey that not only brought her back to athletics after three kids and decades away but also reshaped her entire approach to health and fitness.



Rediscovering Strength in Movement
Returning to athletics after 40 wasn’t without its challenges.
Competing again meant coming to terms with how her body had changed over time.
But instead of focusing on limitations, she discovered new strengths.
“Bodies are designed to move—fast, slow, jump, throw—you name it! I’ve learned that being strong is good, and maintaining muscle as we age is incredibly important,” says Cathy.
Athletics taught her that our bodies are capable of amazing things when we move in different ways. From running to throwing, it’s a celebration of what the human body can do.
Embracing the Journey: The Thirds Rule
With multiple personal bests and medals under her belt, what keeps her going?
It’s all about setting realistic goals.
After 30 years off the track, her first 800-meter race post-kids took nearly 4 minutes. The record was 2:15, but for her, the goal wasn’t breaking records—it was about progress.
“The main thing is to be kind to yourself. Some days I run a 2:40, others it’s 2:55. And that’s OK! I live by the thirds rule I read from an Olympic coach: 1/3 of your training should feel great, 1/3 is just getting it done, and 1/3 feels like a failure. If you’re not hitting that ratio, something’s off.”
It’s a mindset she applies to all areas of life: progress isn’t linear, and not every day will be your best. And that’s how it should be.
Balancing It All: Training and Life
Balancing intense training with a busy professional and personal life is no easy task.
For Cathy it’s about focusing on what she loves and avoiding the risk of injury from overdoing it.
“I love so many events, but I’ve had to narrow my focus. Injuries are tough—I was out for a year with a stress fracture, which was mentally exhausting. But I’ve learned to find my niche and focus on what brings me joy,” she says.
Her advice to anyone struggling to balance their time? Find what you love, whether it’s a sport or hobby, and dedicate your energy to it. If it brings you joy, it’s easier to stick with it through the tough times.

Lessons Learned: Competitiveness and Recovery
One of the biggest lessons she’s learned from competing is that competitiveness is a good thing—but only when you’re competing with the right person.
“You must be competitive to grow but choose the right person to compete with. For most of us, that’s ourselves! Your body is amazing in its own way, so focus on what it can do and celebrate that!”
And then, there’s the importance of recovery. It’s easy to get caught up in pushing yourself, but rest is just as crucial as training.
“You can’t just GO GO GO without rest. Recovery allows your body and mind to refresh so you can perform at your best next time. Don’t skip lunch! Don’t burn the midnight oil. Get your sleep, take breaks, and your performance—whether at work or in sport—will thank you.”
Small Steps for Big Changes: Advice for a Healthier Life
For anyone looking to lead a healthier lifestyle, her advice is simple: consistency is key.
“Small, consistent efforts will always bring better results than all-out slogs. Just five pushups a day can make a huge difference in your strength after four weeks. It only takes a minute!”
She emphasises the mental benefits too—moving your body releases those feel-good endorphins and boosts your mood. But the key is doing something you enjoy.
“There’s no point in running 5km every day if you hate running. Find what you enjoy and stick with it. That’s where the magic happens.”
From rediscovering her love of athletics to balancing her busy life; Cathy’s story is one of resilience, self-kindness and learning to celebrate every step of her experience – not just the destination.
Congratulations Cathy from the whole team at Collins SBA on your personal bests, your awards and recognition and for inspiring us everyday.

Bachelor of Information SystemsCert IV Workplace Training and Assessment