Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine myself as a runner. I was always astonished and impressed by people running half marathons or going on long morning runs every single day. Yet, stepping foot in Sydney changed everything for me. Since arriving here, I’ve embraced a lifestyle that prioritizes health and happiness. Sydney is a truly vibrant city and ensures the ability to have an active lifestyle. While I thought Washington, DC was walkable, Sydney has taken it to a whole new level.
Most mornings, I eagerly put on my running shoes and set off on a new path seeing new sites around the city. Whether it’s the Sydney Opera house off in the distance, or the iconic Bondi to Coogee Beach path, I never get bored of the beautiful sights. With 100 beaches and 330+ walking trails, there’s a new spot to see every day. The allure of discovering new sights and hidden gems motivates me, often logging over 20,000 steps on multiple days each week. Furthermore, the Blue Mountains, a beautiful national park with an abundance of hiking trails in the mountains and near waterfalls, is only a 2 hour train ride away. It is the perfect day trip to escape the hustle of city life and spend time surrounded by nature.
Sydney isn’t just a city; it’s a haven for fitness and sun. With a plethora of running clubs all over the city, there’s never a shortage of opportunities to join like-minded individuals in pursuit of well. Even the University of Sydney has its own active run club, providing a sense of community and opportunity to meet other students. The run club culture in Sydney is superior! I’ve met some of my closest friends through these run clubs and will miss the abundance and frequency of them when I go back to the United States.
Though 20,000 steps a day isn’t an everyday occurrence, due to schoolwork and classes, I’ve been able to make it a frequent occurrence. It’s all about prioritizing the activities that make me feel good and ensuring that there’s time in my day for exercise. I’ve also felt an improvement in my mental health and sleeping habits due to this change in routine.
I find myself wondering how this will translate back into my lifestyle in Washington D.C. next year. My goal is to continue running and maintain an active lifestyle. It will be harder to balance with a more academically rigorous course schedule and an internship but I have confidence that I will be able to do it. Finding friends that also want to be active is a key way I will be able to achieve this goal. Maybe one day I’ll be able to run that half marathon!
Madeline Peck
Spring 2024
GW Exchange - University of Sydney
Elliott School of International Affairs
International Affairs Major