145: Back Where It All Began: Running Sydney, the City That Became Home w/ Sandy Engler

When Sandy moved from Switzerland to Australia in 2020, she was quickly swept into the country's active, early-morning lifestyle, though running wasn't on her radar yet. That changed when the owner of her community gym dared her to try a 5K trial, and her competitive streak did the rest. A friend's nudge (and a little FOMO) got her signed up for the Cairns half marathon, which she ran alongside her run buddy Amy, catching the sunrise and realizing she was having a blast. By the celebration that evening, a full marathon was already on the table.

Sydney was the first city Sandy called home in Australia, so landing a spot through the ballot meant a lot. The road there included a Hyrox in Melbourne, time off for surgery, and shin splints that kept her from running for two months, which she got through with rehab, modified group classes, and a brand new road bike. Then a fresh foot pain showed up after her longest run, and she held off on booking flights until four weeks before race day.

Follow along with Sandy Engler: Sandy's Strava

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