Thanks to Adventurethon for sharing this article.
‘Fun and adventurous’ may not traditionally spring to mind when you think of lawyers (or maybe that’s just us!), so we at Adventurethon were pleasantly surprised when Connolly Suthers signed up as a sponsor. To say they have embraced the adventurous would be an understatement!
We caught up with Alex O’Toole — a long distance runner who participated in Adventurethon last year for the run leg and is participating again this year as part of the Connolly Suthers team.
Occupation: Lawyer.
What are you doing to get moving at the moment? I run a couple of times a week and do cardio kickboxing and boxing.
What is your favourite thing about Adventurethon? The adventure!
How long have you been training for the event? I haven’t trained for this especially – I just usually go in as many events that I am available to do during the year for fun and fitness. This one will probably be a challenge for me!
What activity makes you the happiest and why? Travelling makes me the happiest because I am most intrigued by the world and how other people live. The crazier and weirder the place… the more I like it. I love learning about other cultures.
How did you discover it? I was lucky enough to have parents who also share the love of travel. They first took me over to Malaysia when I was a baby.
Have you always been active? When I was younger I participated in many sports including soccer, surf life saving, swimming, tennis, and dancing. When I was 19 my dad told me he would take me to New York if I trained for the marathon. We made a holiday out of it.
Are you a morning or afternoon mover? I am an early riser. I like to get up early and exercise and maybe even squeeze in a coffee date (or two, my sisters would say) before work!
What’s your favourite thing to do on a weekend in Townsville? Going to breakfast with friends or family. I also love going over to Magnetic Island – paradise at our door step!
Motivational quote? I don’t dream the dream, I live the dream.
Do you prefer to get active solo, or with a buddy? A bit of both – I sometimes like to go on a run solo. I do, however, feel very motivated when I run with others. There is also a very positive vibe at the gyms I go to – everyone encourages one another.
What’s your greatest fitness achievement? New York Marathon 2011, 2013 and 2015.
Most memorable active moment? Crossing the finish line with my dad in three New York Marathons.
What activity have you always wanted to try (and what’s holding you back)? Capoeira Brazilian dancing.
What’s your arch nemesis (e.g. time, injury, self-doubt) and what have you done to conquer it? Time – working full time means you have a couple of windows during your day when you can exercise. You have to make the most of mornings!
What’s your next goal? Saving to move overseas in July.
Most embarrassing moment on the go? I have embarrassing moments daily.
Who would you most like to train with (e.g. famous person, or someone you look up to)? Lauryn Eagle — Australian professional boxer and waterski champion.
The training advice I wish I’d listened to was… I wish I stuck to a sport as I was growing up (like my mum tried to get me to). You realise now that, if I’d stuck to something, I would have got really good at it!
Most treasured piece of fitness gear? 2xu ankle grazer tights and leather boxing gloves.
