2026 feels like the right time to pause and reflect – not because I’ve “arrived”, but because I finally feel aligned with the version of me I want to keep becoming.
The journey didn’t start from a place of motivation or inspiration. It started with honesty.
I realised I wasn’t the best version of me – not for myself, and not for the people who matter most: my friends, my family, and the animals that share my life. Mentally and physically, I knew something had to change.
January 2025: The Obsession Phase
In true Heather style, once I made the decision, I went all in.
The first three months were simple, but intense.
Most nights were spent walking for miles in the dark, dogs by my side and my friend beside me, putting the world to rights one step at a time. I completely overhauled what I was eating – not perfectly, but intentionally. That was it. No fancy plan. Just movement, consistency, and showing up.
And slowly… something shifted.
Feeling Better, Thinking Differently
As my body started to feel lighter, my mind followed. I became curious not restrictive about how I was fuelling myself. The podcasts and books I gravitated towards all revolved around wellness, wellbeing, and understanding my body, not punishing it.
Then came June.
Egypt: A Wake-Up Moment
Scuba diving in Egypt was a turning point I didn’t fully expect.
Underwater, the difference was undeniable. I could stay down longer. My air consumption was better. My breathing was calmer. I felt present, capable, and strong in a way I hadn’t before.
I came home inspired and ready for the next chapter.
Discovering Strength (and Myself)
Joining a new local gym introduced me to Hyrox-style classes, and something clicked. These sessions weren’t about comparison, they were about competing with myself. And I loved that. Every class was a challenge, and every week I could feel my body getting stronger, more resilient, more capable.
Then came the community that nudged me out of my comfort zone once again…
Winter MacTuff & Finding My People
The EquiTeam community inspired me to sign up for Winter MacTuff, something I would never have believed possible a year earlier. Being part of Team “Hot Flashes & Hoofbeats” was pure magic.
Crossing that finish line hand in hand, all six of us together, is a moment I’ll never forget. Pride doesn’t even begin to cover it – not just in completing the event, but in who I had become along the way.
Blazing My Own Trail
This journey hasn’t stopped. I’m still learning, still fuelling, still asking questions, and still choosing progress over perfection. I’ve learned that there is no single right way – we all have to blaze our own trail.
And perhaps one of the most beautiful side effects of this journey has been Mr MacTavish, my heart horse.
Yes, there’s physically less of me for him to carry ( seven stone less) – but more importantly, there’s a lighter, more positive version of me in the saddle, who can still be the best version for him at the end of a lesson as I am at the start. Horses feel energy, and he thrives on it. He’s benefited from this journey just as much as I have.
My Top Tips
If there’s anything I’ve learned, it’s this:
1. Habit stacking is your friend
I keep a 10kg kettlebell in the kitchen, and yes, you’ll often find me swinging it while the kettle boils.
2. Know your “why”
Whether it’s breakfast or a workout, understand why you’re choosing it.
3. Find your people
Surround yourself with people who support and inspire you and who you can support right back.
4. Ask questions, but make your own choices
Learn from everyone, but remember: this is your journey.
5. Enjoy it
We get one shot at life. Enjoy it. Truly.
I’m not chasing a finish line anymore. I’m becoming stronger, happier, more grounded, and that feels like the greatest achievement of all.
Heather x
