'Staying fit and healthy is a big part of who I am'

Zoe Calway is a director and solicitor at Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors in Penrith 

How many times a week do you like to exercise? 

Staying fit and healthy is a big part of who I am so I exercise at least eight times a week, sometimes more if time allows. I never miss my stretch class on a Monday night.  It is a lovely way to relax and still counts as exercise which is an added bonus! 

What sort of exercise do you do?  

I like to give myself a challenge so I’ve recently started competing in triathlons, which means I swim, bike and run every week.  

Do you have any fitness goals?  

Over the years, I’ve completed different walking, running and biking challenges to raise money for Carlisle and North Lakeland Hospice at Home which is a great motivator for training on dark, wet winter nights. Taking part in the Great North Run and cycling coast-to-coast were some highlights. 

On a personal fitness level, my immediate goal is to beat my time in The Lakesman (half) next year. This year it was all about finishing within the cut-off time because it was the first time I had competed in it. I have nearly 10 months of training until The Lakesman in June 2024 so I’ve got plenty of time to work on improving my time. 

What’s the most physically challenging thing you have done in your life?  

Without a doubt, completing The Lakesman (half). I honestly didn’t think I could do it but I did! 

How does keeping fit impact on your work?  

Doing regular exercise gives me quality ‘switch off’ time away from the desk or the office. I tend to get up early or use my lunch hour to fit in a training session which has a positive impact on my working day because I feel so much better afterwards.  

Which sportsperson/fitness expert do you most admire?   

I’m really inspired by influencer Sophie Power (Ultra_Sophie on Instagram). A mum of three, she is 100 per cent focused on supporting women and does not shy away from challenging event organisers to make events more accessible to women. 

When in your life did you feel at your fittest?  

Probably in September 2020 when I was training for a marathon. It takes a lot of commitment and dedication to train for a marathon but the feeling of crossing that finish line is 100 per cent worth it. 

On days when you don’t feel like getting out of bed, what motivates you to get up and go?   

I focus on how I know I will feel afterwards and the fact that most people are still tucked up in bed or sitting on the sofa watching TV. I feel like I’m winning by just putting my trainers on or zipping up my wetsuit. 

How do you ensure a work/life balance?   

It helps to have a good routine. I tend to plan my training around the kids’ activities so when my daughter swims on a Saturday, I use that hour to go to the gym or for a run. I create a monthly calendar marked up with my training plan and tape it to the door in the dining room so everyone knows what I’m doing and when. 

What’s your top tip for remaining motivated?  

Ringfence your time. Make a plan for the week and stick to your schedule. You’ll feel so much better for having valuable time for yourself and be ready to deal with whatever comes your way!