PDRC Member Spotlight - Oli Taal
Meet Oli! A shining light in the running community, Oli is the co-founder of mindful strides and advocate for body positivity and better mental health through movement. We’ve had the privilege to collaborate with Oli on numerous projects and proud to have her as a PDRC member!
Olimata Taal – Pro Direct Running Club
IG Profile: wellwitholi
Age: 26
Pronouns: she/her
Location: LondonHow did you discover running?
At first, I found running when I had a difficult relationship with food, my body and in turn, running. I initially only ever saw it as a way to morph my body. As I slowly started to work on healing those relationships, I thought it best to just cut running out completely. I thought that was it for my running career and never thought I’d be able to call myself a runner again. It wasn’t until I joined a Nike Running track series that my whole perception of running changed. It was the first time I had seen a coach (Coach Lloyd) really put a holistic approach on the sport. There was now an emphasis on fueling properly, getting enough rest and seeing the sport as something to grow in, not to punish my body with. It changed everything for me and I owe a lot of my running career to that experience for sure.
What is the best thing about running for you? What is it about running that you find most challenging?
The best thing is the improvement in self-confidence. There’s nothing like aiming to do something that only you in that moment can execute and then actually pulling it out the bag. Whether it’s 5k or 15k, I’ll always see completing a run as a huge personal achievement!
The hardest part is injury. They suck! And can make you feel massive imposter syndrome. I think something that is helping me navigate this season though is remember all of the incredible athletes I admire and the injuries/trials they’ve had to go through. It’s in their redemption stories that I find inspiration, so ultimately, I think the experience of getting injured can in turn help someone else overcome the same thing one day.
What are your current goals and what drives you?
My current goals are to recover fully from my running injury and participate in the London 2025 Marathon! I was a part of The Outrunners Marathon Training Academy powered by Nike this past year with my running crew, All-4-1 Run Crew, but sadly had to defer my spot. That said, miracles happen and I have every faith you’ll be seeing me at the start line in 2025! In all honesty, I really want to complete the marathon as a testament to what I overcame. Struggling with an eating disorder and body image can literally leave you feeling stuck in life. I’ll be running that race for younger Oli who had to miss out on a whole chapter of life when she was unwell. I’m so excited!
Favourite running shoe and why:
Hands down the Nike Invincible 3. These shoes are literally like running on clouds. Perfect for your everyday runs and the colourways are goals - they definitely have the cute factor too!
What do you think about while running?
It depends on the run to be honest. Track sessions my brain is filled with a lot of self-encouragement and affirmations. The sessions are tough! And you need to be your own biggest cheerleader in those moments. Shorter distances like 5k I like to dedicate to God. I’ll usually listen to worship music and think over all the things I’m grateful for at the moment. And long runs are really where I unpack the big, tricky stuff in my life. Just me, the roads and time to work through everything. I’ll always come back from a long run feeling mentally lighter than when I started it.
Do you have a message of motivation to runners out there:
As cliche as it sounds, have find and find your own flow! I know especially at the moment it’s easier to compare ourselves to others online, but quiet the noise! Running is such a personal, beautiful journey. Your only reference point is you! How are YOU growing, improving, enjoying the sport? Lock in. Be a little selfish! And let yourself shine. You’ve got this.
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