Meet IMPI ambassador Gabby Schmidt, a superstar middle distance and cross country runner! Having competed at Nationals and the World Cross Country Championships, Gabby understands that things aren’t always going to be easy. It’s her determination and positive attitude that are the driving force behind her running goals!
A huge congratulations to Gabby who made the Australian team and has just competed at the World Cross Country Championships in Bathurst in February 2023!
When did you start running?
I've been running since I was 10. I usually run between 20 and 30 kilometres a week, which isn’t actually a lot!
What do you love most about running?
The thing I enjoy most about running is the people I get to meet along the way and all the experiences I've had through running. It's been great. My least favourite thing is when I'm busy with school and I still have to go to training in the afternoon and I just sit there thinking “oh, I've got to get this assignment done” but I just know that I have to run. I have to get it done.
How do you stay motivated?
When I'm feeling unmotivated, I think about why I run and just think about all the good things that come with running rather than why I'm stressed or unmotivated.
What’s your proudest moment so far?
The most incredible sporting achievement for me is whenever I go to Nationals or even States and I get to compete, and whenever I do my best, I'm feeling my best.
Do you feel that sport helps you balance school stress?
I definitely find that running helps me manage my stress. It just gets me out of the house, gets my body moving, and gets my brain focusing on other things. Running has taught me that things aren't always going to be easy but you just have to keep going. You might think that this is the worst thing that's ever going to happen, but it's not the worst. It'll be all right and you'll get over it in a week!
Where would you like running to take you?
Ultimately, I'd like running to just be a way for me to travel, and I'd like to take part in races anywhere in the world.
What is your favourite IMPI piece?
My favourite piece of IMPI is definitely the briefs. There's just nothing else like them out there, and they're just super comfortable with so many fun different colours. They move with your body and are extremely comfortable. Plus I reckon the vibrant colours give me the illusion that I'm running faster! Whenever I look back at pictures and I'm wearing fluro colours, I'm like, I look quick!
