Madeline Hills On Her Fantastic Comeback To Running!

Madeline Hills is an Australian runner who placed fourth in the women’s 3000 metres steeplechase at the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

On our 18th Anniversary celebrating women from all over the world, we bring to you this fantastic athlete, Madeline Hills, who joins Namita Nayyar, President Women Fitness in a conversation about her fitness journey and living her Olympic dream.

Ms. Namita Nayyar:

You first appeared on the international athletics track in the early 2000s, placing third in the 1,500m at the 2003 Australian Youth Olympic festival, and competing at the World Junior Championship and then took an eight-year break after returning back to the sport in 2013. Walk us through your spectacular journey and tell us how it all began?

Ms. Madeline Hills:

I found my way into athletics, specifically long distance running, through competing at school sporting carnivals. I had an active childhood, always trying to keep up with my elder brother and sister and their friends.

At the age of 16 I was selected to compete in the Youth Olympics as part of a large team of Australians. My memories of the races are vague but I formed friendships that continue to this day.

After representing Australia on a few more occasions in the following years, I announced my retirement from competitive running at the age of 19. Running ceased to bring me joy and the daily commitments required to perform at my best began to feel like a burden. I longed to experience university life with my colleagues and to explore the globe with no strings attached.

I spent the following 7 years completing my Bachelor of Pharmacy and Masters of international Public Health degrees and establishing a career as a pharmacist, working in cities and rural communities around Australia. I sky dived in South Africa, bungee jumped in Europe and scuba dived in South East Asia.

It was in 2013 that I began to find my way back to running. Working 60 hour weeks as a pharmacist, I longed for a new challenge. I set myself the challenge of completing a 10km road race, a distance I had previously never explored. I loved the satisfaction of reaching my goal and so I reset those goals. This process led to me to the start line wearing my Australian national colours again, competing against the best athletes in the world.

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Ms. Namita Nayyar:

What inspired you to take up this sport?

Ms. Madeline Hills:

Inspiration presents to me in many different ways. I am driven to challenge myself to be the absolute best version of myself that I can be. I want to know that I have pushed the limits of what my body and mind are capable of.

I am constantly inspired by the team of people who work alongside me. My team, led by my husband and coach, desperately want me to achieve everything that I dream of. In moments of doubt, I draw on their commitment to and passion for my journey and I remind myself that I am not chasing this dream alone.

Ms. Namita Nayyar:

Introduce us to a day in the life of an athlete, preparing for the World Championships.

Ms. Madeline Hills:

My daily life has changed considerably over the last few months post Olympics. Leading in to Rio, I was juggling long days as a pharmacist with running miles in the morning and evening. Fortunately I have been able to shift my focus this year to running and so my day now allows for my body to recover (and to actually sit down!).

Ms. Namita Nayyar:

What exercises comprise your fitness regime or workout routine that you may like to share?

Ms. Madeline Hills:

No two days are the same, with training schedules varying throughout the week. Most days include two training sessions (usually two runs), totaling around 70miles of running per week. This includes a longer run, 2-3 intense training sessions and recovery runs. I’ll spend 2 sessions in the gym every week as well as some time in the pool.

My favorite training session would include longer efforts with short recoveries – 1mile x 5-6 (recovery 2 minutes) is my current favorite.

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Ms. Namita Nayyar:

Do you take some special diet or have a strict menu that you follow to remain healthy and physically fit?

Ms. Madeline Hills:

The volume of training I complete definitely takes its toll on my body. The best way for me to keep healthy is to refuel with fresh, nutritious foods. While I have a fondness for desserts and sweet treats, the majority of my diet is comprised of plant-based, natural wholefoods. I am conscious to include lean proteins, including red meat and fish, into my meals to assist the body with recovery. I believe balance is important and I enjoy a glass of wine or a bowl of icecream regularly.

Ms. Namita Nayyar:

Training for professional sports requires you to be out in the extreme weather. How are you able to take care of your skin and hair?

Ms. Madeline Hills:

Distance running is certainly an outdoor sport and it is important for me to look after my skin. I apply an SPF moisturizer before training to protect myself from the harsh Australian sun.

Ms. Namita Nayyar:

Who has been your greatest influence and motivator in your success in the field of your career?

Ms. Madeline Hills:

The people around me inspire me to be the best I can be. I never grew up idolizing particular sports women, rather from those who showed purpose in life and a desire to challenge themselves. Outside of sport, I am most inspired by those who fight for equality and opportunities for others.

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Ms. Namita Nayyar:

Having participated in multiple events like World Championships and Olympic Games, tell us about one of the most memorable experience that you may have had at these Games.

Ms. Madeline Hills:

The Rio Olympic Games exceeded all my expectations. Three weeks prior to the Olympics I was diagnosed with a bone stress fracture in my foot, and the prospect of lining up on the start line was challenged. Despite this, I produced the highest placed finish ever by an Australian athlete in the 3000m steeplechase (7th) and became one of the only Australian women to ever qualify for the 5000m final, finishing 10th. The most memorable moment for me was when I first saw my husband after qualifying for my first final of the games. The injury difficulties we had faced in the build up challenged my confidence and the relief and joy we both experienced after successfully navigating my first race at the Olympics was overwhelming.

Ms. Namita Nayyar:

Advice and motivational words to the inspiring and budding steeplechase athletes who all are your fans, they shall like to know from you, what they should do for their climb to ladder of success in this field?

Ms. Madeline Hills:

I am not steeplechasing this year so am not sure my advice here is appropriate. I have however debuted in the 10000m on the track and will compete in this event (along with the 5000m) at the upcoming London world championships.

In my debut at the 10000m I ran 31.41, 35 seconds faster than the Olympic/world championship qualifying time and becoming the 5th fastest Australian in history over this event

Ms. Namita Nayyar:

Tell us about your preparations for the future Games and Championships.

Ms. Madeline Hills:

I have spent the final four weeks of preparation based in the UK, ahead of the world championships in London. I have been training in Loughborough with my coach, Robert Denmark, and a group of brilliant British middle distance athletes.