Training for a marathon is an incredible challenge, both physically and mentally. At The Healthy Body Company in Caringbah, our physiotherapy team has been supporting runners like Isabella Bullivant to manage injuries, build strength, and keep progressing towards their goals. In this Q&A, we chat with Bella who is preparing for the Chicago Marathon while raising funds for the Malala Fund.
I am currently training for the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, which takes place on 12 October. I have chosen to run this marathon in support of the Malala Fund.
I completed the New York City Marathon in November 2023, in support of ReachOut raising $2,000 for youth mental health support in Australia.
Prior to signing up in 2023, I had not been running consistently for some years and never long distances, I had also never participated in any running events or races.
In the 6 months leading up to the New York Marathon I completed the Hoka 10km, Sutherland 2 Surf, Real Insurance Harbour 10km, City 2 Surf, and Sydney Half Marathon.
Isabella Bullivant competing in the New York Marathon in 2023 – her first marathon and the start of a passion for running in iconic events. Photo Credit: MarathonFoto
This year I have completed the Nike “We Run the Dark” women’s only half marathon, and more recently the Sutherland 2 Surf.
The biggest challenges have been injury management and maintaining motivation. Like many runners, I’ve dealt with recurring issues in my foot, ITB, and hips, which can feel like setbacks when you’re chasing consistency. Mentally, it can also be tough to keep showing up on the days when training feels hard or progress feels slow. But each challenge has ultimately made me more resilient and more appreciative of the process.
After completing the New York City Marathon, I set my sights on completing the World Marathon Majors, and Chicago was the natural next step.
But beyond the personal challenge, I wanted to make the run bigger than myself. Education is something I’ve always valued and feel deeply passionate about—it truly is the key to unlocking opportunity and empowering people to reach their full potential. Running for the Malala Fund allows me to combine my love of running with a cause that creates lasting impact for girls and women globally.
I’ve had my fair share of injuries—everything from a stress fracture in my foot years ago to ongoing niggles in my ITB, hips, and back. Without The Healthy Body Company team, especially Steph, I wouldn’t be where I am now. They’ve helped me manage injuries, keep my training on track, and most importantly, build the strength and confidence to keep progressing. Whether it’s treatment, recovery strategies, or guidance on injury prevention, their support has been crucial in getting me to the start line healthy and ready.
First, surround yourself with the right support team—having professionals like Caringbah physiotherapists, The Healthy Body Company who can guide you through recovery makes all the difference. Second, be patient with yourself. Injuries can feel like roadblocks, but with the right plan, you can still move forward. It helps to reframe the situation: ask yourself, what’s realistic with my body right now, and what steps can I take to get closer to my goal? Progress might look different for a while, but every small step counts.
The Malala Fund is dedicated to breaking down barriers to education for girls around the world—whether that’s poverty, conflict, or discrimination. They advocate for policy change, invest in local education leaders, and campaign for resources that allow girls to go to school and receive the education they deserve.
You can support me by making a donation via my fundraising page —every dollar truly helps create opportunities for girls who deserve the chance to learn.
You can also follow @theisadiaries on instagram to see regular updates as part of my series “The Road to Chicago”
Whether you’re training for your first fun run, tackling a marathon, or simply wanting to stay active without pain, our physiotherapy team in Caringbah, Penrith, Mount Annan and Jordan Springs is here to help. Book an appointment today and let us support you in reaching your goals.
