Behind The Brand
Meet The LSKD Team taking on 25km for 2025
Written by: Bree Masters
Training for a 25km run goes beyond simply clocking kilometers. It’s about testing your limits, building resilience, and embracing the strength of a running community. At LSKD, we live by our value 1/6 "Enjoy the Journey," and our team is embodying that as they take on the 25km for 2025 Run Challenge. For some, it’s their first serious run; for others, it’s a chance to be 1% better. No matter their experience level, their shared goal is to inspire runners everywhere to lace up and take on the challenge. Meet a few of our dedicated team members and discover what drives them on this journey.
What is 25km for 2025 Run Challenge?
The 25km for 2025 Run Challenge is designed to bring runners together from all backgrounds, setting an ambitious distance goal that requires both dedication and teamwork. This challenge includes a 12-week training plan to guide you through every step, from initial endurance-building runs to peak preparation. Whether you’re part of a run club or tackling it solo, this run challenge is a powerful way to test your limits and reach new running goals in 2025.
Meet the LSKD Team: Why We're Taking on the 25km
Tegan McKenzie: The Accountability Queen
Meet Tegan, our powerhouse Collaborations Manager at LSKD, who has taken on the 25km for 2025 Run Challenge, which is her first ever major running experience. Surrounded by inspiring women runners inside and outside of LSKD, Tegan felt the pull to become part of that world herself. When the challenge popped up, she saw it as the perfect opportunity—and the accountability she needed—to really give running a go.
Heading into the 12-week training plan, Tegan anticipated that motivation would be her biggest obstacle. Known for starting strong only to taper off a week or two later, she committed herself to staying on course this time. Just two weeks into training and having only reached 10km twice before, she hit a major milestone of running 11km for the first time - LFG Tegan!! Each week, she’s managed to keep up with her runs, mixing in plenty of walks, pilates, and weights. Surprisingly, even the “easy runs” can feel as tough as the strides and long distances! With access to lunchtime workouts at LSKD HQ and flexible work hours, Tegan has been able to balance her training around her role and life. Saturday morning long runs fit nicely into her schedule too—while her husband is off golfing, she hits the pavement.
Tegan’s advice to anyone contemplating a long-distance challenge: just keep going, even on the hard days. Running is unpredictable—sometimes a long run feels easy, and other times even a quick one is challenging. For her, having the LSKD team for accountability and friends who join her weekend runs has been a game-changer.
On race day, you’ll find Tegan geared up in the Fusion Mid Shorts (pockets are a must for her phone!), the Sculpt or Rep Bra (still deciding!), Fast Performance Quarter Socks, a Flow Tank, and her essential Rep Run Belt.
CAROLE DONAGHY: The Reluctant Runner Turned Achiever
Carole Donaghy, the Collaborations Coordinator at LSKD. Despite her playful admission that running has never been her strength, Carole’s been inspired by the support and encouragment around her to give this challenge her all—and it’s led to some impressive firsts. She recently achieved her first 10km run, a milestone that, just a few years ago, she would have laughed at the thought of.
Throughout her journey, Carole’s biggest challenge has been shifting her mindset and unlearning the habit of talking herself out of tasks that feel intimidating. She’s discovered how rewarding it can be to push forward, even on days when motivation is low. Carole’s also celebrating the smaller wins, like running her first continuous 5km—an achievement she finds “actually insane”. For her, the ultimate accomplishment will be crossing the 25km finish line, knowing she pushed past her comfort zone.
Her advice for anyone considering a long-distance running goal is to shift your mindset and focus on the experience, rather than the specifics like pace or perfect strides. It’s all about celebrating progress and enjoying the journey.
On race day, Carole will be twinning with her work mum Tegan by wearing her trusty LSKD Fusion Mid Shorts paired with the Rep Sports Bra. Essentials for her include the Rep Running Belt and the Fast Performance Quarter Socks, which she swears by to keep her comfortable and ready for the goal ahead.
Hannah Ward: The Comeback Champion
Hannah, known at LSKD for her drive and love for all things functional fitness, felt inspired to take on the 25km challenge as a way to test her limits and find joy in running again. She once ran competitively, but the pressure took away her love for the sport. Now, she’s returned to running with a fresh perspective, focused on exploring longer distances and surprising herself along the way.
Her biggest achievement so far has been reaching 12km by the second week of training—a milestone she never expected to hit so soon. The key, she found, was paying attention to small technique cues, which completely transformed her experience. Unlike some, Hannah’s only goal for the race is simply to finish it without stopping, proving to herself that she’s capable of this feat. Hannah’s advice for others starting a long-distance challenge is that you've got to “run slow to run fast”—tracking her BPM and following a structured program have been essential tools.
As for race day, she’ll be set in her Accelerate Run Short, Galvanise Sports Bra, trusty Rep Run Belt, and Oakley Sunglasses.
MACCA Ryan: The Expert with THE Tips
Macca, the Store Development and Facilities Manager at LSKD and an experienced runner who leads his own run club, is excited to share his expertise with those taking on long-distance challenges, especially as they gear up for the 25km for 2025 Run Challenge. With years of running under his belt, Macca emphasises the critical importance of pacing, particularly in the early moments of a run. He recommends incorporating pace-specific workouts into training routines, which not only help runners find their rhythm but also teach them to listen to their bodies. By programming his watch to maintain a steady pace during the first 5-10 minutes, Macca ensures he avoids the common pitfall of starting too fast, a mistake that can lead to burnout long before crossing the finish line.
Macca knows that effective training goes beyond just logging kilometers; recovery plays a vital role, too. He views recovery as a key component of his training plan, understanding that quality sleep is essential for optimal performance. Aiming for 7-8 hours of rest each night and staying hydrated with Trainade are crucial steps he takes to prepare both for his training sessions and the big day ahead.
As a mentor in his run club, Macca shares invaluable mindset shifts that can transform how runners approach their training. He believes that focusing on personal motivations for signing up—such as the desire to grow and challenge oneself—can provide the mental strength necessary to push through fatigue. His go-to advice for anyone feeling daunted by the prospect of training for a long-distance race is simple yet powerful: “Just start. Focus on one day at a time, and remember, race day is the celebration of all your hard work!”
On race day, Macca will be geared up in his Pace Tee, Race Day 8" Short Tights, Fast Performance Socks, and Hybrid Performance Cap.
The Power of Community: Achieving Goals Together
One of the most rewarding aspects of the 25km for 2025 Run Challenge is the incredible sense of community we’ve built. We’re not just running—we’re pushing each other to hit new personal bests, celebrating every milestone, and making every step count. Whether it’s checking in with teammates after a tough training session or coming together for weekend long runs, the camaraderie and support we share truly make the journey special. If you’re looking for a motivating and encouraging environment to help you reach your goals, consider joining a local run club or inviting your friends to jump in on the challenge too. After all, challenges are always better when tackled together.