‘FIT MUM’ REVEALS HOW TO KEEP THE KIDS IN TRAIN

THE family that trains together stays together, according to the Ashleys from Runaway Bay.

Brenda Ashley has returned after competing at the Oceania Masters Championships in Mackay, where she claimed podium finishes in each of her events.

She won gold in the triple jump with a personal best, silver in the hurdles and bronze in long jump.

It is the first time Mrs Ashley, 38, has competed at the biennial international competition.

Time at the track is bonding time for the Ashleys, with all seven children, aged 3 to 19, a familiar sight at the Runaway Bay athletics track where they train for competitions.

Mrs Ashley took up athletics nearly three years ago after watching her kids from the sidelines.

“They’ve all competed at national events and state events and they do Little Athletics,” she said. “We all train together. I have the same coach as my son.

“When you have seven kids you can’t do soccer or something like that because you’re driving around too much, but with this we’re all at the same place, same time.”

But while Mum has brought home an international gold medal this month, the rivalry at home is still strong.

“When I race against them I’m not up to their standards,” she laughed.

When not competing Mrs Ashley can be found training six days a week, between shifts at the Foodworks supermarket at Mt Tamborine she owns with her husband.

Dubbed “Fit Mum” by her kids’ friends, Mrs Ashley said the recipe was pretty simple for balancing a sporting career, small business and the school drop-off.

“I just like getting involved with my kids, they all help out at home and we work as a team. They all have their jobs,” she said.

“Their friends think I’m strict.

“I’ve always been an active person, I leave my windows open and get up when the sun comes up.

“Get out early in the morning and get your steps up, because by later in the day you don’t want to do it.”

Mrs Ashley will represent the state at the Australian Masters Athletics Championships next year.