Thrive Nutrition and Massage

Thrive Nutrition and Massage Kylie has a holistic and personalised approach to health and wellbeing

04/09/2026

A reflection.. what my first 64km šŸƒā€ā™€ļø taught me.

Almost 2 weeks ago I crossed the finish line of a 64km point to point trail race.

I went in with a time in mind, but somewhere along the way, I decided to enjoy it instead of chase the clock.

Because by race day the hard work has already been done- the early mornings, long runs, setbacks and niggles. You can’t suddenly do more training on race day.

Race day is the celebration. šŸŽ‰

So I stopped for photos. Walked through parts. Connected with people along the trail. Spent far too long at checkpoints eating and chatting šŸ˜‚

I also fell three times. Hard!

Each time, I picked myself back up and kept going.

I cried too- from pain, from joy and disbelief .. ā€œI’m actually doing this!ā€ And somewhere along those 64km I also found myself grieving my Dad, who I lost in March. I carried his spirit with me that day ā¤ļø

Then there were the people. Brief conversations, laughs and shared struggles with people who became part of my journey before moving on.

All of this reminded me:

LISTEN TO YOUR BODY.
My ankle had been giving me grief and sometimes I had to adjust the plan rather than push through.

PACING IS EVERYTHING.
64km is a long way. You can’t treat the first 20km like a 20km race.

MINDSET MATTERS.
One kilometre, one hill, one checkpoint at a time makes something huge feel manageable.

FUEL MATTERS.
Keeping your body fuelled makes a huge difference. And sometimes food and a chat are exactly what you need!

RECOVERY IS PART OF THE PROCESS.
The finish line isn’t the end. Rest, nutrition, hydration, movement and time all matter afterwards.

And my biggest takeaway?

YOU DON’T ALWAYS HAVE TO CHASE THE NEXT GOAL.
I finished 8:39- 42nd out of 77 solos, 9th female overall and 1st in my age group.

Could I have gone faster? Probably.

The finish time is only one tiny part of the story…

Whether you have a big goal ahead or simply getting through life, your body needs you to listen.

Sometimes it needs a push.
Sometimes it needs a rest.
And sometimes… it needs a good feed and a chat šŸ˜‚

🧠 Your brain has a lymphatic connection too…This is where the lymphatic story gets really interesting. For a long time, ...
03/09/2026

🧠 Your brain has a lymphatic connection too…

This is where the lymphatic story gets really interesting. For a long time, we were taught that the brain didn’t have a conventional lymphatic system. We now know that the brain and its surrounding tissues have specialised drainage pathways involving the GLYMPHATIC system and meningeal lymphatic vessels.

The glymphatic system is a network in moving cerebrospinal fluid through spaces around blood vessels and through the brain’s tissue, helping with fluid balance and the movement of metabolic waste. Meningeal lymphatic vessels then provide important drainage pathways from the brain and its coverings towards the peripheral lymphatic and immune systems.

Researchers are increasingly investigating how these pathways may relate to neurological health and disease. For example, studies have found evidence of altered glymphatic and meningeal function in stroke and Parkinson’s disease. In stroke, impaired drainage has been associated with brain swelling, inflammation and poorer outcomes. In Parkinson’s disease, studies have changes in both glymphatic function and meningeal lymphatic drainage.

This is particularly interesting to me personally. Through my work with manual lymphatic drainage, I have worked with people following stroke and with people living with Parkinson’s disease. I’ve observed changes in some symptoms following treatment, which has made me more and more curious about the relationship between lymphatic drainage, fluid movement and the nervous system.

But observation isn’t the same as scientific proof. The research in this area is still developing, and we don’t yet have enough evidence to say that manual lymphatic drainage can treat stroke or Parkinson’s disease. What we do know is that the relationship between the lymphatic system, brain fluid clearance, immunity and neurological health is and exciting and rapidly developing area of research.

And honestly, I can’t wait to learn more about it. There is so much we don’t understand about how these systems communicate with each other, and I find that absolutely fascinating!

Where does all that lymphatic ā€œwasteā€ actually go?Following on from my last post about the lymphatic system, one of the ...
31/08/2026

Where does all that lymphatic ā€œwasteā€ actually go?

Following on from my last post about the lymphatic system, one of the questions I often get asked is: ā€œSo where does all that waste and excess fluid actually go?ā€ The answer is fascinating because there isn’t one single ā€œdetox organ.ā€

Your lymphatic system works as part of a much bigger network involving your blood circulation, immune system, liver, kidneys, lungs and digestive tract… like a transport and collection system. Lymphatic vessels collect excess fluid and proteins from the tissues, along with cellular material, immune cells and foreign particles. This lymph travels through lymph nodes, where it is filtered and where immune surveillance takes place. It eventually returns to the bloodstream. From there, different substances take different pathways..

BLOOD transports substances around the body to the organs that process, reuse or eliminate them.

The LIVER is a major centre of metabolism and processing. It is also the body’s largest producer of lymph, contributing a substantial proportion of the lymph entering the thoracic duct.

The KIDNEYS filter the blood and remove many water soluble waste products through urine.

The LUNGS remove carbon dioxide and some other volatile substances through the breath.

The DIGESTIVE SYSTEM eliminates material through the bowel, including substances that have been transported into the gut via bile.

And the lymphatic system itself is continually recovering fluid and proteins from our tissues and returning them to circulation.

So rather than thinking of lymph as carrying a load of ā€œtoxinsā€ that simply need to be flushed out, I think it’s more accurate to understand it as one part of an incredibly interconnected system of transport, immune surveillance, recycling, metabolism and elimination.

And there’s another part of this story that I find particularly fascinating.. the brain has its own specialised fluid-clearance network.

That’s where the the GLYMPHATIC SYSTEM comes in 🧠

But that deserves its own post…

From yoghurt… to a fermented ginger drink!Following on from my previous post, where I strained plain Greek yoghurt to se...
30/08/2026

From yoghurt… to a fermented ginger drink!

Following on from my previous post, where I strained plain Greek yoghurt to separate the creamy labeneh from the whey, I’ve put that whey to good use!

The labeneh was saved to make a delicious dip (I will show you that soon), while the whey has become the starting point for a fresh fermented ginger drink.

The brew is now sitting on my bench top for a few days while the fermentation is under way.

So, how does the whey help?
Whey contains naturally occurring lactic acid bacteria. These beneficial microbes help kick-start the fermentation process, using the sugars in the ginger mixture and producing acids that give the drink its lovely , fresh, slightly tangy flavour.

Once It starts to bubble and ferment, I will transfer it into bottles and pop it in the fridge, where the fermentation will continue more slowly. Then it will be ready to enjoy!

I will keep you posted as it starts to bubble 🫧 🫧

One ingredient, two creations…I’ve turned plain Greek yoghurt into fresh, creamy labneh (cream cheese) and saved the whe...
20/08/2026

One ingredient, two creations…

I’ve turned plain Greek yoghurt into fresh, creamy labneh (cream cheese) and saved the whey that was released during the process.

The labneh will become a delicious, probiotic rich dip, while the whey will help ferment a fresh ginger drink that I’m making soon.

One very simple process, two delicious treats, and nothing wasted!

Stay tuned.. šŸ˜‹

The labneh will become a delicious, probiotic rich dip

Your lymphatic system: the body’s quiet powerhouse We hear a lot about our blood circulation, but there is another incre...
18/08/2026

Your lymphatic system: the body’s quiet powerhouse

We hear a lot about our blood circulation, but there is another incredibly important transport network working alongside it every minute of the day- your lymphatic system.

And it doesn’t have a heart to pump it around.

The lymphatic system is a one way drainage and transport network that collects excess fluid, proteins, cellular debris and immune material from our tissues, filters lymph through lymph nodes and ultimately returns to the bloodstream. It also is a major part of our immune defence.

It has three major jobs:

šŸ’§ Fluid Balance
It collects excess fluid and proteins that leave our blood vessels and returns them to the circulation. Without effective lymphatic drainage, fluid can accumulate in the tissues and cause swelling.

šŸ›”ļø Immune surveillance
Lymph carries immune cells, antigens and foreign materials to lymph nodes, where they can be examined and an appropriate immune response initiated.

šŸ„‘ Fat absorption
Specialised lymphatic vessels in the small intestine, called lacteals, absorb dietary fats and fat soluble vitamins and transport them into the circulation.

And here’s something fascinating…

There are two major lymphatic ducts.

The much larger thoracic duct drains the lymph from both legs, abdomen, left side of the chest, left arm and left side of the head and neck.

The smaller right lymphatic duct drains the right arm and the right side of the chest, head and neck. Both eventually return lymph to the venous bloodstream near the collarbones.

Unlike blood, lymph doesn’t have a central pump like the heart.

Instead, lymph flow is helped along by movement of the muscles, breathing and pressure changes, as well as rhythmic contractions within the walls of larger lymphatic vessels. One way valves help keep the flow moving in the correct direction.

So yes… movement matters.

Exercise, walking , stretching, breathing deeply all contribute to the mechanical forces that help move your lymph.

Our lymphatic system really is a quiet powerhouse and it’s pretty remarkable when you stop and think about it.

And this is one of the reasons I find the lymphatic system so fascinating in bodywork.

🄬 Nature’s little surprises…My ankle injury has flared up recently with swelling, stiffness and pain- especially in the ...
16/08/2026

🄬 Nature’s little surprises…
My ankle injury has flared up recently with swelling, stiffness and pain- especially in the mornings. So this morning I reached for something that I haven’t used in years.. a cabbage leaf!

I first discovered cabbage leafs years ago when I was feeding my babies and dealing with mastitis, and I remember how surprisingly soothing they were.

This morning I placed a cabbage leaf over my ankle and gently wrapped it in place.

Within 30 minutes I had no pain and noticeable less stiffness.

Cabbage contains naturally occurring compounds such as glucosinolates and flavonoids, which have been studied for their anti- inflammatory properties. Whether these compounds contributed to what I experienced, I don’t know. But it certainly reminded me how wonderful and fascinating nature is.

I’ll be experimenting more with this to see what happens.

šŸ… Medal Monday... and yes, I know it's Monday night, but technically it's still Monday, so I'm allowing myself this one....
13/07/2026

šŸ… Medal Monday... and yes, I know it's Monday night, but technically it's still Monday, so I'm allowing myself this one. šŸ˜‰

Yesterday I completed my first official marathon.

42.2 kilometres.

And you know what? I'm actually really proud of myself.

Late in 2022, everything looked very different. I badly herniated two lumbar discs, lost feeling down half of my leg and developed foot drop. A simple 2.5km walk around the block became difficult. I'd hold onto Mark's arm for support and had to consciously think about every step while rebuilding my strength, balance and confidence.

With time, patience and the right care, I slowly found my way back. Despite being told I probably shouldn't run, I cautiously tested the waters.

In 2023, instead of signing up for a 5km or 10km, I somehow convinced myself that a half marathon sounded like a sensible idea! šŸ˜‚ Twelve weeks later, I crossed that finish line.

Since then I've completed two Ironman 70.3s, the Great Wheelbarrow Race, and yesterday... my first marathon.

I still remember when walking around the block felt hard. Then 5km felt hard. Then 10km. Then 21.1km.

Now 42.2km.

Our minds and bodies are phenomenal. Every challenge recalibrates what we believe we're capable of. We are never quite the same person after doing something that once scared us.

Yesterday I wasn't racing anyone else. I never do. I'm simply trying to become a better version of the person I was yesterday. I love setting goals that scare me just enough, committing to the process, and seeing them through. There is no better feeling of self-integrity.

I also ran with purpose. Every step was for Tammy and everyone affected by brain cancer. I truly felt her spirit with me, reminding me of the courage she showed throughout her diagnosis.

I spent 4 hours and 12 minutes out there... but instead of saying I had to, I prefer to say I got to.

What a gift.

Yes, I have some spectacular chafing and a big toenail that's making plans to leave me šŸ˜‚, but I get to wear a marathon medal with a huge smile, knowing I did something I once thought was impossible.

Here's to discovering that we're capable of far more than we think. ā¤ļø

šŸ’™ We did it! šŸ’™This morning, the five of us crossed our finish lines. I’m so incredibly proud of our family. We all compl...
12/07/2026

šŸ’™ We did it! šŸ’™
This morning, the five of us crossed our finish lines. I’m so incredibly proud of our family. We all completed our own biggest races to date, but watching the kids dig deep when things got tough in their 5km race was something really special. Afterwards I told them that they will never be quite the same people again. There is something powerful about setting yourself a goal, pushing through the discomfort, and discovering that you’re capable of more than you ever imagined.

Today wasn’t just about running.

It was about purpose.

Standing amongst thousands of runners this morning, we knew exactly why we were there. Every step we took was for those who have faced, or are currently facing, brain cancer.

Throughout my marathon, I truly felt spirit with me. I found myself thinking about Tammy- her courage and her strength with which she faced her brain cancer diagnosis. I also thought about every person and every family whose lives have been touched by this devastating disease.

Today reminded me that we are incredibly fortunate. We got to CHOOSE our discomfort. We chose sore legs, chafing, blisters and a toenail hanging on for dear life.So many other don’t get that choice.Their battles are far greater than anything we experienced on the course today.

From the bottom of our hearts, Thankyou to every single person who donated, shared our fundraiser, sent messages of encouragement or cheered us on. Your support has meant the world to us and has helped keep Tammy’s wish alive.

Tammy dreamed of a future where people diagnosed with glioblastoma (GBM) would have better treatment options- and one day, a cure.
Her family is keeping the fundraising page open, and they have more events planned later this year to continue honouring Tammy’s legacy and raising funds for this important cause.

If you would still like to donate, it’s not too late. Every dollar helps fund vital brain cancer research, and every contribution gives hope to families facing this heartbreaking disease.

Thankyou for helping us fight for those who can’t. šŸ™šŸ’™šŸ¦‹

https://fundraise.carriesbeanies4braincancer.com/fundraisers/tammyprice/in-memory-of-tammy-price

ONE MORE SLEEP!Tomorrow we will stand at the start line, ready to give everything we’ve got.Months of training have led ...
11/07/2026

ONE MORE SLEEP!
Tomorrow we will stand at the start line, ready to give everything we’ve got.

Months of training have led to this moment.
šŸƒā€ā™€ļø42.2km for me.
šŸƒā€ā™‚ļø21.1km for Mark.
šŸƒā€ā™€ļøšŸƒā€ā™‚ļøšŸƒā€ā™‚ļø3 determined kids taking on their own 5km.

We are running because brain cancer steals far too much from far too many families.

We are running to honour Tammy and her wish that research continues until better treatments- and ultimately a cure- become a reality.

If you have been meaning to donate but haven’t quite got around to it, there’s still time.

Every dollar makes a difference.

Every share helps spread awareness.

Every bit of support reminds us why we’re doing this.

We’ll be carrying your encouragement with us every step of the way.

Thankyou for helping us fight for those who can’t. šŸ™šŸ¦‹šŸ’œ

https://fundraise.carriesbeanies4braincancer.com/fundraisers/tammyprice/in-memory-of-tammy-price

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