Happy New Year! In this episode of Heartbeats & Strides, Dawn dives into the power of setting meaningful New Year’s resolutions especially for runners, cyclists, and endurance sports enthusiasts. She shares her personal approach to goal-setting, the importance of discipline over motivation, and how reflecting on past achievements can shape a stronger, more focused year ahead.

Dawn also shares practical tips for creating SMART goals, staying consistent with training, and navigating unexpected obstacles like injuries, life events, or just off days. Whether you’re starting your first 5K or planning your next endurance adventure, this episode is packed with advice to help you stay motivated, adaptable, and focused in 2026.

Key Takeaways:

• Reflect on the past year: Use what worked and what didn’t to shape your 2026 goals.

• Set SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound.

• Start small: Break big goals into weekly or daily targets to avoid overwhelm.

• Plan for obstacles: Life isn’t linear adjust when things don’t go as planned.

• Focus on the why: Dawn’s personal motivation comes from helping others cross the finish line. Find your “why” to stay committed.

• Consistency beats motivation: Discipline and planning will get you further than relying on willpower alone.

Resources & Links:

• Follow Dawn on Instagram: @heartbeatsandstridespodcast

• Join a local running or cycling group to help achieve your goals.

• Check out pacing events and volunteer opportunities to help fellow athletes.

Call to Action:
What’s your 2026 focus? Share your running or cycling goals with Dawn she’d love to follow along and cheer you on! Drop a comment or DM through Instagram or podcast platform.

In this powerful and personal episode, Dawn sits down with her mom to share the real reason this podcast exists and the deeply personal story behind Dawn’s passion for heart health awareness. Together, they open up about lived experiences that shaped Dawn’s mission to educate, advocate, and start conversations around cardiovascular health.

This episode covers essential topics including heart attacks (what they can actually look like), why CPR training can save lives, what to do and what not to do in high-stress medical situations, and how to properly support someone after completing a major endurance event. Whether you’re an athlete, a caregiver, or someone who wants to better understand heart health, prevention, and emergency response, this episode delivers real-world insight that could make a life-saving difference.

If you or someone you love is impacted by heart disease, endurance sports, or health advocacy, this conversation is a must-listen.

In this Heartbeats and Strides episode, host Dawn Beaumont breaks down practical and empowering advice for anyone looking to start running or other endurance sports in 2026. With the New Year just around the corner, Dawn explores how to turn goals into action without feeling overwhelmed or intimidated.

You’ll learn:

• 💡 Why having a tribe matters: How running clubs and community support help you stay consistent and accountable.

• 🏃‍♀️ Accessible ways to start running: From local 5K events to beginner-friendly groups.

• 🥾 Gear essentials that actually matter: Why proper running shoes and quality socks should be your focus (and not all the flashy gadgets).

• 🚴‍♂️ Benefits of cross-training with cycling: How mixing in cycling can support your endurance, reduce injury, and help with recovery.

• ❤️ Why health checks should come first: Dawn’s advice on medical clearance before jumping into new training.

• 🎁 Gift ideas for beginner athletes: Small, practical items that make perfect stocking fillers.

Whether you’re brand-new to fitness or looking to restart your journey, this episode gives you realistic, trustworthy advice backed by personal experience to get you moving in 2026.

Featured Resource:
✨ Run Dais — A one-stop guide to running clubs and events across Australia https://rundais.org/