By Caitlyn Mulraney, OVERLAP Athlete, Wife, and Mum of 3.
Every runner has a story, and mine took an unexpected turn during the 10km Bluff to Boat Ramp event in March 2024.
At the time, I wasn’t yet connected with OVERLAP Coaching, but Zac, the founder, was pacing me that day, helping me chase a PB. That’s just who Zac is—caring, supportive, encouraging, and incredibly humble. However, at the 8km mark, I blacked out, leading to my first-ever DNF. My memory of the day cuts off around the 6km mark, but I know that without Zac, the story of that day could have been so much worse.
Later, I learned the blackout was caused by an autoimmune relapse, and my confidence was shattered.
In the weeks that followed, I focused on physical recovery, spending most of my time in bed. But the mental recovery was even harder. Anxiety crept in every time I laced up my shoes. I confined myself to treadmill runs, afraid to stray far from home. When I finally ventured out, the 6km mark became an overwhelming barrier—each time, I’d relive the DNF, convinced it would happen again, and I would come to a dead halt every single time.
Determined to overcome my mental block, I stayed the course of participating in the 7km Great Train Race in April. My goal shifted from beating the train to simply breaking through the 6km barrier. But fear got the better of me and I stopped at 6km, walking most the way back and somehow making it through the finish line in 35:40, averaging 5:00/km.
I realised that if I wanted to overcome these obstacles, I couldn’t do it alone. A week later, I turned to OVERLAP Coaching, putting my trust and my comeback in their hands.
Through structured programming and progressive training, I began to trust myself again.
From the very beginning, the OVERLAP Coaching team provided more than just training plans—they offered unwavering belief in my potential, even when I couldn’t see it myself. Their tailored programming not only rebuilt my physical fitness but also strengthened my mental resilience. By breaking down my goals into achievable steps and celebrating every small milestone, they made progress feel possible.
The toughest challenge after my DNF wasn't rebuilding fitness—it was overcoming fear. OVERLAP taught me to reframe failure, see it as part of the process, and tackle it with a growth mindset. Their encouragement turned running into a tool for personal growth too, giving me strength I didn’t know I had.
Through structured programming and progressive training, I began to trust myself again. I committed fully to my training plan, following it with discipline and care. My programs use RPE (rate of perceived exertion) over fixed paces and emphasise time on feet rather than distance. This flexibility allowed me to adapt my runs to how I felt each day, easing the pressure and making running more enjoyable. Gradually, I reconnected with my body’s signals, and week by week, the fear loosened its grip, and my confidence built.
Six weeks after joining OVERLAP, I participated in another 10km event—and to my surprise, I PB’d by over a minute. This was the turning point. Running became fun again and events shifted from being high-pressure performances to enjoyable experiences shared with like-minded people.
In 2023, I set myself the goal of completing a half marathon event in 2024. While I had run the distance before, I had never participated in an official event. I signed up for two races but faced setbacks early in the year—a calf injury in January forced me to cancel one and the relapse in March led me to downgrade the other, leaving me feeling deflated.
In July, my friend Sarah, also coached by OVERLAP, and I decided to aim for the 2XU Wellness Run Half Marathon in Melbourne, scheduled for December. With OVERLAP's guidance, we trained together, supporting each other through long sessions and staying focused on our shared goal.
Over the months, I formed connections with fellow OVERLAP athletes and coaches who not only supported me with their cheers but also shared invaluable tips and advice that stayed with me throughout the race.
Thanks to OVERLAP’s strategic coaching, I approached race day with a clear plan to achieve my 1:45:00 goal and on December 1st, I crossed the finish line with a half marathon PB of 1:43:29, averaging 4:55/km - something I never imagined possible after the outcome of the 7km Train Race in April.
Months of preparation paid off: I had learned to pace myself and adapt to variables including inclines and headwind, and how to stay patient out of the gate. I had improved my form, built my aerobic base, fuelled effectively, and I was able to maintain a positive mindset even when it got tough. Crossing that finish line calm, confident, and proud was a moment I'll never forget.
What truly stands out is how this journey has transformed me into a more disciplined, determined, and self-aware person.
I’m about to begin my fourth 12-week program with OVERLAP, and while the physical milestones have been incredible, what truly stands out is how this journey has transformed me into a more disciplined, determined, and self-aware person. These qualities have impacted every part of my life, especially as a married mother of three. Nine months after my DNF, I’ve come full circle. That moment of defeat has now become a symbol of resilience and triumph as I step into the role of ambassador for the 2025 Bluff to Boat Ramp event. What once represented failure is now a powerful reminder that even our lowest points can be the foundation for our greatest victories.
Bluff 2 Boatramp discount code: 15RUNWITHCAITY
To the OVERLAP team: thank you for seeing the potential in me when I couldn’t see it myself. For creating a plan that met me where I was, for celebrating progress over perfection, and for showing me that running is about so much more than just crossing a finish line. You’ve helped me grow not only as a runner but also as a person. What I cherish most is how this community has become my second family—a support network I will always be grateful for.
To anyone considering joining OVERLAP: Don’t hesitate. With the right guidance and support, you’ll realise there are no limits to what you can achieve.
Written by Caitlyn Mulraney, OVERLAP Athlete
Edited for Blog formatting by Zac Harris, OVERLAP Founder & Head Coach
Inspired by Caitlyn's story and want to join the OVERLAP family yourself? Simply send an email to info@overlapcoaching.com or click the below button to view our website.
OVERLAP discount entry codes. Bluff 2 Boatramp: OVERLAP15
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