I’m a mum of two boys , tristan 15 and Caleb 12. I’m a nurse and have done shift work my entire work life, since I was 17.
I’ve been overweight for most of my life, school sport was my least favourite subject. I hated it. I did it, but I hated it. Ever since I can remember cross country was one of the most dreaded days of the year.

I’ve tried to loose weight and get fit, every year I would say “this is the year”, and not get anywhere.

When my dad died in 2010, my heart broke. A year later my depression and anxiety hit an all time high. I had lost over 30kg in 18 months, was no longer eating, and my friend saw through my facade and took me to the hospital where I confessed I wanted to take my own life. I remember driving and planning which power pole I would drive into, or driving so close to a truck in the hope it would hit me. I started cutting and carved hate into my leg 😞.

I was told they would have to schedule me unless I complied with their treatment. I complied, I just needed rest and help. The next year was hard, but I got through it. I also put on in excess of 30 kilograms.

As I came off my medication I knew I needed to really do something. I had to choose life, for myself and my boys. I had to show them the right way to live. To live fit and healthy. I started swimming, which I loved, but as winter drew near I got really crook swimming in indoor pools.

I had a friend who had been quietly suggesting parkrun to me. I desperately wanted to go, but wasn’t brave enough. She is an RMA member, and she kept gently pushing and suggesting parkrun.

In October 2015, weighing my heaviest, staring down the barrel of type two diabetes and a fatty Liver, I went to parkrun.

Another friend suggested we go together, it would be her first time also. It is always easier and less scary with a friend. She never turned up. I stayed, even though I was beyond anxious and ready to burst into tears.

On January 1st 2018, I ran my 50th parkrun.

 

Since I started parkrun that day, I have completed multiple five kilometre events, several ten kilometre events, and last year I did the city to surf, raising $1500 dollars for the ward I work on along the way. In 4 weeks I will be running my first half marathon in Canberra!

I’ve lost approx 12 kilograms, and still about 15 to go, or maybe more. But I’ve dropped two dress sizes, and am the healthiest I have ever been! No more fatty liver, and I could probably come of my medication soon for prevention of type two diabetes.

 

My kids see me out running and pushing comfort zones, they see you can do ANYTHING you put your mind to. They see me making choices for a healthy lifestyle.

 

Running has changed my life.

It has given me me back, it has given my kids their mum back.

And all because one RMA member said come to parkrun.
That same RMA is running the Canberra half marathon with me, and I’ve just said yes to running the Ragnar relay with her!

Running saved my life.