Sometimes, life takes you in unexpected directions. My health journey has certainly been a rollercoaster. I went from being an overweight smoker who couldn’t even dream of running a mile, to completing marathons, feeling on top of the world, only to slide back down again. It’s not a straight path, and I’m sharing this because I believe we all face setbacks. But what matters is how we rise after those setbacks.
Let’s start at the beginning, and maybe some of this will sound familiar to you.
The Couch Potato Days
There was a time when the thought of running, or even walking, felt like an impossible task. I wasn’t just out of shape—I was the picture of an unhealthy lifestyle. Smoking, eating poorly, and avoiding physical activity was the norm. I didn’t think much about how I felt physically, because frankly, it was easier to ignore it. But deep down, I knew I was on a dangerous path.
At some point, though, something clicked. Maybe it was seeing the reflection in the mirror and not liking the person staring back at me. Or maybe it was the realisation that if I didn’t change something, I was heading toward some serious health problems. Whatever it was, it spurred me into action.
The First Steps: Walking Before Running
The idea of running a marathon back then seemed like an impossible goal. I wasn’t even thinking about running at that point—I just knew I needed to move. So I started walking. That’s it. Simple, right?
But walking was where it all began. Slowly, I started adding more distance. Walking turned into a habit, and I noticed that with each step, I felt a little better. I wasn’t setting any records, but I was setting the foundation. And that’s important. You don’t leap into fitness—you build it. I needed to get fit before even thinking about running.
Walking became a gateway to something bigger, and soon enough, I was ready to take the next step.
Becoming a Back-of-the-Pack Runner
When I first laced up my running shoes, I wasn’t out to break records. I was slow, really slow, but I was doing it. I wasn’t worried about being at the front of the pack; I was just proud to be part of the race. It didn’t matter if I was the last one across the finish line because every step was a victory.
That’s the thing about running—it’s not just about speed. It’s about consistency, determination, and the mindset that keeps you going, even when you feel like stopping. Running, for me, wasn’t just physical; it became a way to clear my head, reduce stress, and feel alive again. I embraced the process and took pride in being a back-of-the-pack runner.
I wasn’t trying to keep up with anyone else. It was my race, and the only person I needed to be better than was the old me.
Feeling Amazing: Health and Fitness at My Peak
There’s something truly empowering about getting fit. As my fitness grew, I felt incredible. I had energy, confidence, and a feeling of control over my body that I had never experienced before. I went from being someone who couldn’t walk around the block to a runner who was crossing finish lines in races I never thought I’d even enter. I even crossed Australia on foot!
More than the physical transformation, it was the feeling of strength, both mentally and physically, that made me love this new lifestyle. I was proud of what I had accomplished, and running became something I truly loved.
The Slow Slide Back Down
But, as with many journeys, mine wasn’t all forward motion. Life got busy, distractions came in, and slowly, over time, I found myself losing the habits that had kept me healthy. I wasn’t running as much. My weight crept back up. It was gradual at first, but eventually, I realised I had slipped right back to where I started, struggling with training and feeling unhealthy.
About 18 months ago, I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. That hit hard. It wasn’t just the physical toll—it was the mental realisation that I had let things slide. After all the progress I’d made, I was back to square one, dealing with the health consequences of my choices.
Where I Am Now: Fighting to Take Control Again
But here’s the thing: I’m not giving up. Just because I’ve faced setbacks doesn’t mean the journey is over. In fact, it’s just the beginning of a new chapter. I’m determined to lose the weight again, get fit, and get back to running and triathlons. More than that, I want to get off the medication and control my health through the habits I know work.
The steps I’m taking now are the same as before—starting small, walking, and building a foundation of fitness. This time, though, I’m even more motivated because I know what it feels like to be fit and healthy, and I know how much better life is when I’m in that place.
What About You?
I’m sharing this because I know many of us face similar challenges. Maybe you’ve been where I have—struggling with weight, fitness, or just feeling stuck. Maybe you’ve made progress only to slide back. The important thing to remember is that it’s never too late to start again.
So, where are you on your journey? Are you ready to take the first step, or maybe the next step, toward a healthier, more active life? I’d love to hear your story and help you along the way. Let’s take those steps together, one at a time.