Couch to ultra marathon, can it be done?

Current weight 111kgs
Height 174cms
BMI 37 (Obese)

This blog will be a diary of the highs, lows and hows of my personal shit fight to go from couch potato to ultra marathon. I will keep it secret from my friends and family for now because I’m a bit embarrassed to be honest, but maybe other will read it and get on board? I actually don’t know how anyone will find this blog but if by some chance you stumble on this, then welcome and enjoy my own private hell!!

So here goes. I’ve never been very athletic, throughout my life. I did bits a pieces but nothing spectacular. I did however get fit in my late 20’s, competing in adventure racing and some mountain biking events. I was involved with a local training squad where I lived and enjoyed the social aspect as well as the events. It really became a lifestyle. Not a fad. I’ve tried heaps of those – Insert Crossfit, Gyms, running around the block, starving myself and the list goes on. I think I really didn’t stick to these because they are hard and boring. I don’t relate to the Lorna Jane woman, with their 3/4 tights and the super motivational quote tops that are clearly designed advertise to the world that “I workout” where ever they may be, usually in the supermarket or school pick ups. When I was fit, and competing in these events where no one wears Lorna Jane, I was proud of myself. Not because I could fit into anything I wanted, as a matter of fact I really don’t remember thinking about my body at all. All I remember is that I was happy, and proud of myself.

Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t winning these events. I was usually the last one across the line, passing the event crews who were packing down. The Anaconda Adventure race I did one year, my partners family were worried I was lost because I had taken so long! I was near last off the swim, fell out of my kayak a million times, had stomach cramps on the run and managed to claw my way to third last after the mtb leg. However I still remember running the last 1km with my father in law, running hand in hand with my coach over the line, hugging the people who came all the way just to see me come in 3rd last place. I didn’t win but damn I was proud.

I did this for a couple of years then I was bullied at work and was fired. It all sort of fell apart after that. My anxiety which I have battled with throughout my life became this heavy dark weight that was always with me. I can’t explain how it happened but for anyone who has experienced anxiety or depression, you will know that feeling. So I became a slave to this monster. I wasn’t completely incapable of life, but I really just existed on the bare essentials. Drinking, eating, making excuses. You know the drill so I won’t bang on about it. We all know how this happens.

Now, I’m 34, fat, tired and ready to get on with life. I want to get back to what makes me happy. It has nothing to do with size, or weight or how I look. I just want a body that can satisfy the demands of a life that makes me happy. I want a body that can run and get out of bed in the morning feeling refreshed instead of run down and sore.

So being an all or nothing type person, I have set up a schedule of events for 2017 that I will train for and compete in that will hopefully get me back to happy again. Disclaimer: When I say happy, I mean happy with myself and my achievements – I have the most amazing family and am so in love with my life. I’m the weak link here, the last piece of the puzzle. Once I’m back to healthy, my life will be more perfect than Ryan Gosling’s smile 🙂

So here it is, my schedule – Couch to Ultra Marathon.

29/01/2017	SC Run Series	On Road Run	2kms
5/03/2017	SC Run Series	On Road Run	5kms
18/03/2017	Paddy Pallin AR	Adventure Race	15kms
9/04/2017	SC Run Series	On Road Run	10kms
22/04/2017	Adventuregaine	Adventure Race	24hrs
20/08/2017	Sunshine Coast Marathon	On Road Run	42kms
21/10/2017	Blackall 100	Off Road Run	50kms
15/11/2017	Alpine Challenge	Off Road Run	60kms
1/02/2018	Old Ghost Road Ultra	Off Road Run	85kms