“I guess I was always active when I was younger, riding my bike everywhere, backyard cricket with the cuzzies, basketball at the local courts and rugby; lots and lots of rugby. My love of the game probably had me play a few years longer than I should have, and to be honest probably the social side of it and being at the clubrooms was what also kept me coming back. When I stopped playing I kept drinking like I was still playing and became quite sedentary, causing massive weight gain and mental health issues. Deep down I knew I needed to make some changes but the ‘she’ll be right’ attitude kicked in and with that procrastination, and embarrassment – telling myself I’m too big to go to the gym, I can’t run, all the excuses would come out.
At the time I had a good friend training for Coast to Coast and all of a sudden I found some inspiration and motivation to actually get out and start training. I had no idea what I was doing but it was something. I kept at it, both running and in the gym, and I started to do some events, just winging my training and going in either way too undercooked or overcooked. I ended up making contact with Chris at Custom Made Fitness and began to train properly, I guess for lack of a better word. I am still with them now, with Charlotte as my coach. And I’m 275 days sober.
I started on this journey as a way to get my health back, both physical and mental. And I definitely prefer being out in the bush and on the trails, it’s my time to reflect and grow.”
Mike @bomberbatstone
(Whitecliffs)
Photo taken at Tekapo
–
Portraits of Runners + their stories
@RunnersNZ
