“I’m an accidental runner. If you’d told me a year ago that I’d be entering running races, I wouldn’t have believed it.
In September 2020 I was feeling tired and fuzzy all the time, so I went to the doctor. After blood tests he diagnosed me as a Type 2 Diabetic and started me on medication, but also suggested that I could possibly reverse it if I made some lifestyle changes. The pills worked and a change of diet seemed to give me more energy. I started walking a lot and then after a month or so, when I was running late for an appointment, I started running… and was surprised to find I could keep going further than I expected.
Then a few weeks later, when I was buying new trainers at Frontrunner New Plymouth, they invited me to join their running group. I was nervous about turning up, knowing my fitness was not great, but was warmly welcomed into the group. They also initiated me into trail running and after my first trail run – I was hooked. Without the group’s encouragement, I’m sure I wouldn’t have done as much running as I have.
I’m now signing up for whatever runs around the North Island I can fit in, and hoping to do at least a half-marathon, if not a full marathon, by the end of the year.
Between the walking, running and diet changes, I’ve also dropped 20kg of weight and have more energy than I ever used to have. I’ve had more blood tests done recently, and it turns out my Type 2 Diabetes is in remission for now, and I’m hoping to keep it that way.
Running feels great when I’m doing it, even better when I’ve finished, and has introduced me to a great bunch of people.”
Michael @halfdadhalfmisfit
(New Plymouth)
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