FITNESS REGIME RINGS NEW BELL
NATHAN Bell found a soul mate in running to help deal with the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) he was diagnosed with after serving his country overseas.
Mr Bell was in the Australian Army in Fiji, Indonesia and Samoa and said he struggled with a life of partying and a marriage breakdown on his return.
The 40-year-old was discharged from service in 2008 after deciding he wanted to be in Australia with his family.
Mr Bell said getting his blood pumping and endorphins running made the world of difference to his mental health.
That’s when the runner and surfer decided to deal with his stress through exercise.
Mr Bell, who has his own pest business, is hoping his military training and mental strength will help him tackle the Gold Coast Marathon fun run next month, with hopes to compete in the full marathon next year.
“After watching the Commonwealth Games Marathon and seeing the determination and mental strength on the athletes’ faces as they were finishing their races, that inspired me to start running,” he said.
“Seeing how well the Commonwealth Games Marathon was organised and how the Coast got behind the event, the hype and atmosphere inspired me.”
Mr Bell said running had helped him to tackle mental issues he was dealing with upon his return from service.
“After serving my country in the Army I have struggled with life and PTSD, but have found running makes me feel good,” he said.
“Along with surfing, which is my life, I run every second day and I’m frothing to run in the marathon and will use it as a starting point to do more marathons coming up.”
Mr Bell will be taking part in the 5.7km fun run and using it as a starting point to train for the full marathon next year, which he says is his big goal.
“I have never run a marathon before but being ex-army, I used to run a lot, but haven’t done anything since I was discharged,” he said.
“I am hoping my surf fitness and military determination and mental strength will help. I look forward to starting the race and seeing how I go.
“After the race has finished I will be having a big breakfast at my local cafe with my family and hopefully a surf or a swim.”
The Gold Coast Airport Fun Run will be held on Saturday, June 30.
AFTER SERVING MY COUNTRY IN THE ARMY I HAVE STRUGGLED WITH LIFE AND PTSD, BUT HAVE FOUND RUNNING MAKES ME FEEL GOOD NATHAN BELL