Mums get fit after decades of lethargy
Before they were mums, Bridget Duffey and Georgy Smith were sportswomen with a good bit of touch rugby experience.
More than a decade later, the cousins have dived straight into their new fitness regime to train for the Ports of Auckland Round the Bays run.
Along with the Manurewa Mums group, they meet once every week at the Manurewa Pool and Leisure Centre with Auckland Council trainer Robyn Proffit.
Bridget Duffey, mum of eight says exercising puts her in ‘‘a better mind space’’ and that’s better for everyone around her too.
‘‘What I’ve found is that when you exercise you’re not inclined to reach for the naughty food,’’ she says.
This year Duffey says she plans to ‘‘be happy and have a positive mindset’’.
It has been five years since mum of five Georgy Smith exercised, and fifteen years since she played a sport.
‘‘I’m sick of being lethargic. I want to be healthy and energetic,’’ she says.
And so she decided to change her lifestyle.
In terms of nutrition, she says it’s ‘‘hard to eat well when you’re living in an ‘Island’ household’’.
‘‘I’ve always enjoyed healthy foods like salad, but my downfall is pasta. I’m trying brown rice now, and I love it,’’ she says.
One tip for when you’re on the go she says is that it’s better to ‘‘reach for sushi instead of a McDonald’s’’.
While her kids are her motiv- ation to get fit and prepare for the run, Smith says she is doing it for herself.
She is studying for a certificate in Bachelor of Nursing Pacific at MIT.
‘‘I want to be a nurse. I can’t expect to be unfit while I’m trying to help my patients be healthy. It’s hypocritical,’’ she says.
For her, 2017 is going to be ‘‘a good year’’ where she plans to ‘‘stop drinking and smoking, look after my family and do well at school’’.
When they’re not busy working out or tending to the kids, you are likely to find them chilling to some tunes of Bob Marley and Brotherhood Creed.
WHEN: March 5, 9.30am WHERE: Quay Street, along Waitemata harbour to St Heliers Bay. DISTANCE: 8.4km.
Go to roundthebays.co.nz for more information and to register for this year’s event.