McGrath finds herself in fitness

Michelle McGrath’s solution to beating the blues has been to get fit.

The 50-year-old Manukau mum, who describes herself as ultimate couch potato and a reality TV addict, decided enough was enough and signed up with Partners Life DUAL with its weekly boot camps, personal trainers and nutritional advice, to get her back on her feet.

She says she needed to after annus horribilis (Latin for a horrible year) of a 2016.

‘‘I turned 50, was made redundant and my mum was diagnosed with Alzheimers,’’ she says.

‘‘Everything seemed to be changing around me at breakneck speed and I was starting to feel totally out of control.

‘‘I decided that one thing I could control was to get fitter and healthier, and get some fresh perspective.’’

McGrath has no regrets.

‘‘I’ve lost six kilos since starting in late November, discovered the beauty of Totara Park, the Auckland Botanical Gardens and the Puhinui Stream where I go for walks, enjoying valuable time with family as we go on treks together, cut down on my sugar and changed by eating habits.

‘‘It has been a life style change. I’m really enjoying the journey.’’

McGrath is one of 15 participants who won scholarships for the PLD programme.

They’ll all be through their final test on Rangitoto and Motutapu islands in the Hauraki Gulf on 25 March.

Their options are a trail run and walk, an off-road triathlon and mountain biking.

McGrath says she has opted for the 10km run, something she’ll be prepared for after already finishing a number of fun runs.

‘‘My corporate background means I am probably quite competitive by nature but I amtrying now to be more focused on the journey and the experience, and appreciate the intangibles of life and the power of positive thinking.’’

The aim of the DUAL scholarship Programme is to get people off the couch and to make a significant change in their health, with the end goal being to complete the DUAL 10km run/walk. If you’re someone who’s always wanted to make a health and fitness lifestyle change the DUAL Scholarship Programme is for you. Go to the thedual.co.nz for more information.