FOR TODAY
One of the many reasons I like long-distance ce running is the people I meet.
The other week I spoke to yet another inspirational individual at the Athens Marathon.
Her story reminded me that so many people have challenges that are all too often hidden below the surface.
During the race I had the privilege of chatting to Sally Orange who is the only lady to have run a marathon in every continent in the world in fancy dress (believe me, a marathon in normal running gear is hard enough) and one of only seven to run in every continent.
Sally runs as a different piece of fruit in every race. In Athens she was dressed as an aubergine supporting the legendary Nick
Butter for Prostate
Cancer UK.
You would never guess from meeting
Sally that she is an ex-Army major working in healthcare rehabilitation and has been battling with the mental trauma of what she witnessed in Afghanistan. She also wore her medals and a poppy as it was Remembrance Sunday.
I am so lucky not to have been in a conflict. Those involved in all kinds of public service including the police, firefighters, medics and the military have to live with the memories of what they have witnessed and then cope with the consequences, including suicidal thoughts and lack of self-worth.
That’s why I feel honoured to have met Sally and witness her doing her best. I hope her story will inspire you to have more respect and do more for those struggling with mental health.
Until next week,
Kev
Scrolling through Facebook from her sofa, Dee Hazelwood spotted a picture of a bronzed, super-toned woman an posing in a bikini on stage.
She was holding a medal after er being named Transformation Athlete ete and Fitness Model of the Year.
Dee’s heart sank as she looked ed down at her own 15-stone body.
“I’d been through the menopause pause at 35, had suffered severe endometriosis, metriosis, and had an underactive thyroid. oid. And I’d just piled on the weight,” said id Dee.
“At 40, I just accepted that it was OK to be overweight but as 50 loomed, the pounds kept piling ng on.
“I was so unhappy. I had no confidence. I wouldn’t even take my y top off on a beach on holiday yet here re was a picture of a woman not much ch older than me in a skimpy bikini on n stage.”
Spur of the moment, Dee messaged essaged the winner to congratulate her. er.
“I just said that I was in awe of what she looked like and that I had so much respect for what she had achieved.” hieved.”
I was really inspired by ex Army major Sally, who ran marathon dressed as aubergine
And what happened next changed her life.
The athl athlete, Jo Morrison, replied immediate immediately: “You can do this too. You’ve got to t believe in yourself.”
Dee, now 51, from Welshpool in Wales, sa said: “I thought it was ridiculous. But she told me her own story and I f felt really moved. Inspired to do some something and change.”
Jo, from Brighton, B is a health coach