Macca's Movember Marathon

13/05/2024

Well after a short hiatus from the running program, i’m getting back into it.

Unfortunately the walking/running through the streets was a bit too much to overcome so had to stop for a while. It brought upon severe pain, so much so I had to get Jess to pick me up on my last run.

Alas - a treadmill is coming tomorrow to allow the training to continue. This is rather important as there are a couple of events coming up which i’m going for.

The main one - City to Bay on 15 September 2024 (https://city-bay.org.au/events/6km-race/)
There are 125 days left until this event and i’m keen to put my hand up for the 6km run.

For anyone who is keen to come for a jog and to help (push me) over the finish line - that would be epic!

Cheers legends ❤️

The 12k start has the highest number of participants. Imagine being amongst the crowd of people who fill King William St – it is truly a spectacular sight; be inspired, join over 26,000 others and register to participate.

28/03/2024

First interval training session in the books! I’m following an interval training program I got some years ago - which helped me run 10 km in 12 weeks. Here’s hoping it can work its magic again.

How good does it feel to get out and about in this sunshine and do some exercise! Great for the body and especially the mind!

Good day today ❤️

14/03/2024

Looks like I have just done a workout (well I had an hour prior but had cooled down since) but it’s just my body responding to some ‘anticipatory’ trauma.

Check out the ‘wavy man’ image. This is a visual representation of anxiety symptoms.

Remember to check in on yourself and others around you. If you find you are experiencing any of these a little too much or you think something isn’t quite right, book in an appointment to see someone.

As always, I would much rather you call me at 4.00 am than have to attend a funeral 🫶🏻

It ain’t weak to speak
There’s no harm in a yarn
If you’re flat have a chat
Ain’t no flap to have a yap

21/02/2024

Hey Legends,

There is an info session upcoming for the Invictus Pathways Program which I believe is going to be renamed Wellbeing for Australian Veterans and Emergency Services (WAVES). At this stage it is for stakeholders and participants, but just wanted to chat out about it so people are aware.

If you don’t know about this program, here is a little quick synopsis (from my POV):

IPP encapsulates a program called the Exercise Physio Program (EPP) where the Vet or First Responder (who have been accepted into the program) works with a 3rd year Exercise Science student over a 2 year period with access to the UniSA gyms at their campuses. They do up a plan and you go to the gym twice a week; free of charge.

IPP mantra is very basically all about:
Better physical health = Better mental health

You also have access to physiotherapy, OT, podiatry - free of charge.

It’s not just helping the particpants, it’s helping the students as well, giving them a unique perspective into the different things we face as first responders.

You can see more (and apply) through their website:

The IPP is motivated by the spirit of the Invictus Games, and while some of our participants will strive to compete at national and international events, for the majority it is to harness the power of exercise and sport to inspire recovery and well-being. The program aims to assist participants with...

14/02/2024

Helpful Entities!

There are so many providers and the like out there that can support you in times of need. I have personally found a couple to be extra helpful.

We Got The Chocolates

They are a group if guys and gals from Brissie who talk everything sport, dad jokes and general all round banter. Yours truly is a Friend of the Show (not a paid advertisement!) go ahead and check them out, i’m sure you’ll get a giggle.

Aussie Frontline

I was going through absolute hell when I got this shirt in the mail. There was a piece of paper with it which said “no matter what happens, you’ll always have friends in the force.” Low and behold I was nominated for a shirt which came to me free.

This is part of Aussie Frontline’s ‘Pay it Forward’ cycle where someone sponsors a shirt, someone nominates you and you get a shirt. The feeling is just unreal, that when you think you are all alone in those dark depths of hell, you have all these people there with you.

As you can also purchase them for yourself, I now have 5 shirts. Check out their page and even if it isn’t right for you, it may be just what someone else needs.

Friends & Family

Although your brain may tell you that no-one cares and everyone hates you; they don’t.

I wouldn’t still be here without the support from my family & friends. A massive shout out to Jess for everything you have done and continue to do.

If I were to name everyone we would be here all day, just know that I have appreciated every single word of support ❤

Just know that sometimes a message saying hello can change a person’s day.

14/02/2024

I have learnt a hell of a lot over my last couple of years and engaged with several professionals. Sometimes they are the right fit, and sometimes they are not.

Don’t be disheartened if you don’t find the right match first off. It’s like medications - there are so many out there but only some fit with who you are (this can also come down to your childhood)

If you haven’t checked in with a professional in a while, do so. Here is a list of ways to make it a little easier in your wallet:
- Police Health or other health insurance
- Engage with your EAP at work. (I know at SAPOL you can get 6 free psychologist sessions through the Corporate Health Group)
- Go to your GP and get a Mental Health Plan

14/02/2024

Hello friends,

Since starting the Invictus Pathways Program - Exercise Physio Program - I have felt like I wanted a goal to strive for. I have always wanted to run a marathon. So, I thought that I would run a marathon (or maybe a 1/4 marathon).

Following an assault I sustained at SAPOL in August 2021, I have been diagnosed with Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome, PTSD, Major Depressive Disorder and Anxiety with Somatic Pain. There have been such struggles since this assault not just for me, but my family also, which highlights how important Mental Health is within our community, as its reach is substantial. I wanted to tie in my goal with that which is a huge passion to me.

My goal is to run this marathon (or 1/4 marathon!) in early December 2024 following a fundraising drive in Movember.

Although I don't have many details yet, I will use this page to post things over time and hopefully getting a few people to rally behind me and assist (carry) me over that finish line.

Cheers Legends ☺️