A quick background to my fitness and exercise over the years…..it was always easy in the younger days as I was naturally well built and didn’t feel I needed exercise. I did start going to a gym run by Antony Davis, his first gym he owned and I’ve recently been reacquainted with him (always great to meet old friends).
I hit the gym a couple of days a week for a couple of years, fell for a girl and thought I had no one to impress anymore. That’s were my fitness stopped.
It wasn’t until my mid 40’s that upon noticing myself in the full length mirror I realised the pot bellied chunky midget was me. I’d been diagnosed with under active thyroid, my blood pressure was high and my cholesterol was through the roof. I took up cycling and joined a local club and although the people within the club were welcoming and cheerful, I rarely went on group rides because of my size and lack of speed.
Then last year a couple who I know mentioned parkrun to me, I cannot thank David and Nikki enough, I started out at my local parkrun taking my youngest and not only did we enjoy the run and the atmosphere but it was a great time for bonding.
From there my fitness and exercise as gone from next to nothing to trying to fit things in were I can. Doing the World coal carrying championships for a second year was a boost as I could physically see my improvements with the times. I met John ‘the machine’ Hunter while there who talked me into entering various other events and introduced me to John Nicholson.
I entered a few of the events to see what I was capable (and don’t think I did too shabby on any of them).
One event that did stand out was the Blacksheep Marathon, and were I met numerous new friends.
Becoming a Blacksheep has changed my perspective on so many things.
I found the inspiration oozing from the group amazing the whole ethos it’s something I personally needed. After meeting up with various members of the Blacksheep at various events whether I was taking part or just there to help out, there’s always been time for a chat and banter. I came to realise the flock is a family.
A bunch of misfits with one common passion, to push themselves and they’re physical ability while inspiring and motivating others.
I now run most days or do something that keeps me active and as an added bonus managed to get a couple of family members out in the fresh air running and watching them achieve their goals is an amazing feeling and gives me the motivation to carry on.
The biggest motivation I have now is my family, wanting to inspire my 2 boys to be active they love coming up into hills, my wife as amazed me running for her own health reasons the results so far have been amazing for not only her weight management but she is beating diabetes.
All in all life as changed and for all the right reasons, The whole family is staying active I enjoy inspiring others and hearing of their achievements, The inspiration from you guys as been phenomenal and can’t wait for what the Blacksheep as in store for the future.
Keep inspiring you’re all awesome doing what you do. Thank you for the welcome to the family and if nothing else DON’T BE SHIT........