MARK'S STORY

In October 2014, out of the blue, my good friend and neighbour Frank was diagnosed with cancer. Frank sadly passed away in February 2015. And it really felt as fast as it took you to read that sentence.

One minute we were all laughing and messing about passing our kids over the back fence to each other’s houses, and in a short space of time Frank was gone and we were all a bit lost.

I couldn’t make sense of it at the time. I didn’t know what to do or say and as most blokes kept it in. Tried to be ‘strong’. Although on the inside I was really struggling. I couldn't sleep. I felt anxious and depressed. And I was drinking a lot to try to cope and numb the pain. Which of course, made it all worse.

I finally went to the doctor and when they asked how I was I broke down in tears. And strangely enough, I felt a bit better afterward. Just letting it out and talking seemed to release the tension that had built up. And so it was in this more optimistic state that I signed up for a marathon. Training for a marathon and completing it led to a 50k. Which led to a few 100k's. 21 half marathons in 21 days were the warm-up for running from Tweed Heads to Sydney. And earlier this year I ran 207kms on a treadmill in 24 hours.

Running brought me out of the darkness. It gave me hope and filled me with a purpose to attempt extraordinary things for myself, my family, and for charities and causes, I am passionate about. Running gave me the strength to share my story and to highlight that you don’t really know what people are thinking and going through behind the mask they wear out in public or what they put on social media. It's ok to take that mask off and talk.

MARK'S FAVOURITES

Clifton is my go-to for short runs, walks with the dog, long runs, park run with family, even longer runs...and everything and anything in between. I've actually got more pairs of Clifton than my wife has shoes which are pretty funny.

PEI'S STORY

My day job as a clinical psychologist includes helping people of many ages who are experiencing mental health difficulties.

The three things that I focus on with every client before we start any therapeutic work is their sleep hygiene, how much movement they have in their day, and their food choices.

They are the building blocks of a holistic approach to mental and physical health.

Exercise also releases endocannabinoids, which have a positive influence on our sleep, mood, appetite, memory, and fertility. I apply this formula to my own lifestyle too. I find that when I sleep and eat well, I train better and feel better about myself, and vice versa.

It sounds easy, but I know how hard my clients work to make better choices. I’ve been there myself, I suffered from chronic mental illness from 13 years of age to my early 20s. Exercise wasn’t the only solution, but it played a big part in me getting out of an emotional black hole.

It’s probably why exercise is such a big part of my life; from competitive gymnastics, and acrobatics, then trail running. Not to mention meeting the wonderful people from these sporting communities.

PEI'S FAVOURITES

I take my Clifton with me wherever I go. I love the cushioning and versatility of the Clifton's for long runs, dog walking, and even tempo sessions. Ample support yet not too heavy or chunky.