After the incredible success of the Embrace film, I knew we had to make a version for kids — without the swear words! There was just one problem … I needed about half a million dollars to make it happen. So naturally, I did what any incredibly determined, moderately fit woman in her forties would do. I signed up to run a marathon!
Look, it might sound ridiculous, but it showed that I was committed to the cause and gave me a licence to ask everyone I knew for money. Usually I’d be shy to ask loved ones for cash, but now I felt entitled to say “Hand over your coffee money, I’m running a f***ing marathon!”
What did I learn when training for a marathon?
First up … it’s a really long way!
42km, 26.2 miles, or 105 times around my local oval. That means sore legs, hips and back, with a side of underboob chafing! But I’d made a public commitment, and there was no turning back.
Secondly, a strong mindset and a good playlist can get you a helluva long way
A marathon is as much a mental game as it is physical, and I’ve got mental strength all day long.
I woke up on race day feeling well rested from a good night’s sleep and ready to run. After breakfast, I decided to have a quick meditation and asked my brother (who’s no longer earth side) to hang with me for the day and keep me company. In meditation, I received a message from Jason that said “Put Express Yourself (Madonna) on your playlist.” So I did.
Rain and strong winds were forecast, but it was calm and dry. The sun was coming up just as the race started outside the beautiful Adelaide Oval. People were smiling, and strangers were high fiving. We were ready to go!
In the second kilometre, as the pack started running up an incline, I turned to the woman next to me and said “Wow, I wish I’d trained for hills!” She replied, “This is not a hill!” and laughed. We ran together for another 30 seconds before she turned to me and said “Do you need a puffer?” “No!” I replied sharply, “I’m not asthmatic.” She was being really nice, but mentally, I wobbled a bit, thinking “Oh no, I’m already puffed and I’m 12 minutes in … I’m screwed!” I had to re-group very quickly and thank goodness the sweet sound of Dolly Parton’s song Working 9 to 5 streamed through my headphones, and I was okay again.
Thirdly, I learnt to smile through the pain
Remember the wind and rain that was forecast? Well, that arrived just as I hit the 32km mark. Soon, my shoes were waterlogged, and I could feel my feet beginning to rub. It was probably the hardest part of the marathon, and I still had 10kms to go.
There was only one thing to do: I decided to find the light and start smiling. I smiled at other runners, volunteers and the supporters on the sideline. I smiled at everyone. In times of sadness, despair or anxiety, I’ve always found that giving out good energy brings even better energy back to you. When I passed people who were in a similar struggle to me, I would offer a high five or tell them “we’re almost there” or “keep going,” and then people started doing it back to me.
It was a surreal moment running around the outside of the Adelaide Oval about to make my entrance into the glorious stadium. Then, as I entered the stadium for the final metres of this epic journey, my headphones sent this beautiful message into my ears: “C’mon girls! Do you believe in love? ‘Cause I’ve got something to say about it, and it goes something like this…”
It was Jason’s song, and it arrived on my shuffled playlist at the perfect time. My entire body was bursting with emotions. Excitement because I could see the finish line, love because I could see my daughter, pride because I had run 42km, and joy because Jason was with me every step of the way.
I started this marathon journey detesting running but with a mission to raise as much money as possible to make a life-changing documentary for our kids. Marathon training was brutal. I cried and felt like it was too hard, too much and too long! But I dug deep and thought about all of the kids I’ve met and the heart-breaking stories of self-loathing they’ve shared with me. This marathon was never about me, it was about the kids and I’m proud to share that I raised over $35,000 for the Embrace Kids documentary.
As for running, well, strangely I don’t loathe it anymore, but I don’t think I’ll be putting my hand up for another marathon anytime soon! Instead, you’ll see me out on the road plodding along with a big smile on my face, feeling grateful to live in this resilient and magical body of mine.
Thank you to the team of health professionals that supported my marathon training. To my running coach Nicole Bunyon at Running Mums Australia, thank you for your endless encouragement and making the impossible seem possible. To Tim, Scott, Emily and the team at Flex for keeping my body together even when it felt like it was falling apart! We got through shin splints, swollen knees and a sore back with weekly physio, the odd dry needling session, altitude training and massage. Thanks to my favourite (health at every size) dietician, Jen Pfeifler from River Oak Health, for all of your wisdom and nutritional advice. Modibodi for your underwear, Active Truth for your activewear (with pockets!), LAJOIE SKIN for your Calmme cream (no chafing!), and all the magnesium products from Amazing Oils. And of course, the South Australian Road Runners Club for hosting this incredible event.
