If I rewind to 2020 (and I know most of us don’t want to revisit that year often) I was signed up to compete in my first 2 marathons, New York for their 50th anniversary and Gold Coast, both as part of PEAK Experiences Not Felt Possible groups. We all know why neither of those events happened but PEAK did launch its’ Dreambig Virtual Running Festival for anyone to take part in a 2km, 5km, 10km, 21.1k or 42.2km run, record it on their Strava and feel connected to others in our community.

From January until the end of July 2020 I followed a really disciplined running programme from Podiatry coaches, Chelsea Enright and Lachie Stanton, which was supported by weekly PEAK prevention classes with Chiropractic Coach, Matt Ross.  I know that if I’ve locked something into the diary then it happens and also allows Anna, my wife and I to plan our lives.  Having 3 amazing young kids provides as many rewards as it does challenges and having time locked away for our own health is something we’ve worked hard to make sure isn’t the first thing to go when life happens! I tip my hat to every parent in our community that juggles this on a daily basis!

Fast forward to 2023 and I’ve been supported by Physiotherapist Coach, Kirsten Seth who is now on maternity leave, Callum MacDiarmid and Brittney Trueman from a preventative perspective. We’ve been working on two fronts, lower back pain and hike specific conditioning. I’ve suffered lower back pain for a number of years which can be sporadic and is certainly triggered by some deprived nights with my youngest! I’ve certainly become better but I’m far from good at doing my preventative back exercises when it feels normal.That’s something I’m working on as when the pain does kick in, it can really impact your day-to-day.  Investing time in yourself in the absence of pain is important. 

As part of this experience not felt possible, I’m excited to start raising money for a charity close to my heart. Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow were both inspirational Rugby Union and Rugby League players when I was growing up.  Both were diagnosed with MND and have shown courage I can only dream of.  Doddie sadly passed away in 2022 but set up a foundation in his name which generates a huge amount of awareness of MND.  I’d love for you to spend some time on his foundation website and learn more about what we can all do to live in a world free from MND.

I’ll return in a couple of months with a final update before the experience including a chance to donate to this wonderful charity. 

James (Jimmy) Matthew

Head All Star

Hawthorne

Address
5/171 Riding Road,
Hawthorne, QLD, 4171
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Opening Hours -
6 days per week
  • Monday - Friday: 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Saturday: 7:00 am - 1:00 pm

To make a booking outside of business hours, please use our form by clicking here.

New Farm

Address
1/15 Lamington Street,
New Farm, QLD, 4005
Get Directions
Opening Hours -
6 days per week
  • Monday: 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thursday: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Friday: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm
  • Saturday: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm

To make a booking outside of business hours, please use our form by clicking here.