Rebeka is an active and valued member of the Operation Move Community and Run Club. Rebeka originally shared her story in Run Club and it is reprinted here with her permission.
I was not a sporty tween, as a little kid I did swimming, dancing, auskick and scouts but we moved when I was 8 and that’s when the sports stopped.
My self-confidence, self-worth and weight went up and down over the years, but anxiety took hold at the tail end of a bad relationship and that’s when I started using exercise for my mental health.
Fast forward a few years and I found myself in a great relationship, having had 2 babies with an 18month age gap, I was completely touched out, had no time for the gym and the anxiety and panic attacks had kicked it up a gear. I really needed something just for me.
I also needed to ensure my future was long and healthy. There are enough unknowns that the future holds, and weight related illnesses will not be one for me. I have spent a huge amount of time in hospitals with loved ones due to weight related illnesses and I will do everything in my power to not put my kids through that.
So after participating Operation Moves early stages by committing to ‘moving minutes’ and stalking the Operation Move community for a few years, I finally took the plunge and started the Op Move learn to run program on January 1st 2015 and fell in love instantly. I was running 3 times a week and the distance was increasing steadily and most of all I was enjoying it and looking forward to the next run.
Over the past 4 years I have run over 3300k, participated in a bunch of events including a half marathon and a handful of virtual runs for charities (and bling) but one of the best parts has been taking care of my body and my mind so I can be the best I can be for my tiny humans, my family and my future.
In 2018 I recognised the true meaning of the Op Move Community. I have had the pleasure of connecting with some Op Movers on a more personal level, both online and face to face and it has truly changed me. I have trained and run events WITH people and I have had people that I could reach out to when it all got too hard, who could get me back on track, and for them I will be forever grateful.
I have just completed my first event for 2019 – a triathlon and I’m hooked!
Next on my list is my first ever trail event then a couple of weeks later I’m running my all-time favourite event, back where the finish line fever started … Run for the Kids
I love the #OpMoveSisterhood and the amazing source of inspiration, support and guidance it has given me over the years, thank you all and happy running 🏃
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