Going the Distance

At Denison, I was living life in the fast lane; my days started early and ended late, and in between was a race. I raced from classes to meetings, meetings to group meetings, group meetings to one-on-ones, one-on-ones to .... yes, you get the picture. But I loved it-- I love getting through a day and knowing I put my best foot out there and did all I could do. And yet, life often throws curve balls your way-- many will dodge them and keep on going, some will fall and not take the time to either get up and continue or, even worse, get up without reflecting on why they fell, and some, well some will take a moment to pause.

Studying abroad has given me time to live life on the slow lane- it has been my pause. Every experience I have had here has given me a different perspective and a new lens to appreciate, reflect and enjoy the opportunity I have been given.

For example, I began my internship this past Tuesday, interning at Channel 7/Channel 7 Gymnasium. Under the guidance of Lachlan, I will be working at the gym, writing articles for their newsletter "Live Simply," completing an 8-week long trainer's workshop (more details to follow), and working on Lachlan's PR along with Channel 7 for his run, "Run4Mum."



The Channel 7 building stands tall amidst the several historical buildings that form the hub of the business district at Martin Place and home to the most prestigious fashion labels-- it is like the fashion of Newbury Street in Boston. This iconic public space in Sydney is corporate Australia brought to life from the hundreds of pedestrians shopping, drinking, dining, or meeting for lunch outside of the steps. Entertainment is also a highlight! The first day I sat outside as I watched the taping of a movie scene and the next afternoon characters from "Alice in Wonderland" were acting out scenes of the movie to promote its release that weekend. I love commuting to work every day, seeing all of the people dressed in suits and high- waisted skirts.



...And then there is Lachlan, slim and fit, cutting across the district as he runs to the 10th floor of Channel 7, in his running sneakers and shorts, to the gymnasium. This is one of the two gym he manages in Sydney, with a third to open while I am here (which is exciting since I will be able to get exposure in all three gyms). It was when Lachlan took me for a 2 hour walk on my first day at work when I realized there was something special about him. This walk through the city, although it felt more like a brisk jog at his pace, truly gave me insight to love and passion-- it was my "pause" for the week.

Lachlan told me about his "Run4Mum". As I managed to ask questions in between short breaths I was able to learn about his race and his life in the fast lane; yet his tracks will leave footprints in my heart.

Lachlan is going the distance this July. A former paratrooper in the Australian Army, and now a Physical Training Instructor and Endurance Runner, Lachlan is conducting a 4,200km ultra marathon to raise awareness for postnatal depression. (4,200 km is equivalent to 2,609.759 miles). He will be running an average of 100km (62.137 miles) a day with two rest days each week-- over a 2-month period Lachlan will be running about the equivalent of 100 marathons. His motivation? -- His wife, Belinda.

Just over a year ago, his wife Belinda (Bel) gave birth to their first child, a gorgeous baby boy named Bailey. Imagining this would be the happiest time of their life, they were thrown a curve ball that turned out to be the most difficult experience either of them had ever faced. By the time their son was three weeks old, it was clear that something was not quite right with Bel; something that went well beyond the ‘baby blues’. After two weeks of what could only be described as a living nightmare, Bel was diagnosed with Postnatal Depression and they were fortunate enough to finally be able to secure a place in one of the 8 beds that exist in the only 'Mother and Baby' unit in New South Wales.

Since that time, Bel and Lachlan have undertaken a huge journey of understanding and recovering from Postnatal Depression. Bel is now moving forward and is basking in the love and life of her husband and baby boy. Bel has been writing of her experiences and sharing her journey in her blog “give.love.get.love” (http://www.givelovegetlove.blogspot.com)

However, they realized this is not the happy ending for many couples in Australia. Statistics show astoundingly that around one in six women who give birth in Australia will experience a form of Postnatal Depression. Their biggest realization from their experience is the huge lack of awareness and understanding of this illness and the limited facilities available for treatment and recovery for those who suffer from Postnatal Depression. Needless to say, they are passionate about generating greater awareness of this mental illness.

Throughout my time here, I am grateful to be working alongside Lachlan. His passion and love lead him in his daily life and it is inspiring for me to "pause" and see why he races in life-- a long-distance race with hope in his heart.

So-- have a field day! Find something you're passionate about, whether it is awareness for a cause or giving 100 % in your day. Find a reason for the need for speed and make new tracks-- that is what LIFE is about.

<3 Do not sprint to the finish line but enjoy the feeling of the freedom in running, the fresh air, the feeling that the only person you have to compete with everyday, is YOURSELF***



The rest of the week I was able to:
* Book my spring break trip with Stephanie & Shauna to Fiji Islands for the end of this month
* Book a trip to New Zealand in May to visit Maggie Hoskin (Denisonian) with Stephanie
* On Friday, all of the interns went to see the play, 'Orestes 2.0' by Charles Mee at SBW Stables Theatre in Kings Cross
* How could I forget; I sprained my ankle Friday afternoon :) .... it actually hurt pretty badly, and I was limping on my walk back home
* Saturday, sprained ankle and all, I went to COOGEE BEACH for the Brazilian Carnaval. It was a great way to end the week.

....until next time

Live.In.Love my family and friends,
Shavely