The Run for Dad Australia Bendigo fun run on Father’s Day at Bendigo Racecourse is about promoting a men’s health message to save lives.
It’s a message that Garry Valente knows all too well and, thankfully, he listened.
“I had an unrealistic work/life balance which impacted my family life, my physical being and in turn my mental health,” Garry said.
“I didn’t make my nutrition and exercise a high priority so that had tapered off as well.
“I heard about a service offered at m...y workplace whereby staff and apprentices could make an appointment to see Peter Strange at the Bendigo Community Health Services men’s health clinic.
“Peter helped me realise I had to make some changes to my life and that was the start of me getting back on track.”
Garry made the decision to only work four days a week to find a better life balance.
“I also signed up for an eight week challenge and enlisted the help of Joe my personal trainer and John my physio.
“I lost weight, got my blood pressure under control and became more effective for myself and my family who have been very supportive.
“Now I love mentoring young people including the apprentices at work and the players of the Bendigo Fighting Miners rugby club.
Garry knows he’s got a long way to go and the challenges remain but he deals with them better now.
“Good people are out there to help, so don’t give up, don’t take things for granted and most of all, don’t beat yourself up when things don’t go to plan. Just get back on track and keep going!”
Well done Garry.
Run For Dad Bendigo features a 3.75km or 7km walk/run with medals for all competitors, a free breakfast and the satisfaction you are spreading the men’s health awareness message and supporting our men’s health clinic and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.
Garry is looking to get a group together to take part - what about you? Register here: http://bit.ly/RunForDad2018