The Accidental Athlete: How I Transformed My Life One Run at a Time
I never set out to become an athlete. I wasn’t chasing medals, records, or podium finishes. I was just a regular guy—juggling family life, work deadlines, and an ever-growing waistline—who stumbled into running and somehow found something extraordinary.
Looking back now, I call myself the Accidental Athlete. Not because I planned this path, but because I discovered, almost by mistake, that the best version of myself was waiting at the end of every run.
💭 The Not-So-Glamorous Beginning
I found running in my mid-thirties. I was 20kgs (44lbs) overweight, lacked form, and was more of a “sweaty mess” than anything resembling an athlete. The feedback I got ranged from encouraging to brutally honest—“Maybe running just isn’t for you,” some said.
But after each painful, breathless run, there was a glimmer of something deeper. Pride. Clarity. Freedom.
In 2007, I trained for and ran my first half marathon using a plan from a book. Bleeding feet, bad form, and all—I finished in 1hr30. I was ecstatic. Others said I could’ve done better. But for me? It was a breakthrough.
🛑 Life Happened. Running Didn’t.
Between kids, career, and the chaos of life, running disappeared. A decade passed. My weight crept back up, and so did the doubts.
In 2016, I tried to restart. Same old training plan, same old shoes—but now in my mid-forties, I was heavier, slower, and far more aware of how far I had to go. I trained hard for 16 weeks… and still ran 17 minutes slower than my younger self. Disappointed and defeated, I shelved the shoes again.
It took two years to bounce back.
🔄 The Real Turning Point
2018 was another attempt—sporadic and unfocused. But in 2019, something clicked. I saw myself crossing a threshold. My weight hit 90kg (200lbs), and I knew: enough is enough.
This time was different. I didn’t rely solely on running. I adjusted my nutrition, planned smarter, and committed. 16 weeks later, I had lost 20kgs (44lbs) and found not just my pace again—but my passion.
In early 2020, I ran 1:33 for the half marathon. Three months later, I broke the 1:30 barrier. At nearly 47 years old, I was running faster than I had in my thirties.
And I wasn’t done.
🧭 Structure Changes Everything
I devoured books, podcasts, and every bit of training advice I could find. But there is some much conflicting information out there. I needed guidance tailored to me—my body, my schedule, my reality.
I hired a professional coach through McMillan Running. The difference was immediate. For the first time, I wasn’t guessing. I had structure, support, and a plan that respected my limits but challenged me to break through them.
That year, I crushed every personal best:
- 🏁 Half marathon: 1:23
- 🏃♂️ 10K: 36:14
- 🏃♂️ 5K: 17:40
By the time I turned 50, I ran a half marathon in 1:20.
And 51 I went sub 1:20, taking 3rd place at the Half Marathon NZ National champs for the age group and ran a 2:55 Marathon.
Let me be clear: I’m not a natural athlete. I’m not a former elite runner. I’m just someone who stayed consistent, trusted the process, and refused to quit.
👟 Becoming the Coach I Needed
Inspired by my own transformation, I became a certified McMillan running coach. Now, I help runners of all levels—especially those who, like me, feel like they’re starting from behind.
Because here's what I’ve learned:
You don’t need to be fast, young, or naturally gifted. You just need to be willing, committed and consistent.
🚀 Your Transformation Starts Here
If you’ve ever felt like:
- You’re too busy
- Too out of shape
- Too late to start
- Or not “athletic” enough
Let me tell you something: None of that matters. The only thing that matters is that you take the first step—and keep going.
Whether you’re a beginner or a recreational runner, with a personalised plan, the right support, and the mindset to grow, you can unlock something extraordinary.
So, are you ready?
Ready to lace up and find out what you're truly capable of?
Ready to get a little uncomfortable and discover strength you didn’t know you had?
Let’s do this together—not just for the finish lines, but for every version of you waiting to be discovered along the way.
🎯 Let’s Build Your Extraordinary
Reach out today and let’s start your journey with:
✅ A plan that fits your life
✅ Coaching that holds you accountable
✅ Support that sees the greatness in you—even when you don’t
Your transformation is waiting.
Let’s run toward it.
Here’s to breaking barriers, rewriting your story, and becoming your own Accidental Athlete.
Here’s to breaking barriers and achieving the extraordinary.
The Training Plans that I used & Our Coaching Options
Novice / Beginner / Recreational / Intermediate to Advanced
Durations 8, 12, 16, 20, 24 weeks
Fully personalised 1:1 Coaching
Be the Best You Can Be