MAYOR Des Hudson has renewed his focus on a year-long public fitness campaign.
Cr Hudson said a tough case of “winter blues” had kicked in for a little and his regime enthusiasm had waned. A groin injury sustained in a charity soccer match had not helped but he was gradually back on track.
“I enjoyed the opportunity to play homeless street soccer than realised I no longer had the physical ability of a 20-year-old to match my competitive nature,” Cr Hudson said. “I’ve still enjoyed PT (personal training) sessions working on my strength, conditioning and cardio. I just couldn’t do all the daily walking I had been doing.”
Cr Hudson launched his bold ‘Strip the Mayor’ campaign on New Year’s Day, blogging his fitness progress so his citizens can hold him accountable. He hoped to encourage more Ballarat people to be more active and make healthier lifestyle choices, like making time to eat breakfast daily.
The mayor’s daily laps of the lake in warmer months made for a popular start with the public joining in or encouraging him along. Then days grew dark and cold.
The mayor’s family purchased him a treadmill for his birthday, to help him meet a six-kilometre per day commitment (excepting PT days). He made a no-excuses re-start from August 1 to reach his target and can incorporate multi-tasking, like catching up on MasterChef re-runs while walking.
Cr Hudson said it had been hard, trying to seriously get back walking again, but he knew it would be worth it for his personal.
“Health experts talk about creating muscle memory and I actually felt I was missing that piece of memory from my routine while injured,” Cr Hudson said. “It would be easier to sit down with a cuppa and chocolate. I’m no model athlete but it’s about being dedicated. This (campaign) has created enormous public interest and it’s a good way for the community to see me get back into it.”
Cr Hudson is aiming for a comeback in homeless street soccer – this time, playing like a 47-year-old.
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