Running and walking are routines for 49 year old Michelle Cameron. Most mornings she fits in a 30 minute walk before work, then on Saturday’s it’s parkrun day!
Michelle and her husband Mark moved to Echuca from Ballarat in 2017. They’ve been doing parkrun since it started in Ballarat around four years ago. Michelle has completed over 165 parkruns, a sure sign that she is consistent!
Michelle’s parkrun record is around 36 minutes, and while she loves a “personal best” running is about putting one foot in front of the other. She always feels better after doing parkrun no matter the time.
In addition to her daily walk and weekly parkrun Michelle works out in their home gym most nights.
Michelle has a focus on nutrition and fitness as she is wanting to do all she can to maintain her strength.
In 2006 Michelle noticed some weakness in her left leg and originally thought she had pulled a muscle. Then she experienced blurry vision in her left eye which she had investigated at the optometrist. She was referred to an ophthalmologist and after that was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
A few years later Michelle signed up to do the Tough Bloke Challenge in Melbourne. This was her motivation to start running as she needed to be able to run at least five kms.
Starting with the Couch to 5 km training program she prepared herself for the challenging obstacle course.
Michelle said she got covered in mud and had to do “all these ridiculous things!” It must have been fun as Michelle has done the Tough Bloke Challenge twice!
Michelle has always loved walking. She finds that walking is kinder on her body than running.
Michelle is on medication to slow the MS, which involves an injection three times a week. She finds that the MS makes her muscles fatigue a lot quicker than they would otherwise, and she knows when she’s done too much.
Michelle explained that it was a very difficult time when she was first diagnosed and it took time to process. However she wants others to understand that it’s not the end of the world and that there are other things that could be worse.
Her word of encouragement to people reading her story is “Just do it!”
