Beyond the uniform: running for veterans

PB

30km - 3:10:14

Long run

This weeks long run was a massive 26km run. This run was conducted a few days after a week long sickness, I had to push myself mentally to attempt the run but knew that I needed to get this done to continue my marathon prep. To my suprise I set a new personal best during this run showing my training in full effect 

Please help me reach my goal

Seven years ago, I set out on a journey that would change me forever - I joined the Royal Australian Navy as a Boatswain’s Mate. After years of excitement and countless hours reading about the role I dreamed of, the day finally came to sign my life to the Defence Force and begin a new chapter. I still remember waving goodbye to my family as I sat on the bus to HMAS Cerberus with my new brothers and sisters.

What I didn’t know then was that from that day onwards, I would never again be the same young lad in the oversized suit at the selection centre…

While making lifelong friends during my service, I was fortunate enough to experience incredible moments, but naturally I also faced some very tough times. All of which have shaped me to who I am now. 

Across Australia, there are more than half a million veterans, many of whom face lasting mental, physical, and social challenges. 

Something I never understood growing up (and especially while serving), was how important it is to speak up about your feelings. Back then, I saw it as weakness - as if admitting I was struggling made me a failure or a burden. So, since day 1 I pushed everything aside and focused on “getting the job done”, no matter the cost. 

Looking back, I now know this wasn’t healthy. Nothing matters more than your health - especially your mental health. I’ve learned we are so much more than just another number, and we matter.

During and post service, it was a struggle to find guidance on how to deal with the mental toll service had taken. That weight nearly cost me my life, while successfully sadly costing many others their own, and only recently have I found ways to navigate and heal from that. 

This year, I’ve found peace in running. To date, I’ve ran over 555kms - a personal record! It’s given me time alone with myself, a way to push my body and prove to the voices in my head that I am stronger than ever. 

With thanks to this, on October 12th, I’ll be joining thousands of others in running the Nike Melbourne Marathon, which will be my first of many! 

I’m dedicating this run to raising money for past, present, and future brave service personnel who are fighting their own battles pre, during and post serving this beautiful country. I want them to know they are not alone, that they’re more than just a number, and that they always matter. 

With all this in mind, I’ve decided to raise funds for the Mates4Mates initiative, proudly part of RSL Queensland. Mates4Mates is one of Australia’s leading veteran charities, supporting current and ex-serving Defence Force members and their families impacted by service. Mates4Mates provides tailored services in mental health and physical rehabilitation, skills-based recovery programs, and social connection activities - to help our Defence community through whatever challenges they face. 

Any donation is truly appreciated, and will go a long way in helping reach our end goal of supporting our Defence Forces on a personal level. Thank you so much and see you on the G at the finish line! 

Luke