Kim Steven - Marathon Man

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I’m 58 years old, been a police officer for 36 years and currently Detective Inspector at Devonport CIB.

I consider myself fortunate to have been pretty healthy all my life, to date. I have also kept regular appointments with my GP. I played Aussie Rules football until I was nearly 40 years old and then took up running to try to keep fit.

I’ve been a member of the Professional Cross Country Club of Tasmania (PCCCT) for about 20 years. PCCCT is a running club that is based on the NW Coast and is open and welcoming to anyone with a common interest. The club organises races from March to September. The races vary in distance from 5km to Marathon length and are time handicapped, so anyone can win.

When I first started with the club, I hadn’t run over 10km. I slowly increased the distances until I was able to complete my first marathon in 2004. It was then that I first discovered “The Wall” at the 32km mark. “Hitting the wall” an apt description of the depletion of your body’s stored glycogen and the feeling of fatigue that follows. For me that meant a physical and mental battle to push on, to run, walk or stumble, one foot in front of the other, knowing the immense emotional feeling of achievement when crossing the line at the end (and maybe partaking in a cold beverage or two).

I have since completed 16 marathons. 3 in Tasmania, 1 in Perth WA, 1 at Gold Coast, 1 in Prague in 2013 and recently (2/10/22) I finished my 10th Melbourne Marathon, finishing them all in under 4hrs but having to battle the mind games of “The Wall” on every single one of them!

I am now a Melbourne Marathon Spartan, a title only given to individuals who have completed 10 or more Melbourne Marathons (it should be noted that there are 3 people who have completed all 43 marathons!).

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Why do I run?

I run to keep physically fit. To help me to keep up with my 3 grandchildren!

I feel like I can solve many of the world’s (or at least my own) problems whilst out on a 2-hour run, so in essence it also gives me clarity in my thoughts. It helps to keep me mentally well to enable me to continue to do the job I do. Anecdotally, there is plenty of evidence of the mental health benefits of running and exercise in general.

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**Why do I run Marathons? **

I love the personal challenge to the body and the mind; it’s amazing what the body can achieve! Running a marathon requires training and discipline to keep going when the going gets tough, however that sense of achievement when crossing the finishing line, is something quite special.

Speaking of special, there is nothing like doing a lap inside the MCG to finish the Melbourne Marathon, treading the turf 1 week after the AFL grand final was played there! (In 2019 I was able to follow the steps of my beloved Tigers star Dusty when he won the Norm Smith Medal).

Preparation is key. I have been lucky to not receive any long-term injuries, however, to assist my recovery, I participate in yoga classes once a week and get a massage once a month (treat yourself, they are well worth it).

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Food for Fuel?

It is not just running that contributes to my wellbeing. I am very fortunate that my wife, Luanne, who happens to be a medical educator, has educated me on the importance of healthy eating habits. These are some of her key tips:

1. Reducing salt has major benefits to your cardiovascular health - only use it for making kids play dough. Use reduced salt sauces, beans and pasta tomato sauces. Himalayan salt is still 99% salt, and all salt increases your blood pressure.

2. Beer and wine can be loaded with calories per glass - substitute these with a spirit and diet cordial, or even extra virgin cocktails... No alcohol no sugar. Remember fruit juice is loaded with sugar and those fruit boxes can have 10 teaspoons of sugar. The food regulator in Australia have just rated diet cola better for you than fruit juice!

3. Watch your portion sizes. Eat less - it may help to buy some smaller dinner plates. Eat more tin fish, sardines and beans with salad for lunch. CSIROs Total Wellbeing Diet has great recipes for eating healthy.

4. Look after your bones - ensure you have enough low fat/skim dairy serves per day for your age (see your web browser).

5. Avoid pastry (sausage rolls pies, Biscuits) unless you are on holiday in France. Frittata is a better choice.

To prove that healthy food tastes good, why don’t you spoil yourself with an Extra Virgin Mojito

• Lime juice
• Lime pieces
• Mint leaves bruised by twisting
• Diet solo
• Diet lemonade
• Ice

I highly recommend taking up a sport or an activity that can help to keep you active. It may also be something that can help you connect with family or friends, outside of your workplace.

It is never too late to start!

Kim.