For SPHC physiotherapist Jack, completing the Gold Coast Half Marathon was about more than just clocking up kilometres — it was a return to running form after years of setbacks.
“Before signing up for this race I hadn’t run that far since I was at uni,” he says. “Which is a long time ago now… There have been a lot of injuries over that time, so getting my body right and being able to complete the race while still feeling good was a big win.”
Jack not only crossed the finish line, but he also hit a personal milestone.
“Even though I’d done the training, you never quite know how you will feel on race day, especially towards the end. It felt great to be able to run a bit quicker than expected and gives me a lot of confidence to set some more ambitious goals in the future.”
As a physio, Jack knows the value of consistent training — but preparing for this event reminded him of just how powerful that consistency can be.
“One of the biggest parts of this was to set aside the ego, stop chasing quick improvements, and run most of my runs slow and easy,” he says. “I went from being someone who would get niggles or injuries running 20km per week, to being able to run 50+km per week consistently and perform better as a result.”
Reflecting on the day itself, Jack says the atmosphere made it a standout experience.
“There was a real buzz as soon as you arrived… seeing the elite runners pass us on their way back to the finish as well as seeing those people at the very back of the pack trying their guts out to finish before the cutoff time were both inspiring.”
Congratulations Jack – we are all so proud of you!
Whether you are a seasoned runner, or just starting out, the team at SPHC are here to provide all the support you need. Ask our friendly reception staff about our Running Assessments today. Call to book on 07 3869 1099 or BOOK ONLINE.