From ciggies to fitness
A typical Kiwi bloke says several inspiring women have been his inspiration to fast-track his way back to good health and raise almost $2500 for the Heart Foundation along the way.
And when the Auckland man crossed the finish line in the Rotorua to Whakatane Cycle Race on Saturday, he sought out one person – his wife Cheryl.
West Auckland’s Tim Arlott says his attendance at a Heart Foundation event late last year prompted his very own change of heart, which is one of the reasons he battled for three hours and 22 minutes on into a fierce headwind on Saturday.
After contending with a 5am start and a flat tyre part way through the race which cost him eight minutes, he completed the 100km journey.
"At times my speed was down to 15km/h on the flat because the headwind was so strong but overall we averaged 27km/h and finished halfway down the field," says Tim.
"I was at the launch of the ‘Go Red for Women’ campaign last year, which is basically a heart disease awareness programme for women, and I was just stunned at what I heard from the speakers including the patron Jenny Shipley.
"I walked out of there realising my life needed an overhaul and it all started from there. The Rotorua to Whakatane Cycle Race is really just the start for me, because although I did a similar event a few years back I fell down on continued commitment."
In fact, the 45-year-old says his mission is now three-fold.
"Number one is turning my health and fitness around, so I’ve ditched the smokes, I’m eating well and I’m also exercising regularly. I plan to sort my weight out. Right now I’m 103kg but I plan to be 90kg and stay there.
"But I also want to raise at least $3000 for the Heart Foundation, so I’ve registered as a Heart Racer which means my friends, family and colleagues can sponsor me on-line.
Adding something of a competitive note to the event is news that a work colleague from Jennian Homes has just raised over $4,000 as a Heart Racer.
"Obviously I’d like to beat the guy but even if I can raise awareness of the risks of cardiovascular disease (the leading killer of New Zealanders), then I’ve achieved something. Speaking to the Heart Foundation, it seems that there are a whole lot of things we can all do to improve our health and prolong our lives."
Yet it seems Tim’s work/life balance remains a major challenge and he suggests more people need to be mindful of that trend.
"Cheryl and I run Jennian Homes Auckland West and it’s pretty full-on at times, so I really have to discipline myself to get out on the road cycling and training. We all have to make the time if we’re serious about our health."
And Tim says the fundraising effort of another West Aucklander, Dezma McGregor, is spurring him on also. She plans to raise $50,000 for the Heart Foundation.
"What Dezma is doing is just fantastic and if I can do my bit and benefit at the same time then I’ll be stoked."
Tim says his next major challenge will be the ‘Round Taupo 160km Cycle Challenge’ in November, with a few other distance events over winter as part of his training regime.
Click here to view Tim Arlott's Fundraising page.
