Three teachers from Greymouth High School have taken up the challenge to walk the Athens Marathon this year. Following an inspirational talk from a group of Maori women from Christchurch six months ago, Teena Henderson, Rachelle Owen-Cooper and Tina Singer are making progress towards achieving their goal.
During the week, the group members train individually and then they complete a long walk together each Sunday, all making sure that they do some physical activity everyday.
The first milestone for the group is to complete the Buller half-marathon. "We will not walk the half marathon together but use walky talkies to keep in touch. This is a group goal, but all of us have different abilities and personal goals for this event."
The Wahine Pounamu group has experienced various challenges over the last six months. Initially it was hard to keep motivated, although their commitment to each other kept the ladies going. "We have now got to a stage where we would rather be physically active than sitting at home on the couch," they said.
After six months of training the group is experiencing the benefits of living the healthy, more active way of life. "I feel better within, sleep better and have got to the stage where I am itching to get out for a walk or go to exercise at the gym in my free time," commented Teena Henderson.
Teena, Rachelle and Tina have also become positive role models for their children, whanau and colleagues influencing them to follow suit with an active and healthy lifestyle.
Healthy Eating - Healthy Action (HEHA) Manager Kim Sinclair applauds the Wahine Pounamu group for their vision and commitment to living healthier lives and walking the talk for West Coasters. "It is fantastic to see this group of women supporting each other in their quest to walk the Athens Marathon. They are truly giving it 110 percent."
For more information please contact
Bryan Jamieson
Community Liaison Officer
West Coast DHB
PO Box 387
Greymouth 7840
Phone (DDI): (03) 769-7665
Mobile: 027 245-9595
Email: