Cameron Smith

"In January this year I embarked on a life changing experience, my initial thought was to get fit enough for the rugby refereeing season and run a half marathon with a mate and lose a few kgs at the same time. after a few runs and challenge laid done by with another mate we decided to step up the anti and committed to run the Tarawera 50 km in November this year. In February the opportunity arose to join Air New Zealand's activate 100 program. This program introduced me to Gilly and this is where my real transformation began. Firstly, I was struck by Gilly's absolute positivity both to his role and in the encouragement he provided in that initial session. Gilly challenged the goals I had set for myself and with his encouragement we set higher goals right from day one. I was looking to break 100kgs, he set the target at 95kgs.
 
When I started in January I was 112kgs, at the commencement of the program 4 weeks later Weight was 109.7kgs. I was on Statins for high cholesterol with moderate blood pressure. Throughout the process I was able to ask Nic questions on specifics relating to my training and diet, in particular about options for training foods and supplements. He always answered my emails often with extra information about a supplier of the brand I was enquiring about.
 
In early June we met again to assess my progress, Nic's remarks about how well I had done and what a transformation I had made were so genuine and positive. My weight then was 103.8kgs and I have since stabilised just under 93kgs, a total loss of 19kgs in 8 months. I took myself off the Statins and my cholesterol is now well within the normal range with good ratios and my blood pressure now sits at 110/68. Through researching my old medical records I was able find my weight had not been under 100kgs for the past 20 years and had not been at my present weight since 1989 (26 years ago).
 
Gilly included me in his team for the obstacle challenge at the end of the activate 100 program, I considered this an honour and was again able to see how well he motivates people as we and other teams went through the course. While we did not win this year our ultra-competitive natures will ensure we give it a great crack next year, bring it on.
 
As part of my training I have completed 3 half marathons, Tauranga on-road, The Dual on Rangitoto and Waharau super-long course trail running in the Hinuas. My training continues and I will complete the Kinloch off-road marathon in early September as part of the build up to Tarawera 50 km. Running and loving it especially since I'm not carrying the extra weight of a small child around.
 
In summary do I think I would have got to this point on my own, an emphatic No! Gilly provided the tools and extra motivation I needed to push me into this new territory, I do not ever remember feeling this fit in my life. While Nic might say I did the hard work, it was a real team effort and I can honestly say it is a privilege to have Gilly on my team. Thanks."
 
The man formally nicknamed SWAMO (Stomach With A Man On)

Cameron Smith