28-year-old Justin Weston has experienced the darkness of depression. He’s also experienced the light of recovery; a recovery built through health and fitness.
As a child Justin was bullied. He lost his father during his teen years. He dropped out of university after failing some papers, then found a job he loved as a builder — but again discovered that career path wasn’t going to fulfil his hopes for his future. He was lost.
“I was staring at the ceiling every night, thinking, ‘Is this it? Is this all I’m going to be?’ and then I started falling into drugs and alcohol,” Justin says.
One morning, after a particularly heavy night out, Justin had the realisation that he needed to take control of his future, and the only way to do that was to prioritise his mental health and wellbeing.
Justin told his boss he was going to create a new life plan and would be leaving the job in a year’s time. He admitted he’d been unhappy for a couple of years, and gone to some dark places but, as someone driven by ambition, he was setting himself a new goal to become a personal trainer.
Personal training isn’t just my passion; it’s also my purpose. I believe health and fitness saved my life and I want to help other people live their best lives.
The alcohol and drugs were gone — replaced with gym workouts, water, good nutrition, self-development books, and running.
Then, while watching TV he saw a blind runner complete a marathon. In that moment, Justin set himself a new, audacious goal: to run the Auckland Marathon blindfolded.
“I thought about how running without sight is like a journey of mental distress. You have to put your faith in someone that they're going to get you to the finish line, despite all the bumps and curves on the road. So, I decided I was going to do the marathon blindfolded to symbolise that journey of mental distress.”
That “someone” was his close mate Pita Tupou, who not only stood by Justin during his mental distress journey, but then took on the role of running guide, which also meant training for his first marathon.
“I think Pita had the harder job,” Justin says with a laugh. “He had to keep his wits about him to make sure I didn’t trip or fall, and we were doing great in the 42km event — until the very last few metres, when I stumbled right before the finish line,” Justin laughs.
Justin reflects on the isolation he felt during his darkest moments, mistakenly believing he’d burden others by sharing his distress.
Without my team around me — my wife and my mates — I wouldn’t be here. They’ve helped me through the hardest times. I’ve learned how important it is to say, ‘I’m not doing so well right now’, and to trust the people who love you.
Justin also used the marathon to raise almost $13,000 for the Mental Health Foundation, supporting our efforts to encourage and empower people to practise the simple, daily activities we can all do to look after our mental health and wellbeing — such as being connected and keeping active.
Running blindfolded was about showing people that even when you can’t see the road ahead, with the right support, you can reach your goals.
Justin and Pita completed the 42 kilometre Auckland Marathon in 4 hours, 53 minutes. While they weren't the fastest participants, they proved that even in our darkest moments, lighter times are within reach when you lean on others and take bold steps forward.
Inspired? You can make your own Move For Mental Health fundraiser. Simply click the button below, and we'll be with you every step of the way.
Not only will you be moving for your own mental health, but the funds you raise will help make Aotearoa a place where everyone can enjoy positive mental health and wellbeing.
