This entry was posted on Monday, November 4th, 2013at 2:49 pm by zoe.leahy@activenation.org.uk

Active Nation Helped Paul’s Fight Back To Fitness

When he left the Army Paul Petty vowed never to do any exercise again, but after joining Active Nation’s Yarborough Leisure Centre he is hoping to complete  five triathlons and a Half Ironman competition next year. How times have changed!

The father-of-three says all of this is only possible thanks to the support of his family.

Paul said: “It all started 4 maybe 5 years ago when my wife signed me up at the Active Nation gym at Yarborough Leisure Centre as she knew I wasn’t happy with my health.

“After leaving the Army in 1994 I promised myself never to exercise again, what a massive mistake that was. I had lost some good, close friends while serving and it took me a few years to get myself back on track. In fact, this was only possible thanks to the help and support of my family.

“I tried so many different gyms before, but nothing worked as I had no incentive. Active Nation changed all that – many thanks to Mark, Danny, Rick and the rest of the gym staff.”

The 43-year-old now works at James Dawsons in Lincoln. He added: “I needed to choose a challenge that would test my physical and psychological strength and stamina I decided to try a 1.5km open water swim, 40km bike ride and a 10k run – a Triathlon.

“At the time this idea was conceived it sounded great, however I was sat in a pub slightly drunk. I was not a good swimmer, and could not run and did not have a bike never mind being overweight. It has taken me some time to get to a standard of fitness to then be able to start a triathlon training program.”

 This year Paul completed 2 sprint triathlons and raised £500 for Help For Heroes by completing an  Olympic distance triathlon. Not content with that, he already has his sights on the London triathlon plus 4 sprint triathlons and 1 Half Ironman in 2014.

“I have met some extraordinary people on this journey and look forward to next year. Everyone needs a goal, once you know what that is never loose sight of it. Start with small steps first and give yourself a pat on the back when you archive. That’s what I do.”