We Found Happiness Through Fitness
Essentials|August 2016

Sometimes just getting active can make a difference to your body and your mind, as these four women discovered...

We Found Happiness Through Fitness

‘Running made me feel more like my old self’

AMY TARA HARRINGTON, 28, IS AN OFFICE MANAGER. SHE LIVES WITH HER HUSBAND, NICHOLAS, AND ONE-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER, TAYLA.

When I was at school, I played every sport going – soccer, hockey, dancing – being active was a huge part of my childhood. I’d always dreamed of doing the Comrades Marathon, because my dad had done it twice – I thought it would be amazing if we could do it together one day. Sadly, a serious knee injury put a stop to my dad’s running days, but I decided if I couldn’t run the race with my dad, that I’d run it for him.

I began training with a group of friends, and I was well on my way to achieving my goal, when I found out I was pregnant. Of course my husband and I were thrilled that we were going to become parents, but this news did mean that the Comrades would have to wait.

As much joy as Tayla brought us when she was born, being a new mom was stressful – but I knew that running would help me feel like my old self once again. My first run was tough, but soon enough I got back into the swing of things; I recently even did my first half marathon.

Running has had such a positive effect on my life, and I’m convinced it’s made me a better mom – I’m more energetic and healthier than I have ever been, and exercising on my own gives me the ‘me-time’ I crave. I’m still hoping to run the Comrades next year, and I can’t wait to see the pride and happiness in my dad’s eyes when I cross that finish line.

‘Taking dance lessons together has improved our marriage'

TAMARA JANE OBERHOLSTER, 31, IS A FREELANCE WRITER. SHE LIVES WITH HER HUSBAND, JOSIAS

Esta historia es de la edición August 2016 de Essentials.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición August 2016 de Essentials.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE ESSENTIALSVer todo
Find Balance In A Wired World
Essentials

Find Balance In A Wired World

Tech was supposed to make life easier, but have our days got more, not less, pressured? Here’s how to reclaim your time and your sanity by managing your online habits

time-read
4 minutos  |
June 2020
Essentials

Food To Boost Your Mood

Are you feeling stressed out or lacking energy? Turns out can eat your way to happiness

time-read
1 min  |
June 2020
Are You Eating Your Emotions?
Essentials

Are You Eating Your Emotions?

Lots of us reach for food when we’re down, stressed or tired. Here’s why we do it – and how to break the cycle, fast!

time-read
5 minutos  |
June 2020
‘I dream of having A VINEYARD'
Essentials

‘I dream of having A VINEYARD'

AWARD-WINNING ACTRESS SCARLETT JOHANSSON ON PLAYING COMPLEX FEMALE CHARACTERS, RAISING HER DAUGHTER AND CO-PARENTING AFTER A DIVORCE

time-read
4 minutos  |
June 2020
MEAL MAKEOVER 'FRIED' CHICKEN
Essentials

MEAL MAKEOVER 'FRIED' CHICKEN

MEAL MAKEOVER 'FRIED' CHICKEN

time-read
2 minutos  |
June 2020
FOCUS ON AVOIDING GERMS
Essentials

FOCUS ON AVOIDING GERMS

Staying well has become our biggest priority. Fight the nasties with this expert insight

time-read
4 minutos  |
June 2020
HOW DO YOU FIND LOVE IN THE MIDDLE OF A GLOBAL PANDEMIC?
Essentials

HOW DO YOU FIND LOVE IN THE MIDDLE OF A GLOBAL PANDEMIC?

Life as we know it has changed – with social distancing and curfews putting nights out on hold, we find out if romance is off the table, too

time-read
4 minutos  |
June 2020
DITCH THE GUILT FOR GOOD
Essentials

DITCH THE GUILT FOR GOOD

Are you carrying remorse, regret and guilt around with you? You’re not alone...

time-read
3 minutos  |
June 2020
DON'T TELL ME I CAN'T LAUNCH MY OWN BUSINESS AGED 40
Essentials

DON'T TELL ME I CAN'T LAUNCH MY OWN BUSINESS AGED 40

BUSY MOM LUCY PARLEY WANTED TO EMBRACE HER CREATIVITY

time-read
3 minutos  |
June 2020
Don't Tell Me I Can't: Rediscover My Childhood Hobby
Essentials

Don't Tell Me I Can't: Rediscover My Childhood Hobby

Esther Wane realised it was a shame to leave her talents in the past

time-read
3 minutos  |
April 2020