Anna Jamieson is tackling 7 Ocean Swims this season after tackling a medical condition during covid lockdowns. You can read her story about not giving up and taking on new challenges below- We can’t wait to see you out there smashing your goals Anna!
About two and a half years ago I was diagnosed with liver disease- it was during covid and I’d been drinking a lot, working long hours, and not eating well. I immediately gave up drinking alcohol (2nd July 2020, but who’s counting 🤣). That was quite a thing because my people are party people. What’s awesome is they’re still my people. And I still can party with them, with no alcohol- who knew!! Eventually, I was diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis- so it wasn’t just the alcohol, but my liver is so damaged I will never drink again.
Anyway long story short: Medication and walking saved my life; eating well and swimming gave me my health back. I lost 35 kg, and in the last year, I have run my first ever 10k, half marathon, and the Round Rarotonga road race. At the same time, I’ve done a lot of traveling around the country visiting and walking in the most spectacular places- it’s been like living in a postcard.
This year’s challenge is ocean swims. I bought a wetsuit the day after I got back from Rarotonga. Got back in the pool after about a year off and swam in the Beach to Bay four weeks later.
My message(s)
- Take responsibility for your own health- do what the doctors say. Ask questions; educate yourself on your condition; understand how you can help yourself.
- Encouragement and support really help. Don’t underestimate the impact of an encouraging remark. A well-meaning kick-in-the-arse can be risky, but sometimes it works 😂
- Don’t take your health for granted: Don’t ignore symptoms; treat your body with respect.
- Have fun. Take the opportunity to make memories.
I am grateful every day for my health and for being able to do the things I do.
