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Member Success Story – Martin Brett

running success

Running Success Story

G’day my name is Martin Brett; my dream has always been to participate in the Melbourne Marathon by the time I was 40. When I was at school running was something I enjoyed and I was part of the cross-country running team. I started working full-time and running was no longer a priority, however, the dream of completing the Marathon was still alive.   Although running wasn’t a priority I did continue playing footy until, on June 3rd 1995, my life completely changed. I was driving on a country road when a car came over a hill in the middle of the road hitting me head- on, with the driver’s side taking all the impact. I ended up in hospital for 2 weeks and unable to walk. I was married in September that same year,  still needing crutches however. During my time in rehabilitation my surgeon informed me – at the age of 27 – I was no longer able to participate in sport which included footy, golf and running. I was even advised to take extra care when walking on uneven ground.   Since my rehabilitation I have had 4 more operations, with the last being in 2015 which finally left me feeling pain free. The surgeon said the best form of rehab is to walk and swim so I joined PARC for the hot pool and swimming. Going to the pool regularly and building up my walking distance, I started to then get that competitive feeling back. In October 2016 I went to a friend’s house at about 4pm to her lying on the couch so I asked, “what’s wrong with you?” and her response was “I did the Melbourne Marathon today”. It was at that point I decided, I am going to do that next year!   I was told by a friend about ‘Parkrun’ and completed by first 5k event in 40 minutes, walking the whole distance. I have since completed an additional 50 events. Unfortunately I was unable to do the 2017 Marathon as I was still not fit enough. My physio told me the only way I would truly have a chance to participate is by joining the gym and build up my strength. In 2018, I upgraded my PARC membership to a complete membership and started my weight training.   Whilst going to the gym I discovered the PARC Fit run club. My fitness has improved so much that I can now complete the 5k in 23 minutes. On October 14th, 2018 – 11 years later than I had hoped – I completed the Melbourne Marathon.   Having achieved my dream of completing the Melbourne Marathon, I want to do it again and hopefully some other marathons around Australia. I want to keep running, whether it be 5k at Parkrun, PARC Fit running club or even a triathlon. Having come so far, I just want to stay active.

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Skate Jam is this Saturday! 🛹

Join the fun at our Family Fun Day this Saturday 9 May. Enjoy free skate clinics, skateboard and equipment hire, plus a community sausage sizzle!

When: Saturday 9 May 2025, 12.00pm – 3.00pm

Where: Frankston Skate Park

Open to all ages and abilities. Bookings for the skate clinics are open via the Skate Park Customer Portal.
Beat the cold with PARC Reformer!

This weather may be cooling down, but we certainly aren’t! Join one of our reformer classes in our state-of-the-art studio, and enjoy a class that’s perfect to get your body moving. Whether it’s led by one of our fabulous instructors, or a virtual session, there’s something for everyone! 

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Are you, or a loved one, having or had a baby this year? 👶🩵

Looking for some Mothers Day gift inspo... 
Why not gift a unique keepsake that grows more meaningful every year!

This Mother’s Day gift a timeless tribute of your loved one in the form of a tree and plaque at Rotary Peninsula 2.0’s 2026 Birth Tree. By participating in the Birth Tree, your contribution will go directly to funding Infant Can Swim water safety programs. 

Buy your Birth Tree name today via the link in our bio.
It's nearly that time of year again! 👀🥳

Our winter challenge is just around the corner! As the weather gets cooler, finding the motivation to move can be difficult. We want to support you in achieving your 30-20-2 during the winter months! 

Join the 30-20-2 Movement Challenge! All you need to do is grab a card from Reception, attend PARC 12 times over the four weeks of the challenge and you will go into the draw to win 1 of 50 limited edition PARC winter scarves.
 
Click the link in our bio to learn more.
Roll into action at Frankston Skate Park! 🛹 

Come on down for a fun filled afternoon at our Family Fun Day on Saturday 9 May. Enjoy free skate clinics, skateboard and equipment hire, plus a community sausage sizzle! 

When: Saturday 9 May 2025, 12.00pm – 3.00pm 

Where: Frankston Skate Park 

Open to all ages and abilities. Bookings for the skate clinics will be open via the Skate Park Customer Portal.
Have you been wondering why there's so many balloons in Centre? 🤔🎈

It's all part of our 30-20-2 launch! Pop past our membership area and pick up a free weekly activity tracker, and check out the beginner, intermediate and advanced workout sheets we have created 🏋️‍♀️

Let us know in the comments below how you've been doing you 30-20-2! 👇

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