40kg weight loss: From 5km runs to ultra-marathons

IN LITTLE over a year Shaun Cavanough turned his life around. The Toowoomba father has dropped 40kg - going from a 5km park run to ultra-marathon enthusiast.

RUNNING MAN: Shaun Cavanough competes in the 2019 Ultra-Trail Australia 100 - a 100km ultra marathon across the Blue Mountains. Picture: Sportograf

IN LITTLE over a year Shaun Cavanough has turned his life around.

The 41-year-old Toowoomba father of two has dropped 40kg - going from a 5km park run to an ultra-marathon enthusiast.

Mr Cavanough, who laced up for his first parkrun event in February last year, recently completed the 2019 Ultra-Trail Australia 100 - a 100km race across the Blue Mountains.

"I did my first 5km parkrun in February last year and I weighed around 125kg," Mr Cavanough said.

Shaun Cavanough with a photo that motivates him during his running. Picture: Contributed

"My goal was to lose weight, get healthy and set a good example for my daughters; they mean a lot to me.

"Straight away I enjoyed the challenge of running - it really tests you mentally and you learn a lot about yourself.

"I found that every time I ran I wanted to go that little bit further to test myself more.

"By the end of the year I was doing some ultra-marathon races."

Now 40kg lighter, Mr Cavanough said he was enjoying life more but his motivation remains the same.

"When you sign up for these events there's a mandatory list of gear you have to have when you race," he said.

"Wet weather gear, a compass, first aid - that sort of stuff.

"I also had photos of my daughters and a few videos on my phone from loved ones.

"When things got tough when I thought about quitting I looked to those things to remember why I was there.

"Everyone is out there for their own reasons - no one is racing for the money or prestige - it's a personal journey.

"It's very sociable as well. When you come across another runner you help them out if they need it.

Mr Cavanough's next big race will be an ultra-marathon in New Zealand.

Originally published as 40kg weight loss: From 5km runs to ultra-marathons