For Deborah Heroldt of Bryanston, love is a complicated affair, yet when it comes to what she loves about life that is simple. Her children, being healthy and fit and trail running are her three true loves.

So many people celebrated Valentine’s Day this week by showering the one they love with gifts but for those of us without a significant other it may have been just another day, another year. As a mother of three children, Deborah is currently going through a painful divorce after 15 years of marriage and admits she would rather don on a pair of running shoes and hit the road or a nearby trail to shower herself with the best Valentine’s Day gift any girl could ask for, self-esteem. 

“One year ago, I was 21 kilograms over-weight. I was a stay-at-home mom and after dedicating all my love, time and energy to home schooling my kids for more than four years I, like so many mothers and wives, lost sight of whom I was. While the 14th of February means red roses and chocolates for so many women, it signifies the day I regained control of my life. I managed to lose the 21 kilograms by following a healthy eating plan and incorporating regular exercise into my life. I also discovered my new love for running, especially trail running,” says Deborah.

“So many people ask me how I did it and are amazed at my dedication, which really gives me the boost I need to continue sticking to my goals. On Valentine’s Day last year a friend of mine made me promise to join her at an outdoor fitness programme for women called Adventure Boot Camp. I reluctantly went along and have never looked backed. I remember buying myself a promise ring to be a constant reminder to never forget myself in any decision I make in the future and to always give myself the time I deserve. Every woman needs to love herself before she can love others. Being active and fit again is an amazing feeling and there is no way I am ever turning back again. Since joining Adventure Boot Camp I’m able to give more of myself, as I’m now healthier and fit. It’s fantastic to see how much less frustrated and irritated I am.”

“Getting up every day at 04h30 especially through winter in the dark is not easy, but neither is losing weight and getting fit. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication. For me tipping the scales at 80kg was enough to send me over the edge. I had very little self-esteem; I was self-conscious and never felt comfortable in my clothes or in my skin for that matter. I had been very sporty and active at school but I don’t think I was able to run a lap around a sports field when I started. It was tough! I would get home each morning drenched in sweat and wondering how I was going to make it through the day. I was permanently stiff for the first three boot camps. I took short cuts on squats and my knees reminded me about that constantly. By the third camp my knees started healing but then the shin splints started. I eventually went and bought new running shoes and searched the net for exercises to strengthen the muscles that affect shin splints. By the fifth boot camp I was in a comfort zone. There was the occasional set of muscles that ached for a few days, nothing like the first few camps, but I was already hooked and missing a day was not even an option.”

“I have just completed my 11th boot camp and ABC is a way of life for me. I have gone from size 14 to 10 and lost 130cm over my entire body. I have also started running trail runs on the weekends and love every minute of it. I know that I can do anything that I set my mind to. I know this because I have turned my life around! There is not much in life that is worthwhile, that does not come at a price, but this was a price well worth paying!

My advice to other women looking for love is to start from within. Know who you are, set your goals and never give up. Consistent small changes will make a huge difference over time.

For info about Adventure Boot Camp visit www.AdventureBootCamp.co.za or call 021 447 27 46.

Written by Gwen Sparks on behalf of Debra Haroldt. For more information please contact Gwen on 083 443 0019.