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Ross Niven

My Activity Tracking

218
kms

My target 200 kms

I'm Clocking K’s for R U OK?

This July, I am joining two of my colleagues from the Wings Peer Support Program, Kris and Dan, for K’s for R U OK? to stay connected, develop healthy habits and help to create a world where we're connected and protected from suicide. 

Each week I'll be consistent in clocking  in as I walk and skate to help start more life-changing conversations. 

By donating to my page or our team page you are helping R U OK? provide free, essential resources to schools, workplaces, families, and communities across Australia. Giving them the tools and confidence to spot the signs and to start a conversation that could change the life of someone who's struggling. 

By inspiring people to take the time to ask “Are you OK?” and listen, we can help people struggling with life to feel connected long before they even think about suicide.

Thank you so much for your support!

Please Support My K's for R U OK?

Raised

$463

My Goal

$350

Select amount to donate

$25
Can help provide free R U OK? activity packs for primary schools.
$55
Can help give an R U OK? Workplace Champion the resources to create an R U OK? Culture in their workplace.
$100
Can help train an R U OK? Community Ambassador to share their experiences with communities, workplaces and schools.
$200
All donations help give everyday people the tools and confidence to look out for their mates and ask "Are you ok?"

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My Achievements

My Updates

28 Days in...

Saturday 29th Jul
I hit my 200km goal today, but with 3 days remaining, it doesn't mean its over! Now, it's just a matter of seeing how far I can go. Probably not much more haha. 

I thought I'd talk about the personal effects of this challenge. 
Other than raising money for an amazing cause, I did have some personal goals. The main one being to lose a little weight. 

I have battled my weight for years and it has been something that has fluctuated depending on my mental health. It's made me a target since high school (though I wasn't remotely overweight then). For a long time, I had an unhealthy relationship with food. Sometimes, I still do. I even had a passenger at work bark at me, 'You need to lose weight!'. That was 11 years ago and it's never left me. Have I lost weight in this challenge? I'm not sure, I haven't weighed myself. My work pants don't fit properly, so maybe I have firmed up a bit, but I found other changes more significant.

I have found myself much happier, calmer and energetic - more positive across the board. I was buoyed by the donations and messages initially and that got me out the door. Eventually, I felt like I'd be missing out if I DIDN'T get out for a walk!  I've been listening to my body a lot more too, rather than fighting against it. If the want for a walk struck me, I went. Morning, noon or night. The distance didn't matter, the action did. 

As 'Ks for RUOK?' draws to a close, I have locked in the next challenge. A doozie of a walk  in October, shared with a very special group of people for a very special cause!  Stay tuned for that one ;) 

I'll pull up stumps on this one now, but I want to send massive 'Thank you's' to:

Emma, Zofia and Seamus: For all of the support, motivation, laughs, love and hugs. You made this challenge so much easier for me by supporting me and helping me find the time to complete the 200kms. My favourite people - Love you. 

Tricia: My walking buddy and true crime cohort. Thank you for keeping me entertained and flippantly agreeing to do big walks.  October will be a blast! Better find a bakery at the half way mark ;) 

To all the people that donated:  I am all too aware that the cost of living right now means every cent matters. That you supported me and donated to R.U.O.K? means so much more than you could imagine. You all get a hug from me when I see you next.

To everyone that supported me and the team: Thank you. The messages, conversations, questions, interest and support have been so humbling. 

If you ever need support, please reach out. Always on your side. 

BIG LOVE AND HUGS TO YOU ALL :) 

Ten days in...

Monday 10th Jul
Bit of a tough week. I managed to get some quality walks in on days 9 and 10, but struggled a bit with work. All good! Whilst there is an end goal, I'm happy just get active. 

My wireless headphones died halfway through my walk the other day, which forced me to listen to my surrounds. Hearing the waves lap the shore/rocks, the birds chirping, the chatter of other walkers/runners/cyclists, really drove home the importance of being present. The crispness of the morning air seemed to really enhance this experience. 

At the turning point, I stopped and stood looking out at the calm ocean for 10 minutes or so. Meditative, for sure, but more so I was grateful to just be present. 

Still...I need new headphones! ;)

Three days in...

Monday 3rd Jul
G'day Fam, 

I thought it might be interesting to Blog my journey with this challenge, but rather than blog every day, just do blocks of days. Do you all really need to hear about me nearly keeling over every day? Nope!  

I'm 3 days into the challenge. Buoyed by people that have donated and messaged, it's been a good start and very humbling. It's a cause very close to my heart, having battled with depression, anxiety and PTSD.  I never like to say 'suffer from', because it's a fight. Sometimes we advance, sometimes it advances...but we always battle. 

A bi-product of my mental illness dance has been weight fluctuation...though mostly up haha...and that's how I deal with my  weight: humour.  Truth is, it has bothered me for years. From middle school bullying to having a passenger at work tell me 'You need to lose weight!'.  Couple that with walking the mental health fault line and it can be detrimental to say the least. 

And so 'K's For RUOK?' popped up for me!

This Challenge is a wonderful way to raise money for a wonderful cause, instigate lifestyle changes, open the channels of communication and do it all as a team. I am super excited about it!

As always, thank you for your support and have a brilliant day!

Big love and hugs to you. 

Thank you to my Sponsors

$105.50

Jennifer Niven

❤️

$100

Kevin Mcphee

You are a legend and doing things like this is why! Love ya brother. Thank you for looking out for those around, including me.

$58.02

Margaret

Great cause! GO FOR IT!!

$58.02

Simon Armstrong

$52.75

Geoff Collis

$26.38

Teresa Lefebvre

$26

Kylie Adams

Great cause Ross! Well done!

$25

Tricia Nicholls

Amazing work Ross, it’s been a pleasure doing some of these km’s with you!

$11

Bonnie Poompan

Happy to donate 😀

Our Team