The family that plays together…

Posted on 24 March, 2015

“I love the determination my boys show. I love being able to help them conquer fears, overcome obstacles both physical and mentally and best of all, I love the look on their faces when they have achieved something big.”

The family that plays together, stays together. It’s an old saying, but so true. One of the best things you can do together – with each other, with your kids – is get out and get active. And with Operation Blackhawk coming up this weekend there’s never been a better time.

Not only is there a 7km ‘Battlefield Challenge’ with over 40 obstacles for adults, but there’s ‘Australia’s most epic kids obstacle mud run, the HerCanberra KiddyHawk!’ Yep, I was so excited, I agreed to sponsor it

In the lead up to the event, I caught up with Yvette Walker, who is somewhat of a veteran of competing in all sorts of fitness events with her five boys (her hubby and sons aged six, seven, 15 and 17 years).

I met Yvette in the (sadly, no longer) FitMums, where we did our first ever Zumba class together. Five years on, we’re both qualified instructors and Yvette has gone on to be a staff member at Curves – in addition to her inspirational work in the NICU at The Canberra Hospital. She’s lost over 10 kgs, become strong, healthy and loves to run.

Here’s what she had to say.

Tell me about your first obstacle race? Was it by yourself or part of a team? What did you love/hate about it? How did you get into it (willingly or roped in)?

My first obstacle race was the ‘Big’ one. Tough Mudder 2012. I did it willingly (although slightly scared), with the amazing mums from the former group FitMums and loved every gruelling, muddy, crazy minute. Our team was the Tough Mummas and we wore Yummy Mummy pink ‘Gs’ on the outside. Funnily enough, it was the token male on the team who received the most compliments.

I loved the challenge, I had never done anything like this and to be a part of Tough Mudder during its first year in Australia was awesome. I actually don’t think there was anything I hated about it.

How many events have you and your family done together? What were they?

Call of the Beast was our first obstacle race as a family, although we had done various runs such as The Mothers Day Classic, Color Run and Color Me Rad. My boys were cheering on the sidelines at Miss Muddy when I headed up a team of 31 ladies. I’m excited that Tough Mudder 2016 could be my third Tough Mudder event but my first with my (soon to be) 18 year old son.

What do you love about participating in these events with your family?

I love having shared the experience with them, I think with many of these activities you only really know the buzz and rush once you’ve done it. I love the determination my boys show. I love being able to help them conquer fears, overcome obstacles both physical and mentally and best of all, I love the look on their faces when they have achieved something big.

Are your boys proud of you?

I hope my boys and husband are proud of me. And yes, they do often tell me they are. Just as I am proud of them.  I am so proud to have four healthy, gorgeous, caring, and amazingly loyal sons. I love my special position in our family as the Mum and only female.

Want to give Operation Blackhawk a go?

You can find out all the details here and register at www.operationblackhawk.com, but hurry – it’s almost sold out!

The essentials

What: Operation Blackhawk
When: Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 March 2015
Where: Paintball Sports, Pialligo Avenue, Pialligo
How much: $85, $20 for kids
Register: www.operationblackhawk.com