I was recently involved in producing a video featuring one of our long time GPs, Dr Sheetal Karande. To wrap up the video I asked her to offer her 3 top health tips. And, they were as one could perhaps anticipate – diet, sleep and exercise. However, with one twist. Sheetal didn’t say exercise, she said “move”. We’ve got to keep moving. That was Friday.
Then on Sunday it was time for me to rock up to one of the “fun runs” I usually do, Connor’s Run. About 9km from St Kilda to Melbourne city ending on the banks of the Yarra near the boat sheds. That morning, for something different, I copied my wife and ate breakfast before running. Just Weetbix and a banana. Usually, I just have a banana before a run. Did it give me an edge?
Sadly not. During the run, I was going ok at the start, but then come the 7km mark, I got a stitch. My wife and friends ran ahead. Eventually, I hobbled over the finish line, not too far back, but enough to bruise my ego. And, clutching my guts, I felt horrible. And I admitted quietly to myself, it was more than just the stich.
I had been running about two to three times a week up till then. However, this year I started feeling pretty ordinary. I got reflux which I don’t usually get. I started to have headaches. My bowels were up and down and often I’d hear my guts rumbling. And that’s when I remembered what Dr Karande said “move”.
And so, I wondered. This year I started doing my Masters of Business Administration as an effort to become a better leader. Great in theory, but there’s been a downside. Lots of sitting down and reading. Generally, about 4 hours a day out of work. And my job is largely sedentary too.
So, by that very same Sunday afternoon, after recovering from my not so fun run (all of my own doing – the run itself, as usual, was incredibly fun-filled), prompted by my winning wife, I dug out my old “spin bike” and propped my laptop up on the handle bars with a bit of cardboard (now upgraded to a piece of wood) and started reading whilst pedalling. I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to concentrate, but in fact, pedalling seemed to give me more focus on what I was reading. I think it’s due to increased alertness. In addition, keeping rhythm whilst pedalling occupies my mind just enough so I don’t stray from what I’m reading. I go for 30 minute blocks and try to do 3 blocks per day.
One week later my reflux, headaches and rumbling guts had largely gone. All that, so quickly changed, just from increasing my movement. And that’s the word, call it exercise, call it gardening, going for a walk, playing with the kids, sport, cleaning … whatever you do, as long as you can – move. It’s a life saver and maker. Dr Karande, your sage-like words rung true. Thank you! If you’d like to, you can watch Dr Karande’s video here….
Connor’s Run 2026…I’m back!
-Dr Floyd Gomes
