LISA Van’t Hag is getting back to enjoying life after 15 years of “excruciating” back pain.
The Geelong woman spent 12 months in rehabilitation following a hip arthroscopy.
“I’ve got to retrain my back’s entire muscle group because they’ve been protecting my injured hip for so many years,” she said.
Ms Van’t Hag is excited to be training toward next month’s 5km Target Foreshore Fun Run/Walk, supporting Give Where You Live, as part of Geelong Multisport Festival from February 8 to 10.
“To me it’s going to be the start of the freedom to be active again as much as I want to be. I want to get as strong as possible to go and enjoy life.”
Ms Van’t Hag said she was relieved to have finally found the cause of her chronic pain.
“I’d been to naturopaths, osteopaths, physios … you name it, I’ve tried them all. One chiropractor actually said ‘I can’t help you’.
“I’ve spent many a time crawling around on the floor from back pain and you don’t realise how much you miss out on.”
Ms Van’t Hag said she would walk the 5km with a group of work friends.
“I got onto it through our social club at work. We’re looking at getting some T-shirts and doing it as a group.
“I’ve always wanted to be able to do something like that but never had, so I’ll cross it off my bucket list.”
Ms Van’t Hag said she would “not stop at walking”, citing her fitness goals as “to be able to go for a run” and try boxing training.
“I’m sick and tired of saying to my kids ‘Mum can’t do that’. I used to go for a hit of tennis and I’d suffer for a week afterwards.”
The multisport festival offers a range of events for all ages and fitness levels, including a Geelong Independent SuperKidz Triathlon.
Entries are open online at geelongmultisport.com.au, by phoning 8698 2000 or emailing multisport@usmevents.com.au.
Enter multisports festival to win a $3499 Shiv triathlon bike – see page 17
