48-hour running and push-up challenge
Two engineers from RAAF Base Amberley, near Brisbane, will put themselves through the ultimate fitness test this weekend – a 48-hour running and push-up challenge.
CAPTION: Flight Lieutenants Luke Brown, left, and Joel Ingram prepare for their upcoming 48-hour challenge. Photo by Corporal Colin Dadd. Story by Flying Officer Clarice Hurren.
Raising funds for the Black Dog Institute, Flight Lieutenant Joel Ingram, KC-30A engineer at Heavy Air Lift Systems Program Office and Flight Lieutenant Luke Brown, F/A-18F Super Hornet engineer at No. 1 Squadron, both plan to run 10km and complete 210 push-ups every four hours between July 3 and 5.
Coined ’48forM8s’, Flight Lieutenant Ingram said their challenge was inspired by retired US Navy Seal David Goggins’ book Can’t Hurt Me and his philosophy on resilience and discipline.
“The numbers and distance we have chosen are also very deliberate and reflect key statistics regarding mental health issues,” Flight Lieutenant Ingram said.
“Specifically, 10 per cent of men will suffer depression in their lifetime and over 200 Australians will attempt suicide every day.
“We are using this physical challenge as an opportunity to play our part and raise awareness in the ongoing battle against such illnesses, highlighting the important work of the Black Dog Institute in research and education.
“Australian Defence Force members are not immune and we are incredibly proud to be taking a stand and hope 48forM8s benefits both the wider community and the ADF in a small way.”
Flight Lieutenant Brown said, in total, each of them would complete 120km and more than 2500 push-ups in the 48-hour event.
“It’s going to hurt. Training for something like this requires a careful balance of volume and recovery,” Flight Lieutenant Brown said.
“Over the past two months, we’ve been running consistently – averaging 50 to 80km per week – practising push-ups and scoping out the challenging course, which is mainly along the Bicentennial Bikeway adjacent to the Brisbane River from Toowong to the city.
“Fortunately, it’s very flat and quite scenic which is a good distraction from the lactic acid in the legs.
“To date, we have received tremendous support from our friends and colleagues offering to accompany us during a run, and many others not in Queensland contributing through donations.”
To follow their journey and watch live updates of the challenge check out their Instagram page www.instagram.com/48form8s/.
You can also donate directly via this link.
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