Ella Rossiter, Aoife O’Farrell, Aoife McDonald, Billy Byrne, Charlie Byrne, Mia Walsh and Aoife Byrne at the New Ross Park Run in the JFK Park. Pic: Jim Campbell
WEXFORD OPERATION Transformation leader, Mairead Redmond, from Gusserane, is absolutely loving her time on the programme and has said it’s been a thoroughly enjoyable experience to-date.
Speaking about the programme last week she said it has helped boost her confidence.
“I would have been confident enough in certain aspects of my life beforehand, like in work or in exams, but I would have had confidence issues when it came to my weight,” she said.
With regard to the challenges that she has faced in the programme she said it wasn’t anything unexpected.
“I knew the challenges would be tough but even climbing the fire ladder I didn’t find too difficult because I’d be ok with heights,” she said.
Last week’s challenge saw the group having to ‘rescue’ people caught in a boat which, according to Ms. Redmond, presented its own difficulties.
“The first week was about an individual task whereas last week was more about teamwork but it was also more of a physical challenge,” she said.
In last week’s task once the people rescued they had to be carried up a beach and flights of steps on a sheet.
“It was very tough, physically, but I really enjoyed it.”
Before going onto the programme Ms. Redmond said she knew it would take a lot of work and determination but she has been buoyed by the level of support she has received from people at home.
“The support has been incredible and while I knew people would wish me well and get behind me the amount of people that are attending the walks is brilliant,” she said.
“You know you will have support but to actually see people coming out makes it more real.”
She has also had people coming into the shop where she works wishing her well and she really appreciates that.
When asked about the biggest personal change she has experienced since taking part in the programme her answer was immediate: “The biggest change is food and the way you look at it and exercise.”
“The lifestyle part is a big thing and even with exercise I would have been someone who would have exercised in phases before but it’s the determination now to keep it up that makes the big difference,” she said.
While the obvious emphasis with Operation Transformation is on people changing their physical appearance the associated benefits emotionally and psychologically cannot be overstated and that is something that Ms. Redmond agrees with.
“I think the mental part is huge because it’s about motivating yourself and gaining more confidence about what you can do.”
Anyone wishing to offer their support Ms. Redmond in person and get some exercise in while their doing it can join in the Park Runs taking place every Saturday morning in the John F. Kenned Memorial Park and Arboretum.
“That’s where I’ll be for the next couple of Saturday mornings and it’s brilliant seeing the amount of people who are turning up,” she said.
