Debra Lees was the last person across the City to Lake finish line on Sunday, but she feels like a winner. Picture: Anthony Stipo
SHE may have crossed the finish line last, but Debra Lees still feels like a winner.
The 49-year-old mother-of-two was among the 1000-strong crowd that turned out to take part in the inaugural Casella Wines-Visy City to Lake fun run on Sunday.
Mrs Lees, who signed up for this year's Griffith's Biggest Winner, said a month ago she was flat out getting off her lounge.
"A good friend of mine coaxed me into doing this and I'm so glad she did," she said.
"I have two grandkids and I really want to be able to get fit and healthy and keep up with them.
"I have always struggled with my weight and over the years I've done quite a few different programs. But I feel like this time is different because I'm not so concerned about my weight, it's more about being healthy.
"In the last two years my health has gone downhill a fair bit."
Mrs Lees said while the 9.84km course wasn't easy, she is proud to say she did it.
"This might sound funny, but I found the whole thing inspirational and fun," she said.
"I doubted that I could do it and so did my family. The last part was the hardest part. I looked around and there was no one there, I got quite emotional. I was the last in, but I did it. I achieved something I never thought I could.
"Now I've done this I feel like I can do more, it's convinced me I can do anything I put my mind to."
Mrs Lees said she was looking forward to the future.
"I'm feeling so much better, I'm breathing better and can move around better," she said.
"This is a long term thing for me now. I want to inspire my kids too.
"I can already see that they are looking at me and thinking 'if mum can do this, so can I'.
"It's not just about your body. It's about your whole self. There is a lot of depression and mental health issues in my family and I want to stop this cycle."