MEET THE LADS
Duncan Lyons
Kia Ora and welcome to Men Making Miles!
My name is Duncan and I am the founder of Men Making Miles.
My own personal mental health journey had been a challenging one, for many years I fought against anxiety, depression and weight gain with very little understanding about mental health issues as my mindset was “harden up bro, don't be weak, real men don't get unwell” and the funny thing is I couldn't have been more wrong.
So I decided enough was enough and it was time to fight back.
I teamed up with my good mate (Eru) who is a pro MMA fighter and trainer to get fit and take on a new challenge. From there I found that training was hugely beneficial not only for my physical health but my mental health as well.
Our training sessions didn't just consist of hard mahi but we also did a lot of yarning where we began talking about the day to day challenges we were both facing, little did we know that this was the fuel we now use to drive our Men Making Miles classes today.
I now run the classes along with Eru which has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, as I can assist lads in the journey I have undertaken myself.
I am now driven more than ever to show the lads, fathers, brothers, gc’s…. Men of Aotearoa that the “harden up bro” mindset we men have isn't cutting the mustard any more, and that the real tough guys are the ones that can tell their mates that they are having a hard time.
Together we can get our lads back on track, and it all starts with a yarn.
Eru Piwari
Kia Ora,
My name is Eruera Piwari and I am a cofounder of Men Making Miles where I operate as a trainer and program coordinator.
Historically, my mental health has been a tough road. For many years I struggled with anxiety, depression and PTSD. Back then I had no understanding about mental health and I didn’t have a lot of support dealing with these issues. I battled with alcohol and drug addiction and I found myself in and out of the justice system for over a decade. I’ve come to learn that the more understanding I gained of my mental illness, the more self awareness and self control I had to take charge of my life.
Through trial and error, I found that by educating myself in mental illness and applying my knowledge to my everyday life I can learn to live without fear, pain or suffering. Around the same time of this epiphany I found Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and although I still struggled with my mental health, I had finally found a healthy outlet. This set me on a path of healing and finding my true potential. Not long after I became a professional MMA fighter and I went on to win multiple National Championships in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I now own and run my own Jiu Jitsu club called Unleashed Jiu Jitsu Academy and I am looking to compete in MMA again this year.
I truly believe that through hard work, positive associations/networks, self belief and insightful education we can overcome anything. Men Making Miles tackles and covers all of this. These pillars (among many more) are the key factors to my success and are the foundation for why I continue to strive for excellence.
Men Making Miles is a culmination of Men opening up and talking about their everyday challenges including their own experiences with mental illness coupled with a fun and intense workout. The workouts are similar to what I’d do when I am preparing for a competition or a fight making this a very special and unique program.
Full of no nonsense, straight to the point, hard faced truths and realistic solutions. We are trying our very best to make a positive difference in men’s lives in the hopes that the ripple effects from their actions will see happier families and communities strive in the future.
Mitch Watson
Kia Ora,
My name is Mitch and I am one of the lads who helps Men Making Miles to reach toward their mission.
I have been fortunate to have been able to attend these sessions for over 2 years now. It has been a highlight and a secret weapon for many moments over the recent years.
Although I must admit I have not had a perfect attendance record.
We all have our ups and downs in life, what’s important is that we don’t let them go to waste. If I missed a few classes due to difficult things going on, I could talk about them once I made my triumphant return!
If I missed a class due to some wholesome, rewarding thing going on, I could also talk about them once I made my triumphant return!
Either way, Men Making Miles (Duncan, Eru, and all the lads) have been there for me since day dot.
It began with encouragement from a dear friend who was already involved in the sessions. I was nervous, I hadn’t played team sports since I was 10, I hadn’t exercised with a group of strangers since that one exercise class I tried at the gym many years prior (which I did not enjoy). My expectations of my first class were clouded by my own insecurities.. “What if they ask me to demonstrate”..“What if they ask me to talk because I’m new”..”What if this”..”What if that”
Surprise surprise, I didn’t make it to my intended first session.
I made up some miraculous string of excuses to make myself feel better, went home and wallowed.
As the following fortnight came around, so did more support and encouragement from others already attending the group. I was late to the session, but now I made it to my first session, better late than never.
Since that day, my expectations of these classes have been grounded and realistic. I know what I’m there for. I bring intention and intensity along with me, each and every visit. I am truly grateful for those people who encouraged me when I could not encourage myself.
You never know how life can take shape until it does.
Today I find MMM to be an integral part of my life, an agent of balance, if you will. I feel more connected than ever. I have recently been granted the opportunity to assist the club. This has been a hugely rewarding experience for me.
With each fortnight comes a fresh opportunity to come along to a class, get a few things off my chest, support my fellow lads, and enjoy some defense training. Between each class, more opportunities to assist that which assists me to be who I want to be.
I can proudly say that taking part in this adventure; has helped me to be a kinder, better balanced and more confident human being.