Hi, my name is Adam and unfortunately I’m blind.

My condition was originally diagnosed when I was 5 years old and after many operations, I lost complete vision at the age of 22. Being vision-impaired a very young age taught me at that life is what you make it!

After completing a diploma in remedial massage therapy three years ago, I weighed 125kg and I understood what my unhealthy habits were doing to my body. So I took the first step of going to the gym, which was the hardest. Over a period of time I lost 40kg and I feel amazing. Last March, I learned of a running club catering to the visually impaired and thankfully I had the courage and determination to join!

Although I may have lost my vision, I still have a lot of goals and things I want to achieve in life, so some people say I may be blind, but I’ve never lost my “sight”.

What draws me to training with my running club, week after week, is the freedom it brings. When I'm running I only think about the present moment, not the worries of everyday life. I focus on the surrounding terrain, warmth of the sunshine and the beautiful people I meet along the way. I listen to the sound of the environment, and think about how lucky I am to be doing what I’m doing, and how miserable my guide dog is sitting at home without me!

I enjoy running so much that I am now training for my 3rd marathon as well as a my first obstacle race in March (Spartans).

If there is anything I want you, the reader, to take away from my story is just to pick up the courage to start running, whether that be alone, with friends, family or a club like I did. Hopefully you enjoy it as much as I do!

By Adam Koops

Adam is running the 2017 Bellarine Sunset Run 21.8km event with his guide, Amelia Griffith. Amelia came 2nd in last year's event, and she has told Adam she wants to beat her time this year, so no pressure Adam!!

Learn more about Adam, and his running club, the Achilles Running Club, in which volunteers lead blind and other people with disabilities.