New Cop Sheds 40kg on Fitness Journey

Three years ago, he struggled to run 400 meters. But a goal of joining the police force motivated Constable Marshall to get fit enough to run a 10km race, and he lost 40kg in the process.

In 2021, Marshall, formerly a youth pastor and music shop owner, was driving from Tauranga to Katikati when he saw a station wagon dangerously overtaking four cars.

“It came blasting past. I thought ‘someone should do something about this,’ then I thought - ‘why not me?’”

That moment inspired Marshall, who prefers to keep his full name private, to look into enrolling at Police College.

“I think all little boys and girls dream of becoming a police officer or firefighter. I was 45 at the time; if I was going to try it, that was probably my last chance, so I decided to go for it.”

He learned that one requirement for police college was running 2.4km within a time frame that varies depending on body weight. At 140kg, Marshall needed to beat 12 minutes.

“I couldn’t jog 400 meters without stopping. There’s a park near my home that’s exactly 2.4km with several bridges, so my first goal was to run to the first bridge.

I remember the joy of reaching that first bridge. Then the second bridge. Eventually, I could run the entire distance without stopping.

That day was the best, when I completed a whole lap.”

His first lap took about 19 minutes. Marshall’s next goal was to get faster.

The more he ran and improved his diet, the more weight he lost. Within eight months, he dropped to 99kg and was fit enough to enroll in police college.

“The weight kept coming off. But because I lost so much weight, the time requirements kept changing. If I had stayed around 120kg, I would have had an extra minute.”

Marshall spent the next 16 weeks at Police College in Porirua and completed his final run at Tauranga Domain, clocking in at 10 minutes and 18 seconds—well under the 11-minute, 15-second requirement for his weight at the time.

“I was pretty stoked. I couldn’t believe it.”

His superiors were equally impressed. Marshall won the defensive tactics and physical training award, which he “really wasn’t expecting.”

He had “a great time” at police college, meeting interesting people and honing his skills.

“I was there with a former All Black, a Black Fern, all sorts of people. You’re constantly challenging yourself, pushing your limits, doing new things every day. It’s been an amazing journey.”

Marshall graduated and began his new career as a police officer in Whakatāne.

Commuting daily caused Marshall to regain some weight, but since transferring to Tauranga, he has more time for exercise and is losing weight again.

To stay fit, Marshall runs and cycles, “because it’s easier on the old-boy knees.” He also swims when he can and enjoys hiking up Mauao.

Weight loss is just one positive outcome of his fitness journey.

Marshall says his blood pressure has decreased, his mobility and sense of wellbeing have improved, and he sleeps better.

Even his snoring has stopped, much to his wife’s relief, he joked.

His family has been inspired by his new lifestyle. His children often join him at the gym.

“My family is proud. They’ve seen how happy I am. I think it’s inspired them to reach their own goals. There’s just something about having a policeman as a dad.”

Working on the front line in the public safety team has been an “amazing” and “demanding” job, Marshall says.

“It’s the toughest job I’ve had, both physically and emotionally. When things go wrong, there are high-pressure situations. No-pressure situations can suddenly become life or death, putting you on the spot.

“There are extremely fit people and highly intelligent people—I’ve never worked in such a diverse environment.”

“Every day is different. You just show up and deal with whatever comes your way to the best of your ability.

They keep drilling into us to go home safe at night. Just get home safe.”

Marshall offers advice for older people considering joining the police force: “Do it. Even just to see if you can. See if you can meet the standard.

It’s good to test yourself. If it’s something you’ve always wanted to do, just go for it.

“It can be done. Age can make it harder but not impossible.

“You can’t buy that sort of satisfaction.”

Director of Safer People Superintendent Mel Aitken says it's fantastic to see people like Marshall who have found their passion for wellbeing, whether through sport, nutrition, or a combination of both.

Mel says the police have an employee Wellness Hub, which is a “fabulous” platform with a “plethora” of fitness-related advice and initiatives.

Physical education officers in policing districts, each holding a health degree, were also an excellent resource for individuals aiming to reach their wellness objectives.

Source: sunlive

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