But it would help to connect two ideas.
Jack has always wanted to raise money for charity, and when he realised he enjoyed riding more than running he thought about combining the two events.
It’s what led him to his Miles for Smiles charity ride which will start next week.
Whelan will cycle across Victoria, starting at Bringenbrong Bridge, near Corryong, and finish in his hometown of Melbourne 14 days later.
He will arrive in Echuca after a 140 km on Thursday, March 11.
On some days, he will ride further than an average stage on the Tour De France.
Along the way he will be aiming to raise money for multiple sclerosis (MS) support and mental health charity Outside the Locker Room.
“The idea was born in the midst of COVID,” Jack said in a video promoting his ride.
“Not having footy, and a little bit of spare time and me fulfilling something I always wanted to do.”
And his mission to raise $100,000 has a personal touch.
“My cousin Robert was diagnosed (with MS) at an early age and we saw his condition rapidly decline over the space of about six years to the point he lost his battle,” Jack said.
“I remember doing the MS readathon at school. For MS to be so common and prevalent in our society today I thought there was more to be done to support those people who suffer from it.”
Jack also opened up about his own mental health battles.
“I was diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder when I was 21,” he said.
“I became aware of it when I had my first panic attack, I wasn’t sure what was happening to me.
“It took me a good two or three years to realise I might have to live my life differently to how I had been.
“I thought it was okay for me to keep doing what every other 22- or 23-year-old kid was doing.
“But I made some positive changes, and they made a massive difference.”
Donations can be made to Jack’s event at www.mycause.com.au/page/229957/miles-for-smiles
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