The last few months have certainly been exciting, challenging and rewarding. Being the first Ambassador of the CTC Rocky River Run for 2016 has certainly put another chapter in my running journey. Watching the dedication of many people to make this event happen was truly amazing. Their dedication as a non-for profit organization, raising money for a good cause. A cause that many forget to recognize yet has silently destroyed more families than we may realize. This event raised funds to address mental health issues and the prevention of youth suicide. Everyone involved in making this event happen held this close to their hearts. It is people like them that were willing to sacrifice their own time and long hours to ensure this event happened and all the funds went to such an important cause and awareness.

As the past weeks went by I watch many of these amazing people do the impossible to give us a fun enjoyable day. As the entries grew so did the excitement of watching people getting out and becoming actively involved. Runners started to appear around the streets of Rockhampton, training for an event within their own township. This event gave people an opportunity to experience that feeling of being at a start and crossing a finishing line for many different reasons.

It was in 2011 that I had been given this opportunity at this very event for the first time and became a life changing experience. When 5k’s seemed like a long way has now turned into a journey of endless challenges. The smiles and encouragement amongst the runners and spectators was energizing. Bringing me back to where my journey began.

This event could not be possible without countless peoples generosity. Our Sponsors, Volunteers and of course participants. Local businesses graciously gave funds to support the cause and volunteers gave their time to help in numerous areas on the day. Being a part of this and watching it unfold up until the start line was an unforgettable experience. The weather was perfect for running and made an enjoyable morning outing for the entire family.

Thank you to Rockhampton Road Runners for assisting in providing pace runners in each event. They volunteered their time to help runners achieve their goals and encouraged many others out on the course. I know there are runners who were so grateful to have you all out there.

CTC took on a challenge that will now grow into something bigger and better for the years to come. The winners of the day are the ones we ran for, our youths in our community who need our help. They are why we all stood at that start line and crossed that finishing line.

Love My Running 🙂

This time last week I had the pleasure of running through town along side Greg Brown. Day 49 into his run from South East Cape in Tasmania to Cape York in Northern Queensland raising funds for Cancer. Approximately 5,500km’s in 90 days, which means waking up every morning no matter what conditions the day brings to run an average of 60-70km’s per day. This day last week was a warm one. Myself and another Ultra runner Raelene Bendall greeted him on the roadside at 7am. Greg had already nearly ticked over 10km’s for the morning and welcomed us with his usual big smile and gentle hug. Looking forward to his first morning break. Greg does not complain about the weather or does he about how he might be feeling. Remembering that this is Day 49, just another marathon plus a bit more. To think for the last 48 days he has done just that. Greg is such a humble guy, and enjoys the company of other runners along his journey. The stories he told throughout the day of the people he had met and the generosity he had come across his way was inspiring. It was so great to hear that there are still so many people still willing to give and support his cause in some way. Random people stopping on the roadside giving small amounts of money and showing their support.

 

Now to get a bigger picture of Greg’s journey. Greg does not have a large support crew assisting him financially. Or a nutrition program or a physio/medical team to patch up any injuries along the way, or a someone to wash and dry his clothes each day. No media support person or someone who writes about his day long journey. Greg has his close friend Phil towing a van who follows him, then stops about 10 or so kilometers up the road. Then Phil gets on a bike and rides back with water and electrolytes for Greg and will accompany him back to the van to which they start the next leg. Along with Phil requiring to repair repeated Tyre punctures throughout the day from our harsh roadsides. Now as my watch informs me that I had just completed a marathon, we still had yet to go through Rockhampton to reach Greg’s final kilometers for this day. I could only think how amazing this guy is. We finished our day on the north side of town at Degani’s Bakery, where we welcomed the air conditioning and for me the best coldest coffee milkshake. While Phil is off getting supplies from the supermarket, Greg is already preparing for the next day.

Day 50 we again arise early and met Greg to help him on his way out of town. With a couple of more runners joining him for the first leg of yet was just another day for Greg. On returning to Rockhampton and close to enjoying a cool shower and putting my feet up, I could not help but admire what this man is doing. Just image for a moment going to bed each night after 60-70km’s knowing you are about to do it all over again for 90 days. Knowing it is not about you or a finishing line but a goal. A goal to raise $100,000 for the Cancer Council. It takes someone special to take on such a challenge. Some would think of an easier way but for Greg running is his passion. So if you see Greg on your travels up in Northern Queensland. Give him a wave or maybe stop and hand over your spare coin.

You can follow Greg’s journey on Facebook Cape to Cape for Cancer. “An Ordinary Bloke on an Extra-Ordinary Journey.

Today marks day 56. Greg Brown you maybe just an Ordinary Bloke but you are truly inspiring. Thank you for sharing your story by taking up such a amazing challenge.

To make a donation visit www.capetocapeforcancer.com.au

All Best Greg on the remainder of your Journey. 🙂

Being named as the charity run’s first ambassador for the CTC Rocky River Run for 2016 is not just overwhelming but an honor. The opportunity to give back to the community and to share my journey with others is something I am very passionate about. As you may have read many times in the last few days “I was not born to run, I just love to run”, is my motto. I just needed to find something to help me get through all the hectic day to day stresses. Something that let me escape from everything. I found running gave me the “ME” time I needed to clear my thoughts and bring me back to reality. I can’t take the washing, cleaning, kitchen or shopping list with me on a run. It is all left behind once the shoes are on. You can let your mind go into another space free for the chaotic and madness of life for a short while. If someone asked me back in 2011 “would you ever run a marathon” I would have laughed. I never thought I would be doing what I do today. It was just a dream I enjoyed visualizing while out running around our township. Sometimes you just got to go where life takes you and it has definitely taken me to places I never thought would be possible.

Being the Ambassador of this event has certainly brought back some memories. It only seems not long ago that I stood at the Rocky River Run 10k start line, my first ever event and very nervous. The memory is so very clear and crossing my first finishing line was just the most amazing feeling. I had no expectations, I just had a goal to finish. It was that feeling of accomplishment that has kept me going onto reaching higher goals. Along with the adventures that have come with it. It was certainly a turning point in my life not just in running but in my self confidence. I have had the opportunity to meet some amazing people at all different running levels. You don’t have to be fast or look fantastic, just enjoy the experience and the atmosphere it brings. Being a charity event supporting young people going through a difficult time, I am sure will touch many hearts on the day.

CTC Rocky River Run is an event that encourages people of all ages and abilities. Allowing anyone to  experience what may be life changing or just an enjoyable active day out with the family. For me, I am looking forward to standing at this years start line with the excitement and appreciation, of where I have come and where I am going. Along with knowing I am supporting such a worthy  cause.

Love My Running :-).

I could not help myself in sharing such an amazing story. While away interstate visiting family my husband Phil surprised me on Facebook with publishing his first Race Report. Yes “WHAT”…this is the man that stands by my side and supports me in everything I do even my crazy adventures. If asked “Do you run too Phil?” He would quickly respond with “No way that is only what my crazy wife does”. But there is so much more behind this story. This time last year Phil’s 3k walk on Monday nights at our local Rookies was tough enough. Over time he decided he wanted better health and more energy, so his journey began. As he watched myself being coached in learning to look after my own body through correct nutrition and smarter training to perform better in my own journey. Phil soon followed my traits and found that he could also gain from my nutritional benefits in transforming his own life and turn back the clock. His ongoing painful knee complaining soon faded along with the lack of energy in the morning. Now even rising before myself some days. His transformation not just in weight control but in his overall wellness in a short period of time was amazing. I never expected this from him or his commitment of his ongoing support. If anyone asked me who is my hero and mentor that could only be one person. My husband Phil. I could not imagine my life without him by my side. So it is with pride and pleasure to publish my husbands Race Report and I hope his story inspires others to believe in themselves and that you can achieve anything. Short and brief but worth a thousands of words.

Race Report

Well today I completed my first Frenchville Frogs short Triathlon, Didn’t drown, Didn’t fall off my bike and Didn’t run much (more walking) 🙂
After I recovered, its a great feeling to be able to complete something new.
Love my inspirational wife 🙂

Published by Phil Austin -Facebook February 28th

Well Done Darling. I am so proud of you and you remembered to smile.

 

Love My Running 🙂

 

It is when you are in recovery training that you suddenly realize how dependent you are on a team of people that surrounds you. They devote their time to listen, give advice and most of all put up with my “but why”…”how could”…”what if” questions. These people either professional or personal I call “My Team”.

MASSAGE THERAPIST – Sharon Kearney. Sharon knows each muscle in my body and after a year can read my training program from a massage session. If there were hills or trails involved she will know. If there was speed involved she will know. If it is fatigue, she will know and give me a hug :-). Sharon’s dedication to her clients is amazing. Even to the extreme that she fell into being my crew at last minute notice and learned all my needs.  I think she deserves a medal for that one.

PHYSIOTHERAPIST – Erin at Movement Improvement is always there to ensure my body has recovered well or ready to go fined tuned into my next adventure. She is always eager to assist in helping me to achieve my next goal. Erin’s skills to uncover my little fatigued habits during training or after a race helps me stay injury free. Her honesty and professional recommendations I am always sincerely grateful for.

PODIATRIST – Matt Cavanagh works closely with my Physio Erin to ensure my feet are comfortable in my running shoes. Providing me with confidence that my feet are working with the rest of my body to prevent any unnecessary injuries. Alex his assistant like Matt are always so vibrant and always eager to assist with any last minute needs.

 

MY HUSBAND, FRIEND, CREWIE, REALITY CHECK CONSULTANT even when not required :-). Phil stands by me through all my craziness. Supports me through my darkest times and believes in me whilst I chase my wildest dreams. I would not be able to do what I do with out his unconditional love, patience and making the sacrifices beyond expectation. I am so fortunate and blessed to have such an amazing man by my side.

MY CRAZY RUNNING BUDDY – Trisha. The only reason she is crazy is that she puts up with me. My rants and ongoing chatting of nothing whilst we run. (Not that I think she listens). Supports me, lectures me when needed and reminds me of the meaning of life when required. We all need one of those running buddies.

Nothing is forgotten. MY COACH. Greg Rowsell. One day I will get that photo of us. How does he put up with me? His commitment to help me achieve my goals along with looking after my individual needs. His ongoing advice for training and my health and wellness has kept me injury free and perform better in all areas of my life. I would not be where I am today if it was not for his knowledge and passion of wanting others to achieve their goals.

Along with all my team, I would not be complete without the people I inspire to read my words, or follow my journey. To all, I sincerely thank you. Tomorrow is a new day of adventures and challenges to be thankful for.

Love My Running 🙂

 

 

 

 

Kicking of 2016 with a 34 km run – Rockhampton to Yeppoon Main Beach

Well 2015 has now officially ended and 2016 has began. Many chose to celebrate the night out with a bang whilst many others finished with an early night. The early birds arising to kick start the year running or riding as the sun rose for the first time for the New Year.

RRR’s (Rockhampton Road Runners) meeting at 4.30am ready to roll out on our annual first run for the year. Being a 34 km (as per my Garmin result anyway) run from Rockhampton to Yeppoon main beach. A beautiful morning which quickly followed by a warm one after the sun rise. A small group at the start with many more joining in along the way at nominated check points. Having 6 checkpoints along the way gave us time to regroup and a check on each others survival, oh…I mean support rating. Ensuring all got to enjoy their run. It was a great way to catch up with ongoing chatting along the way. All with different challenges and goals for 2016. It was an inspiring way to start the year.

Our club have some amazing people, who support us along the way.  Providing us with cold water, fresh fruit, sweets ect. Mr & Mrs Bendall along with Jo Miller have been their each year at checkpoints with a cheering New Years smile and welcoming hugs. You guys are amazing.:-). Gavin Bendall did an awesome job ensuring all went well on the day. I am sure that all who ran or rode today are as truly grateful as I.

 

This year the Try2 Group joined in the fun with their bikes most of who are also RRR’s choosing the easier option this year.(oh…sorry..faster option). All leaving at designated times to ensure we all finish within close time frames at the beach to enjoy a refreshing swim in the ocean together followed by a well deserved breakfast.

 

2016 can only bring want ever you want. So look around you, see what you have, not what you do not. Be rich with happiness and share with others as you never know what each day may bring. As they say “Yesterday is history, The future is a mystery, Today is a gift and that is why it is called the present”. So with that I wish you all a very Prosperous New Year and Happy Running in 2016.

Love My Running :-).

Thank you Cherri Gordon for sharing your Photo’s.