Annabel, ‘Bel’ 17, was encouraged to learn to run by her dad Nick. In 2019 they shared a New Years resolution to be active 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. This is a challenge she doesn’t regret and one that she’s mostly stayed true to.
Bel’s mum Chris who has “run forever’ shared a learn to run app and within a couple of months Bel was run / walking 5km. She discovered that although running is a struggle, it’s good for her. Bel explained she tends to stress over small things, and getting outside and running has helped with this.
Bel’s active parents are supportive role models. Under usual circumstances most Monday nights Bel and her parents enjoy Johnno’s Run training, Wednesday they have Tri Club training and if she’s not working, Bel will sometimes go to parkrun on a Saturday morning.
Bel is in Year 12 at St Joseph’s College Echuca and is adapting to online learning due to COVID-19. She’s found that her day is easier when she has a 20 minute morning walk or run. She misses the social contract greatly, misses riding to school and finds long periods in front of the screen challenging. Then there’s the unknown regarding exams and VCE assessments. Her teachers have been fantastic through this period.
Bel’s strength is swimming and this is her favourite activity. She loves swimming in the Murray River including evening downstream swims with friends and family, from the Echuca Moama bridge to the Victoria Park boat ramp. The weekly Echuca Moama Triathlon-Club also involves a 300m river swim, along with a 10km bike ride and a 2 or 3km run.
In January Bel and her family entered the Lorne Pier to Pub ocean swim. The first time Bel participated was in 2017 and she found it nerve wracking! This event is the largest ocean water swim in the world, attracting around 4,000 competitors. This year, her 4th year, Bel was the quickest in her family. In 2019 her dad promised anyone in their family $50 if they reached the shore ahead of him. She proudly pocketed the $50 but noticed he didn’t offer the same challenge in 2020!
The future is looking bright for Bel. In 2021 she is considering moving to Melbourne to study teaching. She also has travel plans, and hasn’t forgotten her parents’ promise of plane tickets to Greece for her 21st birthday. She’s excited and is looking forward to this. Greece has a special attraction – swimming in the Mediterranean.
In the meantime Bel intends to keep enjoying her active lifestyle, particularly swimming and running, and succeeding in her studies.
Congratulations Bel on your positive approach to life and your determination! It’s going to reap great rewards. 
