Author: Suzanna Barry

I was excited to meet Nancy Edmonstone, particularly as I’d been told the chance of an interview with this private lady was unlikely.

Nancy is an integral part of the running community in Echuca Moama as she is the wife of Laurie Edmondstone, a man who has influenced the achievements of many of the “Running Sisters” interviewed for this

Our community can be forever grateful that twenty years ago Laurie who worked for the railways at the time, visited Echuca for work and decided that he liked the weather!  Despite having just built a beautiful home in Traralgon where Nancy and Laurie had spent thirty years of married life, they decided to make the move.  Although Nancy said “Now we’re stuck” she also confessed she could never go back!

Laurie soon became involved with the running community, starting running groups and helping to establish the Echuca Moama Triathlon Club.

Nancy was keen to talk more about Laurie than herself, however from our conversation I managed to get insight into a very giving family.

Nancy is a mother to daughter Cheryl and son Tony and has 6 grandchildren. Her children have done well in their chosen careers and have healthy lifestyles, which is the most important thing to Nancy.  Her grandchildren are, amongst other things, talented cricketers and dancers and much loved by Nancy.

Supporting her family keeps Nancy busy, with regular day trips to Melbourne for coffee with Cheryl and more lengthy visits to Darwin.   She also enjoys an active lifestyle including twice weekly water aerobics, line dancing and Laurie’s exercise group at the Moama Sports Pavillion. She also enjoys catching up with friends at  local cafes for coffee.

In the past Nancy played team sports, including A grade and Open Tennis and Squash and 50 years ago she was a life saver.  She has a love of gymnastics and is an avid follower of this sport.

Prior to moving to Echuca Nancy designed wedding gowns.  This funded her children’s education and their time at the Australian School of Ballet. It gave her great pleasure to make every bride look beautiful, and her customers came from all over Australia.   Now in her spare time, she makes ballet costumes for students coached by Cheryl and sews for special occasions like her granddaughters formal.  He current project is a ballet costume for a young boy.  Unsurprisingly this is something she does for pleasure, not reward.

Although Nancy thinks her family is very ordinary, I came away from the interview with an insight into an extraordinary family.  Both Nancy and Laurie are quiet achievers, who are very giving with their time and talents.  This even includes opening up their garage remotely from Queensland during winter, so a local running group can continue their routine each Wednesday night.

Nancy gave me her phone to look at a few photos of her grandchildren.  Being camera shy the only recent photo of herself was with someone she befriended at an airport.  Nancy had noticed this young lady was upset, so Nancy lent an ear and no doubt made a difference that day.  To me this summed up Nancy’s caring and generous nature.

Nancy is proud of the many young people that Laurie has coached with running and bike running.  She loves watching their achievements locally and internationally.  She spoke of the many local groups that Laurie’s involved in, which helps people of all ages and ability.  I know from the women I’ve interviewed that Laurie and Nancy’s support is greatly appreciated. Thank you Nancy for all you do behind the scenes and for agreeing to come to Echuca Moama all those years ago!

Nancy declined having her photo taken but shared this beautiful photo of her granddaughter Bianca, wearing a costume she created.

Running and walking are routines for 49 year old Michelle Cameron. Most mornings she fits in a 30 minute walk before work, then on Saturday’s it’s parkrun day!

Michelle and her husband Mark moved to Echuca from Ballarat in 2017. They’ve been doing parkrun since it started in Ballarat around four years ago. Michelle has completed over 165 parkruns, a sure sign that she is consistent!

Michelle’s parkrun record is around 36 minutes, and while she loves a “personal best” running is about putting one foot in front of the other. She always feels better after doing parkrun no matter the time.

In addition to her daily walk and weekly parkrun Michelle works out in their home gym most nights.
Michelle has a focus on nutrition and fitness as she is wanting to do all she can to maintain her strength.

In 2006 Michelle noticed some weakness in her left leg and originally thought she had pulled a muscle. Then she experienced blurry vision in her left eye which she had investigated at the optometrist. She was referred to an ophthalmologist and after that was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

A few years later Michelle signed up to do the Tough Bloke Challenge  in Melbourne. This was her motivation to start running as she needed to be able to run at least five kms.

Starting with the Couch to 5 km training program she prepared herself for the challenging obstacle course.

Michelle said she got covered in mud and had to do “all these ridiculous things!” It must have been fun as Michelle has done the Tough Bloke Challenge twice!

Michelle has always loved walking. She finds that walking is kinder on her body than running.

Michelle is on medication to slow the MS, which involves an injection three times a week. She finds that the MS makes her muscles fatigue a lot quicker than they would otherwise, and she knows when she’s done too much.

Michelle explained that it was a very difficult time when she was first diagnosed and it took time to process. However she wants others to understand that it’s not the end of the world and that there are other things that could be worse.

Her word of encouragement to people reading her story is “Just do it!”

Three years ago Lisa, 37, would not have imagined describing herself as a runner. However her dedication to other sports and activities demonstrates that Lisa has the level of commitment required to achieve anything she sets her mind to.

One of Lisa’s passion is martial arts.  She currently holds the Muay Thai kickboxing ranking of a 1st Degree Black Singlet, a grading recognising skill, experience and dedication.   Lisa’s running story started when she was preparing for a ladies fight (which she won) at Wickham Martial Arts.

Preparing for the fight involved a 6 week pre-fight training schedule and included a weekly 4.5 km run – something that Lisa wasn’t that excited about.  However at the end of the 6 weeks Lisa decided to try and run 5 kms. Her friend Andrea agreed to keep her company and convinced her to aim for 6kms.  They set out on a run, with Andrea setting the pace. When they returned Andrea told her she had just ran 7.5km!

This surprised and encouraged Lisa and since then she has joined parkrun, the Echuca running group, completed 12.5km at Sweat vs Steam, Shepparton Running Festival and numerous other events.   Lisa explained that she may not be the fastest or the most graceful runner, but running is keeping her mind healthy and just makes her feel good.

Lisa’s running success no doubt had a part in her decision to take on the challenge of walking the Kokoda trail with her brother Peter earlier this year.

Kokoda is a 98km 9 day gruelling and spectacular walk in the jungle, and was a life changing experience.  Walking the trail involved a lot of time soul searching and was an emotional experience.

The walk enlightened Lisa that having “stuff” is not important, and now she wants to focus on embracing experiences instead.  She was inspired by the village people she met on the trail, who have so little, yet radiated kindness and generosity.

Lisa is living by a new motto – “nothing grows in your comfort zone.  Say yes to adventure, and let your body figure out how”.     With this is mind Lisa has signed up for the 2020 22km trail run at Ultra-Trail Australia in the Blue Mountains.

Kelli’s story

Determination and focus are two words that describe Kelli Johns. For someone who has had 5 knee operations, a micro discectomy and a spinal fusion, Kelli’s ability to run is probably almost a miracle.

Less than 5 years ago Kelli was bedridden. An MRI revealed an extra vertebrae and a narrow spinal cord, causing congestion and terrible back pain. Kelli was waiting for surgery when she suddenly couldn’t walk. She was rushed to Melbourne for emergency surgery. She needed 6 weeks off work, then returned slowly starting with an hour or two a day. Her recovery program included pool walking, clinical pilates and physio.

Although not exactly what her surgeon had in mind, Kelli began to run again, simply because it helped her feel stronger. Her mental health was on a downwards spiral and running helped. Starting slow, she gradually built her strength.

Around 18 months ago Kelli decided to make changes to her lifestyle, particularly around diet. This time she heeded advice from her surgeon as he advised this change would help her back.

Today Kelli runs 3 mornings a week, some days 5 kms and others 10-12kms. She is an early riser and rides to gym before going for her run.

When Kelli runs she often has Laurie Edmonstone in her head – “drop your shoulders”, “watch your posture”. Laurie is an Echuca Moama community legend. For more than 20 years he has provided free running coaching to local runners. Kelli explained that anyone is welcome at the Echuca Visitor Centre at 7am Saturday’s. Laurie’s program really made a difference for Kelli. She had contemplated going along for a couple of years, then found the courage, a decision she doesn’t regret.

Kelli is also a community minded person. She’s a life member of Moama Football Netball Club, an avid Johnno’s Run supporter and was on the committee of Sweat vs Steam for 3 years. She’s organised fun runs, assisted at the Echuca Triathlon and has participated in many charity events. This year Kelli ticked off a half marathon at Run Melbourne.

Although a full marathon isn’t on Kelli’s to do list (yet) she hopes in the future to do some trail running and a Tough Mudder. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Kelli also enjoys running in the peaceful and pretty town of Bright, where fresh air abounds.

Kelli’s advice is to believe in yourself, find a running buddy, start out slow, be consistent and maintain a positive attitude.

Thanks for sharing your story Kelli, and thanks for being a great community role model.

The message Jay, 32 wants to share is that running can be great medicine. She’s proved personally that it is particularly beneficial for her mental wellbeing. Thanks to Jay’s 2019 New Year’s resolution she is feeling confident and happier than ever before.

Jay’s New Year’s resolution was to start running. Her friend Beth kept her company for the very first run on January 1. She knew that she had to run on day one if she was to fulfill her goal. She hasn’t looked back!

Jay, 32, has two gorgeous boys Jack and Tom. Jay recently changed jobs and now works close to home in Rochester which is great for her and her young family.

Running has shown Jay that she can do anything she sets her mind to and has made a significant difference to her anxiety levels. Since January she has trained regularly and completed 2 major events – the 12.8 km Run for Kids in April and the half marathon at Run Melbourne in July.

Jay was part of the 2019 Johnno’s Run team for Run Melbourne, and helped to raise funds to build homes for people with disability. Her son Jack has permanent hearing loss and because of this she was keen to contribute.

Jay put loads of energy into fundraising and was the team’s top individual fundraiser, raising $4,546. Jay will be forever proud of the homes that she and her supporters have helped to build.

Jay completed the half marathon in 2 hrs 22 mins. Unfortunately she was running with an injury which meant it was a difficult run and resulted in a forced break from running. She is now adhering to the doctors orders and soon will be back out doing what she loves.

Jay shared that she’s battled with anxiety and depression for the past twenty years. Running has helped her feel more comfortable in her own skin, given her new found confidence and increased her positivity.

Congratulations Jay on sharing your story. You’re a wonderful role model and you’re making a difference