Category: Series 1

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

Excited but shy, sisters Ivy 6 and Isla 9 sat on their dad’s knees as we chatted about the Cladingboel family’s running achievements. The girls clearly share a special bond with their dad.

Running and events have become a part of life for the girls. Their mum Bec started running in events in 2014 and running is now a highlight for the whole family. When Bec registers for an event there’s often a shorter children’s event that the girls like to be part of.

They’ve ran in more events than they can remember – Castlemaine Run Bird Run, Shepparton Running Festival, Run Melbourne, Victor Harbour Triathlon Series and Echuca Moama Triathlon-Club Duathlon.

One of Isla’s first events was the Johnno’s Run 5km at Run Melbourne in 2017. Bec had already ran the half marathon then ran alongside Isla while she determinedly ran the 5kms.

They had so much fun that the next year Bec secretly signed up hubby, Nick, for Johnno’s Run 2018 so that both girls could participate. Ivy walked and ran with Nick and had a few piggy back rides around the 5km course! Isla ran again with her mum. In 2019 it was a family affair again – Bek and Isla’s 3rd year and Nick and Ivy’s 2nd. This year less piggy back rides were needed!

Nick’s introduction to running started with Johnno’s Run and just last month he went from 5kms to a and 50km trail run event at Bright. He had trained consistently, enjoying day trips to Bright with Bec. He just loved the whole experience. It’s now watch this space as I think Nick plans to continue seeking out even bigger challenges.

The girls also enjoy duathlons and triathlons and this year Isla came third in the under 14 age group Echuca Moama Triathlon Club junior championships. She didn’t want to be misleading and made sure I knew there were only 3 in the competition. She won the title and can be proud of it! Her commitment and integrity is impressive – after all she is only 9.

Ivy and Isla’s mum Bec has exceptional athletic talent. Last year she represented Australia in an Olympic distance triathlon on the Goldcoast. Bec’s journey is a story for later in the A – Z Running Sisters series.

Isla and Ivy have quiet natures. Isla loves to swim (it’s her strength) and both enjoy reading books. They have fantastic role models – with parents who set goals, work hard and share a love of the outdoors and a healthy life.

 

Hayley Currie, 36 has running in her blood. Some of her earliest childhood memories are of her
mum being dressed for a run and dropping her off to kinder. Hayley has always enjoyed running
but it’s over the last three years that she’s really got the running bug.

Hayley describes running as an addiction – a good one that makes for a healthy life. She
currently runs four or five times a week and as she’s preparing for her first full marathon in
October, she’s running around 60kms per week.

Hayley is excited to have just run 34 kms, her longest distance to date, and knows that given she
has achieved this she will be able to manage most challenges that come her way.

Hayley’s mum, Julie, is a fantastic role model of determination and is no doubt why Hayley
knows she can achieve whatever she sets her mind to. Whilst she’s no longer running marathons
she’s usually at parkrun each Saturday and runs several times during the
week.

Julie also makes it possible for Hayley to work shift work as a nurse and enjoy running. She often
helps out with Eden and Ruby, special times the girls love.

Hayley is instilling the joy of being active into her two daughters and they love to ride their bike
alongside her as she runs. They also go with her to the grand stand steps at Vic Park oval and
will happily play as Hayley trains.

When Hayley runs alone she’ll often listen to a podcast which she says is a great way to educate
herself. A favourite is the Sparta Chicks.
Hayley has developed great friendships through running. A social media post Hayley put on
Running Mums Australia looking for someone to run with the next day, also resulted in meeting
someone new who is now a good friend.

She’s also met many encouraging and positive people at parkrun that have become special
friends.

Over the past two years Hayley has 7 half marathon events under her belt, and is excited for the
upcoming Melbourne Marathon. Hayley is confident she’ll make the distance – after all it’s only
just over 8kms more than she ran today!
Thanks Hayley for sharing your story! And good luck for your first marathon in Melbourne in
October. I’m sure it will be the first of many!