Let's meet Ellie... again!

Re-meet the R4R Runners #13

Welcome to the 13th edition of Re-meet the R4R Runners, where we get to a pillar of the R4R community.

Ellie is the friendly face you can find at most runs, whether it be taking the group selfie, collecting the valuables, or simply being someone who’s always got a smile on her face and willing to have a chat.

We are so lucky to have people like Ellie as part of our community, so without further ado, she’s so nice we’re meeting her twice… Let’s meet Ellie… again!

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How have you been? 

Absolutely great – I’m feeling healthy and happy with life. Looking forward to what 2024 brings…

 Knocked off any running events recently?

I completed the Canberra Times half marathon and the Bridge to Brisbane 10kms in 2023.
I was a little bit disappointed with my time from the half marathon, so I have decided to concentrate on shorter distances for now.
I’m looking forward to completing the “Canberra Times fun run” in April this year. 

What's been your highlight in the past year?

Continuing to grow with my running. I’m getting some coaching now and I’m learning to “read” my body and participate in the distances that I prefer.
I’m looking forward to getting my 100^th Park Run in February.

What's been your favourite thing about R4R since we met you the first time?

Being apart of a wonderful community that always supports one another, allows me to make social connections and have fun! I have also enjoyed participating in a few “Strolling for Resilience” walks as well..

Your original answer to "What does resilience mean to you?" was "Resilience to me is if you fall down, you get straight back up again and have another go. Resilience also means staying positive and maintaining a sense of humour. I have learnt this from my personal experiences, my family and friends, and from the great people at R4R. " 

Do you still think it is? Would you change it at all?

I still do go by my original answer. However, I look back on how far I have come, and I have been able to achieve all the things I have done. Without Resilience, it wouldn’t have been possible to have the mindset that I now have.

You would be one of the more familiar faces for people at R4R with all the help you give and the selfies you take. We're so grateful for your efforts, but how has R4R helped you?

There’s nothing like taking a good selfie with the best group ever. R4R has helped me to just be myself and meet wonderful people along the way. It has developed my self-confidence to try out new ventures and to believe in myself much more than I ever used to. I’m so glad I’m part of this group!

You've been a massive part of the R4R community so far. How do you think we can achieve our goal of making Canberra suicide-free?

Keep doing what we are doing, by talking about mental health and accepting people for who they are and not what they are. Broadening exercise ventures like R4R and the social events that go with it, that are part of a friendly community, is also really important.

Hooroo Ellie! Thank you!