Let's meet Lara... again!
Re-meet the Runners #14
Welcome to the 14th edition of Re-meet the R4R Runners, where we get to meet Lara… again! Lara is always smiling when you see her and she’s a perfect example of why R4R has the energy it does.
She was brave enough to share some vulnerability the first time we met her, and it’s this type of behaviour that makes struggle normal. We’re proud to have her as part of our community, and we’re stoked to meet her again!
You can meet her for the first time by clicking the preview below.
How have you been?
I've been well thank you! Busy, but that's the way I like it. I just bought my first apartment so that's been both a very exciting and stressful process. But I will be much closer to R4R now, which was a significant consideration!
Knocked off any running events recently? Or planning any?
No running events lined up for me at the moment (besides R4R!) I run several times a week, but I like to keep it very casual. City2Surf is a goal for one day, but I'm in no rush, so I'll do it when the time is right for me mentally and physically.
What's been your highlight in the past year?
Apart from the weekly R4R of course, my other highlight would be developing a close bond with my dog Archie. He's 18 months old now, and he's my best bud. It's so nice to have someone who's always excited to see you when you come home!
What's been your favourite thing about R4R since we met you the first time?
I am still find myself in awe every week of the incredible support and generosity of The Dock. Whether it be Shooter and Benny's Instagram stories, the free drinks, or the signs all around promoting R4R, it really is incredible. I have told my cousins in QLD about it and they were so jealous! They participate in running clubs themselves in QLD but there's nothing quite like R4R from what they tell me!
Your original answer to "What does resilience mean to you?" was:
"Resilience to me is the act of getting up each day and trying again. It's also about making the most of what life has given you. I work as a nurse, and this means I often see people at their most vulnerable. But it also has shown me just how strong humans are, and how low we can get but still find a way to get back up and keep going. Life can be tough, and seem so unjust at times, but it can also be so bright and beautiful. Resilience is not only about persevering through the hard times, but also appreciating and cherishing the good."
Do you still think it is? Would you change it at all?
I think this answer still holds true. But I have also come to realise more recently that the ups and downs in life often come in seasons, rather than single moments. People often face long periods of time where things are tough, and then life will be brighter for a while. And the cycle continues indefinitely. After a lot of past struggles, I think I am currently in one of those brighter seasons. Life's not perfect, but it's a lot better than it used to be. So next time one of those tough seasons inevitably come, I'll draw on my resilience and remember this good season, and the light that is ALWAYS at the end of the tunnel.
You’ve asked to talk about “Gift of Life” and we’ll hear some more about it at the run tonight. Can you tell us a bit about it here?
Gift of Life is a not-for-profit association based in Canberra which aims to increase awareness of the importance of organ and tissue donation. It is a close partner of the national organisation DonateLife as well as the Organ and Tissue Authority.
Is there a particular reason you like “Gift of Life” and what they do?
I have always been passionate about organ and tissue donation, and my experiences as a nurse working with patients who have both received and donated organs and tissues has further cemented its importance. Organ and tissue donation is something that can be difficult to talk about, and I completely understand that. But it is also so important to have that discussion with your family, because we never know if when we might one day need that gift of life, or be in the situation where we could provide that gift. I feel some comfort in the thought of something positive coming out of a situation which is otherwise so difficult. An individual's generosity to save not just one, but often several lives, is something that can also help families through the tragic circumstances.
There are also lots of myths about organ and tissue donation. One major myth I'd like to bust today is that you are too old or not healthy enough to donate. Age is not a barrier – people over 80 have become organ and tissue donors.
Another reason I like Gift of Life is that they don't fundraise as such. It is purely about raising awareness, so supporting the cause won't ever be dictated by someone's financial circumstances.
How can people support it?
Well, there are 3 key ways (in order of importance):
1. Speak to your family about organ and tissue donation and let them know of your wishes. Make your choices clear so your family is not left in a situation where they are trying to figure out what you would want.
2. Register on the Australian Organ Donor Register. It only takes one minute. This keeps a record of your wishes. You can also provide specific details about what you may or may not wish to donate. Link to register is: https://www.donatelife.gov.au/register-donor-today
3. Attend the Gift of Life Walk at Lake Burley Griffin on Tuesday 20th February! There is a free BBQ breakfast and merch (think hats, shirts, drink bottles, dog bandanas etc!). Like R4R, there are short and long walk options, so anyone (or any 4-legged friend) can participate! The meeting spot is Rond Terrace, Commonwealth Park at 6.30am for a 7am start. The link to register is: https://www.giftoflife.asn.au/act-sign-up but also feel free to also just turn up on the day!
Last time we spoke to you, you said you wish you could have gone back to yourself as a 16 year old and given yourself a hug. Do you think you’ve gotten better at being kind to yourself since then? Do you have any advice for others who need that hug?
I'm going to keep this answer short (well slightly shorter!) as I know I've talked a lot already. But I would say that I've gotten slightly better at being kind to myself, but it's still a work in progress. The thing I find most effective is to ask myself what I'd say to a friend in the same situation. That always helps to give me some perspective on the situation.
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?
Honestly, just keep doing what you are doing. I wouldn't change a thing. (Oh, actually - maybe we should ask the ACT government for some better lights along the path for during winter - some of those stretches around the lake can get very dark haha!)
Hoo bloody roo, Lara. Thank you!
R4R Valentines Day Edition
What better way to spend Valentine’s day than at the Dock, with some champagne and choccies, after a run/walk?