Meet the R4R Runners #56

Welcome to the 56th edition of the Meet the R4R Runners… I hate to say it… but this week we get to meet another Tuggeranong Vikings player (Nic & Gibbo). As a former Easts player, the word Vikings brings back some memories of some fairly lopsided scoreboards… but I’m more than happy to make some exceptions!

Robbo started running with us around the beginning of Covid and is often putting in some decent clips. He was also the Instagram account that our page entered a ‘share to story’ war with, which we lost, unfortunately. But he’s also provided some awesome and honest answers to this week’s rag, so without further ado, let’s meet Robbo!

What is your name? 

Andrew "Robbo" Robinson

Where are you from? 

Canberra boy- born and raised

What's your favourite thing about Canberra? (apart from R4R obviously)-  

All my friends and family are here, my rugby club, and then all the under-the-radar areas to explore.

How did you hear about R4R and when did you first attend?

First got involved courtesy of some R4R all stars in Nic Murray and John Gibson. I think my first appearance was in March 2020 and I haven't looked back. 

What's your favourite thing about R4R?

The family vibe that comes out every single run, such a close-knit group, and everyone willing to have a chat following. 

What would you like to see R4R do?

A pub golf-style event would be good fun or some form of charity relay run over an extended period.

What's the longest you've ever run? 

Still in the minor leagues being a natural sprinter so 10km is my max to date but have completed this a few times so might be time to extend it.

Are you planning on taking part in any races or events soon or are there any just gone?

There are whispers of a stint in the Canberra marathon event in the 10km but yet to be confirmed.

Which three people (alive or dead) would you like to run 6km with?

My Brother Chris- currently resides in Melbourne and unfortunately don't get to see him as much as we'd like but always a good time. 

My Grandad "Pop"- another great time regardless of the situation he's in. He is always someone that I've looked up to, loves the outdoors and I enjoy anytime I get to spend time with him.

Mahatma Gandhi / Nelson Mandela - hard to pick between people of this caliber but would be awesome to have a conversation with people who were able to face such adversity in their lives and still have such an impact on a worldwide basis in such a positive way. 

What does resilience mean to you?

Doesn't matter how many times you stumble, fall, or are pushed down, the only thing that matters is getting back up.

When you look back on the hardest moment/s in your life, is there anything you wish you could have told yourself? 

There are many things I wish I could tell myself but I think the biggest and most important is that I would remind myself that I'm not a burden to those who love and care for me when in need. One of the biggest challenges I faced was not long after I joined the R4R family and went through a sudden and unexpected separation from my long term partner during the peak of the initial Covid lockdown. I still remember feeling so isolated and weighed down that I couldn't and didn't want to do anything. However with the help of my family and friends, I was able to find my feet again, although not easy, was able to slowly rebuild myself to a place where I felt like me again. My appreciation for those who supported and continue to support me will never go unnoticed and that is the value of the R4R community, always support present if you need it and I hope I can be that person for many others. 

I love it, mate. Thank you.