Meet the R4R Runners #10
Nic Murray
In the 10th edition of ‘Meet the R4R Runners’, we get to meet Nic. Normally one of the front runners, Nic was one of the performers in the Lockdown Challenge earlier this year.
Along with Benny As ‘get dropped off at the top of Red Hill and run home srategy’, Nic employed a creative strategy of his own, running sprints to make up his allotted hour of yard time.
Nic is there almost every Wednesday and I certainly find myself seeking him out amongst the bigger crowds to have a chat. He’s a terrific bloke and R4R is lucky to have him in attendance. So let’s meet him!
What is your name?
Nic Murray
Where are you from?
Canberra
Have you always lived in Canberra?
Born and bred since 1993. Love this town!
How did you first hear about R4R?
My mate Gibbo suggested I join him for a run one Wednesday arvo at something called Running for Resilience. He told me it was a group of runners that gathered outside The Dock and ran together, which was then followed by a beer. (perfect combo!).
When he told me about the story behind R4R I thought it was a really great initiative and I've been hooked ever since.
When did you first attend a R4R?
February 2020
What keeps you coming back to R4R?
For me it's about committing to just one consistent thing week in week out. The run is a great way to put the real world aside for just a small fraction of time, and enjoy a peaceful run with some friends. Not to mention that the community of R4R are also a great bunch of people!
Do you have a R4R Personal Best? If not, what’s your 5km PB?
R4R PB - 24:56.
Do you prefer the winter R4Rs or the Summer R4Rs?
Both! Summer time for the great weather and refreshingly cold beers. And winter for the tough mental battle that is convincing yourself to go for a run in the dark, and in sometimes terrible conditions.
Do you prefer Friday or Wednesday R4R? or in other words… Do you prefer beer or coffee?
Wednesday's and Beer.
If you could go for a 3km/6km walk or run with 3 people alive or dead, who would you choose and why?
First and foremost my Fiancé Mel - I'd be in the dog house if she wasn't number 1 haha.
Dean Karnazes - He was one of the first runners I started following on socials when I picked up running. He seems like a super interesting guy with a wealth of running knowledge and stories to go with it.
David Le'aupepe (Gang of Youths front man) - Favourite band and such a great performer and positive person.
What does resilience mean to you?
To me it means the ability to persevere through life's challenges no matter how big or small they may be. From every day little annoyances to the big life changing events we all encounter.
Is there a time in your life where you’ve had to rely on your ability to be resilient?
I think like most guys in their young to mid 20s we all get lost on what our life goals are, who we want to be as a person, and how we envision ourselves in the future. And that was no different for me. There were times where I felt lost and not in control, and had to be resilient to push past all those negative things in life. With a great support network of friends and loved ones, plus the weekly endorphin hit that R4R provides, those negatives were able to be forgotten about.
If you could say one thing to someone going through something tough at the moment, what would it be?
That everything can and always will get better. There will always be someone there to listen to you whether it's a friend, family member, or a crisis support worker. People care. I'd also say come down to R4R, get some fresh air and join us for a run.
In the 2022 edition of the R4R Gift, who will win the coveted Clydesdale award 100kg and above? Jonesy, Benny A, or other?
It's hard not to go past the big dog himself Benny A!
Great answers, Nic! Thanks for your responses and thanks for your contributions to R4R!