Meet the R4R Runners #22

Tony Wallace

Welcome to the 22nd edition of the ‘Meet the R4R’ Runners where we get to meet Big Tone! Whether you’re seeing him on the golf course, charging down the foreshore with a wet sail to finish a run, or volunteering at Park Run, odds are he’ll greet you with a smile and make your day better.

I first met Tony on a Friday morning and despite being on holidays at the moment, his attendance is about as reliable as it comes. Tony is a fantastic community man who started a Park Run in Ginninderra and R4R is lucky to have him as part of our community.

So without further ado, let’s meet Tony!

What is your name? 

Tony Wallace

Where are you from?

Originally from Sydney before my parents moved to country NSW. First lived in Canberra in 1972 for two years. Joined the Army and returned to Canberra in 1978, moved around (more times than I care to remember including Mendi in Papua New Guinea and Monterey in California) before arriving back in Canberra in 2003.

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

Early lifestyle and a great place to raise a family. An accessible and modern city with great facilities from education, open spaces to the arts, but without masses of people. It has a sense of community.

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

Heard about R4R from the Facebook posts and others who had run with the group. We were committed to Elevate Running on Wednesday evenings, so Friday mornings became a great option. I first attended on Friday 23 April 2021.

What's your favourite thing about R4R?

The people - different backgrounds with interesting and diverse stories. R4R’s organic nature and the sharing of stories over coffee or a beer after the run is important. R4R builds community.

Is there anything you'd like to see R4R do? 

In keeping with R4R’s organic nature and recognising our growth in numbers, the idea of continuous 24/7 relay along the Dock to Bridge course to raise awareness of mental health may have appeal. With over 100 runners, we should be able to keep the relay going for an extended period, which would test both personal and group resilience to keep it going. Potential fund raising opportunities would add interest.

Tony this sounds like a great idea! Have you ever run a marathon before? If so, how'd you go? 

No. Not sure that I am really committed to the idea of a long distance, and I don’t consider it a bucket list thing. Ten years ago, if you suggested that I go for a run, I probably would have told you that you’re dreaming. Through community running events like parkrun and more recently R4R, I have found enjoyment and pleasure from running and being more active. 

Are you planning on taking part in any races or events soon?

Most Saturdays, you can find my wife Maria and I at parkrun either running or volunteering. Most likely at Ginninderra or as a tourist somewhere in Australia. Pending COVID and world events, my son Andrew has enlisted my support to run in a four person relay in the Man Versus Horse event in Wales in June 2022 (https://rove.me/to/wales/man-v-horse-marathon). Does this count as running a marathon? It will be the most exotic event that I have participated in.

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

Jack Nicklaus

Charlie Watts 

Amelia Earhart

What does resilience mean to you?

The ability to give your best consistently under all circumstances. This is not easy, as life presents different challenges and tests you and your resolve in different ways. Your resilience and ability to cope is tested by new situations, and how you respond is important. Involving others, particularly those you trust, can be very helpful. People are innately resourceful and can find a way ahead to a better solution. Be confident and back your judgement.

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

Things will look better once you are through the difficult period. Often we waste physical and mental energy, in dealing with the struggle. The ability to be calm and rationalise our thoughts enable us to think more clearly. Testing our thinking with trusted people, including mentors will enable better solutions to be found. Mentors can be a great resource, particularly in professional circles. Finding the right mentor or coach will be beneficial in lifting your ability to solve problems, and performance and satisfaction levels.

We've stopped the count on Benny A vs. Jonesy... So, who do you think takes out the R4R gift this year (both male and female)?

Lili Mooney and Andrew Ponsonby (smoky)

A very insightful edition, Tony. Thank you for all that you do!