Meet the R4R Runners #39

Andrew Ponsonby

Welcome to the 39th edition of the ‘Meet the R4R Runners’, where this week, we get to meet Andrew Ponsonby! Andrew is as a terrific bloke as he is a runner, and another Ragger that attended the City2Surf day.

He’s a good man, he’s a contender for the R4R Gift, and he’s a great person to see week-in and week-out. So without further ado, let’s see what Andrew has to say!

What is your name? 

Andrew Ponsonby

Where are you from?

I was born in Hobart, but moved to Canberra in Primary School. So I've been here most of my life.

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

I think the clean air and great running trails. 

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

I think I may have seen the group riding home from work one day and subsequently heard about it through peers. I can't exactly remember my first time, but I've been a (semi) regular for quite a while now. 

What's your favourite thing about R4R?

I think the group atmosphere and the broader ethos (around mental health and resilience) behind the group. It's been a prick of a couple of years for many people (excuse my French).  

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

Maybe a festive season run (December) and after party! (at the Dock, of course)

Have you ever run a marathon before? If so, how'd you go? 

Yes, I've run three marathons, Melbourne once and Canberra twice. I've gotten faster each time which has been nice. I snuck under 3 hours this year in Canberra which I was really happy with. Not sure when I'll lace up for the next one though. 

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

I'm planning on a little break after City2Surf to let a couple of injury issues die down (hopefully). But hopefully I'll bounce back for the Canberra fun run later this year and/or Stromlo Running Festival. 

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

That's a tough one. I'll go Chris McCormack (I admired the trash talk), Lance Armstrong and Eliud Kipchoge. 

What does resilience mean to you?

Standing firm in the adversity and to keep showing up in your life, regardless of how you're feeling or what's happening. 

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

To take it easier on myself. I often find when I'm feeling down or anxious like I've failed in some way. Sometimes you need to treat yourself with kindness and gentleness. So I've incorporated things like massages etc into my regular routine. I've also got a lot of benefit from meditation and exercise (of course!). Unhealthier coping habits can feel good in the moment, but don't serve you well in the longer run I've found.  

Fantastic, mate!

BRB

For the coming weeks, it’s likely that only the ‘Meet the Runners’ portion of the Rag will be sent through. Runs are still on no matter what.

Hoo roo!