Meet the R4R Runners #4

Singh Talwar

In the 4th edition of ‘Meet the R4R Runners’, we get to meet Singh.

Ever since Singh rocked up to his first R4R, he has been a massive force in spreading our message and making people feel welcome. He is an amazing example of someone who facilitates community and R4R wouldn’t be the same without him.

I was fortunate enough to go for a long run with Singh down in Bermagui and really enjoyed hearing about his story, but as with all of the ‘Meet the R4R Runners’ responses so far, I’ve really enjoyed reading his answers here.

With that being said, let’s meet Singh.

What is your name?

Singh Talwar (Singhy)

Where are you from?

Born in India

Have you always lived in Canberra?

More than two decades in Canberra but like all youngsters, left for Melbourne for few years and came back to Canberra to get help from parents in raising family.

How did you first hear about R4R?

In late 2020, when I was training for an ultra marathon, I saw a  large group of runners running around the lake and like what all runners do is overtake the bunch with a smile, I ran faster to overtake them. But this bunch was hard to beat so I kept following them thinking I will catch-up to them but they were too fast for me. I came back same time every evening so I could could follow the group and beat them but they were not there until a Wednesday evening they appeared again. So I asked one of the guys what the group was about. This is first time I had heard of Running For Resilience.

When did you first attend a R4R?

Mid to late 2020 after meeting a R4R runner and browsing the R4R website and exploring more about the cause of R4R online I was very keen to join this group.

What keeps you coming back to R4R?

I have run with various running groups in the past but this one was more casual with a wider demographic of keen runners, walkers and joggers with a very social aspect. Every time I came back to R4R, I felt more welcoming as I started putting names to faces. Personally, I have felt that Matt, Benny and Dock crew genuinely cared for the cause and have been very hospitable to every new and old R4R member.

Joining R4R not only improved my running but mentally I felt happier being part of a greater cause. In the last couple of years with border closures and lockdowns I had been feeling isolated from my interstate family and friends but R4R has formed so many new friendships that I have been able to randomly chat with a new friend and catch-up for a coffee, drink or just a run. R4R has encouraged me to get out of bed and keep my mental and physical fitness up.

Do you have a R4R Personal Best? If not, what’s your 5km PB?

I usually don't check my R4R times as I prefer to say hello and run along other R4R runners but I think my Wed evening PB would have been on the R4R Gift run and Friday morning PB would have been 32:30

Do you prefer the winter R4Rs or the Summer R4Rs?

I prefer the Summer R4Rs as daylight savings makes such a big difference and the beer tastes better after a hot run.

Do you prefer Friday or Wednesday R4R? or in other words… Do you prefer beer or coffee?

Beer anytime. Wednesday evening run breaks the week into two parts which is refreshing. I don't have wait for the end of the week to catch-up with friends. However, Friday morning runs have helped me to get out of bed, run and form bonds with a smaller group of R4R friends. Friday morning runs have allowed me to get the daily exercise out of the way first thing in the morning and I can socialise with my colleagues after work.

If you could go for a 3km/6km walk or run with 3 people alive or dead, who would you choose and why?

6 Km Run with my Dad - In 2018 my dad came to Australia for the first time to visit my family. While I was showing the touristy thing around Sydney-Canberra, he developed a foot infection. After many surgeries in Woden Valley and John James hospitals his foot was amputated and eventually he lost a leg. Now he is on a wheel chair in India cared for by my elder brother. Something in me keeps reminding me that if my Dad did not visit me here, he would have been standing tall today. I wish I could roll-back the clock. 

6 Km Run with Flying Sikh - Milkha Singh - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milkha_Singh . When I was in high school, I was an average student both academically and in sport. I had come 2nd or 3rd in few events but for the first time ever I came first in 800 meters, I realised I too could do something in life if I was persistent and resilient. On our sports day our chief guest was Milkha Singh my running idol but due to some events the sports day was cancelled and I did not get to receive my running cup from my idol.

6 Km Walk with Mahatma Gandhi -  When I born I was very tiny, skinny and bald so my uncle nicknamed me Gandhi. My family and folks in India still call me Gandhi till today. I believe somehow it has sunk into my personality. I have been a very non violent and defensive person. Even in sport I have chosen to be a right back defending the goal, basketball right back, cricket spinner rather than pace and in running long distance resilient runner rather than short pace speedster. I would love to walk and talk with Gandhi and see how he could be so calm when the world was in turmoil around him.

What does resilience mean to you?

GRIT - If you need something in life you have to be persistent and resilient. 

Is there a time in your life where you’ve had to rely on your ability to be resilient?

I have a lovely family don't get me wrong but like many parents I have had to rely on my resilient ability from time to time.

If you could say one thing to someone going through something tough at the moment, what would it be?

If you cannot change a situation then change the way you react to it. Everything has its time and space and yours will come. Never make a rash statement or decision when you are angry, instead, go for a walk or a jog and let the happy chemical in you decide.

In the 2022 edition of the R4R Gift, who will win the coveted Clydesdale award 100kg and above? Jonesy, Benny A, or other?

Go Benny...

That’s Benny 4-0… Pressure’s on! Thanks Singh! It’s been a pleasure.

And remember, on December 15, R4R turns 2!

We’re lucky enough for the Dock to host us and for Schroders to foot the bill.

Please RSVP so we have a good idea of numbers. We would love to see you all there! (capacity permitting)