Meet the R4R Runners #42

Aleisha

Welcome to the 42nd edition of the R4R Runners, where we’re slowly edging towards the half century. This week we get to meet someone who was rocking up to rain-affected runs before it was cool.

Despite playing for Royals Rugby, Aleisha is an unreal person and a pleasure to be around. Jokes aside (the royals bit, not the pleasure to be around bit), we’re grateful for runners like Aleisha and the role they play in our community.

So without further ado, let’s meet Aleisha!

What is your name? 

Aleisha Payoe

Where are you from?

Originally from Melbourne, but Canberra is home.

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

I grew up in Canberra and so it’s always felt like home to me. There’s plenty of awesome restaurants (many of which I’ve worked at), there’s always sport for me to play, walks to do and dogs to pat as you do a lap of LBG. I absolutely love the people in Canberra, I’ve got plenty of friends and support here even though my family don’t live here anymore. I also met my partner Travis here and we adopted our rescue Border Collie Bella recently so what’s not to love!!

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

I joined Strava during the first lockdown and saw a few people had all logged a 6km run on a Wednesday night and tagged R4R. I have always been a solo runner and an anxious one at that so didn’t come down straight away but a few months later I decided to put my big girl pants on and give it a go.

I’ve been coming along ever since and it’s been great to connect with so many new people and catch up with old friends. I’ve also recently got a Border Collie who has been accompanying me on some shorter Wednesday night trots!

What's your favourite thing about R4R? The people and the community.

Everyone is honestly so lovely and friendly and I couldn’t ask for a better community to be a part of.

I’ve made some wonderful new friends through R4R as well as connecting with some old friends. With a big plug from Benny A, the KPMG RunWell club have also had some people coming down to join the community which is fantastic to see!

R4R has kept me moving whilst battling injuries, juggling sports training and general life chaos and I can always count on a R4R run, walk or jog to put a smile on my face.

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

A pub crawl

A R4R dog walk (my dog pictured below)

More merch

A Christmas party

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

I have not, although it is on the bucket list one day. I’ve completed two half marathons so far - this year with not too much training. I’m super keen to get some more R4R runs in prior to the Melbourne Half Marathon coming up in a few weeks.

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

I’ve entered into the Canberra Times Half Marathon, the Melbourne Half Marathon and I’ll start training soon for the upcoming Triathlon season.

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

I’ve only got two people that I would really like to run with and they are:

1. My Grandpa, he was a phenomenal athlete (played Cricket for Sri Lanka and was not too bad with the golf Clubs either) and I’d like to think I got some of my athletic ability from him. He passed away over 10 years ago but I would have loved to go for a trot with him.

2. My Mum, also a phenomenal athlete when she was younger, she held records in Sri Lanka for athletics. We did a Mother’s Day Classic a few years ago but it would be great to get her down to some R4R runs when she’s in Canberra.

What does resilience mean to you?

Honestly, to just keep moving forward and pushing through the tough stuff. Ideally supported with friends, family and people that have your best interest at heart. Having the courage to speak up when you’re not okay and ask for help but also being there for others when they need your support as well.

It’s embracing your mental health, your anxiety, your head noise, your quirks, your failings, your little wins, your big wins, your success and above all – your happiness.

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

had my fair share of tough family health moments growing up and I was often told that things will get better. It will never feel like it at the time but my Mum often told me growing up that things always happen for a reason and it’s held true for the last 28 years.

Awesome, Leish. Thanks for your answers!