Meet the R4R Runners #53
Welcome to the 53rd edition of the Meet the R4R Runners. We’re hoping to make it to 100 editions this year but we’re going to need more people! If you’re keen or know someone who would be keen, please come chat to me on a Wednesday or Friday… or even shoot us a message on our socials.
This week, we get to meet Maria… who I’m pretty sure can be considered an R4R OG. A runner from the early days, we’ll always be grateful for her efforts. Her friendliness and contributions from when we were smaller were integral in helping our community be what it is now. It was a real pleasure to read her responses, so without further ado, let’s meet Maria!
What is your name?
Maria Giannasca
Where are you from?
Canberra
What's your favourite thing about Canberra? (apart from R4R obviously)
Family, friends, the convenience and a great running community. Canberra has some of the best and prettiest places to run in Australia.
How did you hear about R4R and when did you first attend?
Tyson Flynn invited me to come along. Resilience and suicide prevention are close to my heart
What's your favourite thing about R4R?
The people and enjoying the social aspects. The back story of why R4R is is inspiring and if I can help 1 person, then that's valuable to me. It's by far the best group social run in Canberra if not Australia.
What would you like to see R4R do?
A charity fundraiser, perhaps in the opposite direction?
What's the longest you've ever run?
I completed my first marathon in August 2022. That was rewarding, challenging, and fun. Can't wait for my next one!
Are you planning on taking part in any races or events soon or are there any just gone?
I loved the marathon so much, I've got a 50km ultra marathon in NZ in February. And plans are in progress for the rest of the year but I can't share those yet.
Which three people (alive or dead) would you like to run 6km with?
My grandfather - he's always been like a dad to me and we spent a lot of time outdoors growing up. Sadly, He's currently in the hospital battling dementia.
The G.O.A.T Eliud - I can only ever dream of being that quick and he seems like such a nice genuine person
Sanchez and Macy my puggies - Sanchez is sadly too old and ... solid now and Macy is too much of a terror and would keep getting distracted.
What does resilience mean to you?
It's being able to handle any situation I'm faced with and continue to move forward and grow. Living in the present moment and being accepting of how you feel.
When you look back on the hardest moment/s in your life, is there anything you wish you could have told yourself?
There's always light at the end of the tunnel. Having lost a number of close friends and family members to suicide, as well as battling depression myself, knowing there is always someone to talk to is such a powerful message to give hope.
Thanks, Maria!