Meet the R4R Runners #54

Welcome to the 54th edition of the Meet the R4R Runners. This week, we get to meet Gibbo, who despite what his good friends will tell you, is a great bloke. Gibbo is another guy I met around the tracks before R4R, and he’s got one of those personalities that brings a bit of extra zing to the room.

It was insightful to read Gibbo’s responses and there were a couple of answers that were bang on. We’re lucky to have him as part of our community and as always, we’re lucky to have so many runners be honest with us through their answers. So, without further ado, let’s meet Gibbo!

What is your name? 

John Gibson (Gibbo)

Where are you from?

Canberra all the way.

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

I think the appeal is similar to a lot of people; the large country town vibe, you’re only ever a couple of minutes from nature/trails, you can hop in the car and within a few hours be at the beach, the snow, the mountains, etc.

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

I was fortunate enough to work with Matt’s wife for a time. When R4R started, a few of the old work colleagues went for a jog and so I came along. I think my first was early 2020 maybe?

An OG! What's your favourite thing about R4R?

I like that R4R creates a relaxed environment in which people have the ability to speak out when things aren’t 100%, and that there are literally hundreds of people around that would be willing to listen and assist in anyway they could. For me personally, it’s an activity that I like to do with my wife to break the week up, and it’s also enabled me to catch up with friends that I otherwise wouldn’t see on a regular basis. It’s actually strengthened a number of those friendships which I am grateful for.

What would you like to see R4R do?

I think as a group, R4R can be a powerful cohort of people. I’d get around days where we could get together and assist other groups or organisations that align with R4R.

What's the longest you've ever run? 

I did the Stromlo 30km last year. Was a cracker!

Are you planning on taking part in any races or events soon or are there any just gone?

I’ve booked in for the Canberra marathon in April and then will look to do the Gold Coast Marathon and maybe Stromlo 50km.

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

Michael Jordan – I’ve always admired his uncompromising mentality and desire to win.

Shane Warne – The stories… plus, with his fitness, the run would go for about 3 hours so you’d get a lot of value.

Barack Obama – What a guy. I reckon he’d make it so easy to have a conversation about anything, and you could speak for days. And the voice…

What does resilience mean to you?

Resilience to me is facing adversity with the realisation that there is always light at the end of the journey, and having the internal desire to push through to get there.

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

Difficult moments become less hard when they become shared burdens. One thing I would remind myself (and others) is that there are always people that can, will, and want to assist you. Don’t be silent, don’t be proud; speak up, accept that assistance and work through things together.

Thanks, Gibbo!