Meet the R4R Runners #66
Welcome to the 66th edition of the Meet the R4R Runners. This week we get to meet Lara, who’s provided us some cracking answers! She’s another example of why our community is so great, and we’re thankful for Lara giving her time to answer our questions and run with us weekly.
Before we get going, if you’d like to be part of the Rag, please fill out the questions via the link below.
But, without further ado, let’s meet Lara!
What is your name?
Lara Wynd
Where are you from?
Canberra born and raised (but have been studying and working in Wollongong and Sydney for the last few years!)
What's your favourite thing about Canberra?
My favourite thing is the size of Canberra - it's big enough that we have some great events and access to all the essentials (albeit a few more AFL games definitely wouldn't hurt!), but it's also small enough that it's easier to make friends and has more of a community feel than some of the bigger cities.
How did you hear about R4R and when did you first attend?
I first heard about R4R through a friend. We were going to dinner one Wednesday night, and they mentioned they were doing a run beforehand. I had just started running again after getting stress fractures in (BOTH!) of my feet, so I tagged along. It's been the highlight of my week ever since!
What's your favourite thing about R4R?
My favourite thing is the post-run and socialisation endorphin rush! To me there's nothing quite like the endorphins I get from exercise, and that combined with some great conversations and meeting new friendly people is such a wonderful feeling. I also love just how relaxed it is. Whether you walk or run, there is no expectation to do anything other than just move your body and check in with yourself and others. I love the whole concept.
What would you like to see R4R do?
Well, I would ideally love another round of merchandise to become available! :) Not only would I love one of those 'elusive' R4R singlets, I think clothing is often the best way to spread the word and start a conversation about something. I also think some one-off events on the weekend (running or otherwise) could potentially be a great way to further build the community.
What's the longest you've ever run?
Hahaha honestly, the R4R runs (around 6km) are the longest I do! I usually try to squeeze in my runs and take my dog for a walk all before I go to work in the morning, so I don't have time for much more!
Are you planning on taking part in any races or events soon or are there any just gone?
Not really! I'm very honest and open about the fact that I've had some exercise addiction struggles in the past, and so whilst I love running and its been great to get back into it, I'm also aware that I need to keep it low-pressure.
Which three people (alive or dead) would you like to run or walk 6km with?
1. Heath Ledger - he was so talented but also faced his demons. He also just seemed like a great down-to-earth Aussie (and was pretty easy on the eye too!) 2. This one counts as far more than number 2 and 3, but all/any of my parental figures (parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles) when they were my age! I would be absolutely fascinated to see what they were like at my age, experience the world they lived in, and compare just how much the world has changed in a few generations!
What does resilience mean to you?
Resilience to me is the act of getting up each day and trying again. It's also about making the most of what life has given you. I work as a nurse, and this means I often see people at their most vulnerable. But it also has shown me just how strong humans are, and how low we can get but still find a way to get back up and keep going. Life can be tough, and seem so unjust at times, but it can also be so bright and beautiful. Resilience is not only about persevering through the hard times, but also appreciating and cherishing the good.
When you look back on the hardest moment/s in your life, is there anything you wish you could have told yourself?
One thing I'm very passionate about is raising awareness about eating disorders, as I have personally battled anorexia for the last 7 years. It is such a cruel disease and whilst I am in a much better place now physically and mentally, and its impact on my life is far less than it used to be, it is still something that I continue to fight every single day. Whilst every day has been a challenge, the weeks I spent in hospital as a teenager (including on my sweet 16th birthday!) was probably the toughest time of my life. I wish I could go back and just give my 16-year-old self a hug. I would tell her that it is going to be okay - it's certainly not going to be sunshine and roses all the time, and there will be some low points, but it will get easier. And most importantly, I would tell her that she can use this experience to help and give hope to others. If after all this, I can help even just one other person, my struggles won't be for nothing.
Thanks, Lara!
ANZAC Day
Lest we forget.
Yesterday, R4R Runners turned up in force to show their respect and gratitude to those who’ve served and those who are still serving. The Dawn Service being broadcast by the Dock is now a great tradition, and it will be happening again next year.
City 2 Surf
Mark your calendars for the 13th of August 2023 because R4R is doing the City 2 Surf again! Entries for the race are open on!
Around the Grounds
Initially left out of this week’s Rag, the Park Run numbers are holding steady. Again, Park Run is a cracking way to catch up with mates, knock out some exercise, and kick off the weekend right. If you’d like to know more, check out their website here.
I bloody love socialisation endorphin rush too