Meet the R4R Runners #71
Meet George
Welcome to the 71st edition of Meet the R4R Runners. This week we get to meet one of the kindest souls going around. You’ll catch George at most R4R Runs and if you’re unlucky enough to miss her… you might fund her at the Dock on any given weekend.
I thoroughly enjoy George’s company, and her insights on life and things in general. Recently, she opened my eyes to the amount of new connections R4R has created for all those involved, and how important that has been for so many people.
This community has grown into something special, and it simply wouldn’t be that way if it weren’t for people like George. So, without further ado… let’s meet her!
What is your name?
Georgina (George)
Where are you from?
I grew up on a dry wheat and sheep/cattle farm, 20 km from Moama, NSW. I moved to Melbourne when I was 17 to go to Uni, then spent the next 15 years moving between the NT, Victoria, QLD, and the ACT.
What is your favourite thing about Canberra?
Easy-going lifestyle, the community, and reminders of country living.
How did you hear about R4R?
I saw R4R on Instagram and just turned up.
What is favourite thing about R4R?
It is a great community and I have made many close friends. I am grateful for the friendships, support, and routine that it has given me. It is also great that local business owners give it support.
What is your longest run?
The longest run 21kms and more recently City to Surf, 14 km in 2022.
Are you planning to take part in any races or events?
I am not sure, but I would like to have the opportunity to do something like the Kokoda Trail or an event that has significant meaning and value to me.
Which three people would you like to run 6km?
Chris Hemsworth, Cameron Smith (NRL) – no real reason😀
My mum just to chat, but she would have preferred a round of golf!
What does resilience mean to you?
Resilience is a multifaceted word that has many layers, feelings, and emotions attached to it. People go through things differently and their lived experiences have a huge impact on a person's ability to be resilient. For me, it encompasses self-awareness, courage, perspective, vulnerability, and empathy. Being resilient means drawing on healthy coping strategies to help me deal with difficulties to foster growth and commitment to developing strength for a better future.
* I also recognise that for people who have experienced significant trauma, depression, and PTSD, resilience is a much more complex situation.
When you look back on the hardest moment/s in your life, is there anything you wish you could have told yourself?
A particularly challenging time for me was being closely connected with someone suffering from PTSD, not only seeing the profound effects on the person but the implications for the people around them. It is difficult to comprehend, see the person you love change, suffer immensely, and struggle with life. Backing up to this last year was the loss of a significant long-term relationship.
However, I feel grateful because my life experiences whether at the time I perceived them in a negative or positive way, have had a huge impact on my ability to be resilient. I wish I could have told myself that ‘it was ok to be vulnerable’ and ‘I would be fine’. In reflection, there have been many factors which helped me navigate the future and have contributed to me feeling contented and alive again. Although, I was reluctant to share in ‘The Rag’, I did write a huge list of things that helped me, but I will just share a few.
Friendships: new and old to share thoughts, laughter, and tears. Even though I did all the crying!
Showing up no matter how I felt
Fitness/Sport - it is so important to adapt according to the situation or injury.
Being independent
Growing up on a farm and competing with brothers, brothers can be tough!
Of course, R4R!
Importantly for me – always be kind because you really don’t know the complexities of people's lives or what they might be dealing with.
Thanks, George!
Sneak Peak
We shared recently that a Strolling for Resilience was in the works, and since then, our community keeps on leading from the front. Specific kudos will be given at a later date, but there’s been some magnificent behind-the-scenes work to set up a website that will help anyone find a free exercise group. As we all know, community and exercise are incredibly powerful, and there’s no doubt in our minds that this website will help that one person through a tough time.
If you know of any community exercise groups we can share, please get in touch!
Brumbies Bus
After a few of the Brumbies came down last week, they went on to secure their top 4 finish for the Super Rugby Pacific Finals. A few of our community members hop on the Brumbies Bus organised by
, and it’s a great way to spend an evening. If you’re interested, please head to their socials for more info!
A group of R4Rers have gotten together and started a team for the push-up challenge. Also, local legend Trudie is taking on the challenge by herself! If you’d like to donate, please click through one of the links below, and if you’d like for us to share your initiative, please get in touch!
Tickets for the Running 4 Resilience road trip to the City2Surf are more than 50% sold! It’s a great day with great people, and the cost will be $120, including the bus trip, recovery session, and lunch (race entry and drinks aren’t included). If you have any questions, please email Benny A by clicking here
Well said George!