Meet the R4R Runners #72
Welcome to the 72nd edition of Meet the R4R Runners, where we get to meet Caroline Buchanan. Caroline is somewhat of a special guest because she’s an 8-time World Champion in BMX and Mountain Biking, as well as a two-time Olympian, but she’s also a regular meet the runner because she’s a local Canberran and attended her first R4R last week. As we begin revisiting runners and meeting long-time runners, we’re also keen to meet new runners, so it’s great to get Caroline off the mark early, as a sign of things to come.
Each week we get anywhere from 10-20 new runners and we try to welcome them with open arms. We know how intimidating a big group of people might feel, and we know that one of the best things about R4R is how qwelcoming we are. So if you’re new and you’d like to take part in the rag, to become more of a familiar face, please fill out our questionnaire via the link below.
But, enough with the preamble… without further ado, let’s meet one of our newest members of the R4R community, Caroline!
What is your name?
Caroline Buchanan
Where are you from?
Canberra
What's your favourite thing about Canberra?
It’s an amazing city as an athlete or entrepreneur to launch a career and have incredible support. I have always been proud of my Canberra roots and coming home from traveling the world for my professional cycling career.
How did you hear about R4R and when did you first attend?
I heard about it through my friend Charlie and attended my first one on the 7th of June.
What's your favourite thing about R4R?
I loved the combined energy of everyone coming together for the greater good! Coming from a high-performance sports background. The power of sport and movement to move people is a universal language.
What would you like to see R4R do?
Continue to grow and most importantly not disappear! I believe it’s got such a valuable position in the Canberra community that’s needed for mental health maintenance, friendships, communication, community, and an outlet when times get tough. On a fun note, for Christmas and occasions, dress-up themes, fun runs, pub crawls, or team relays could be some fun additions.
What's the longest you've ever run?
3km is the longest run I did back in school.
Are you planning on taking part in any races or events soon or are there any just gone?
I am mid-season for my professional mountain biking career. The next events are in Austria, Poland, and Canada.
Which three people (alive or dead) would you like to run 6km with?
I would love to run with my recently passed grandmother, with a mentor of mine surfing champion Layne Beachley & my dad who I look forward to walking with in an upcoming R4R
What does resilience mean to you?
It means the ability to stay present through the good and the bad. To consciously know that “ this too shall pass. A resilient mindset is the ability to be kind to yourself whilst focusing on the only things we can control, and that’s our effort and our attitude :)
When you look back on the hardest moment/s in your life, is there anything you wish you could have told yourself?
That the moments of the hardest discomfort become our greatest strengths and launch us into the next amazing chapters of our lives! I wish I would have told myself to really connect with writing down my “ why “ and “my life’s purpose”, as this has been my greatest asset as a person and being a multiple world champion.
Thanks, Caroline! Good luck with the rest of the season!
There are only 10 tickets for the Running 4 Resilience road trip to the City2Surf left! 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
The Brumbies have booked their spot in the Super Rugby Pacific semi-final and there are a fair few regulars from R4R and
who are excited for this Saturday’s match from 5:05pm. There’s obviously limited space and spots will fill up fast, so move quick!
And well done Simmo on the 2fiddy!
Thanks for sharing Caroline. Some great advice there, “I wish I would have told myself to really connect with writing down my “why“ and “my life’s purpose”…”