Meet the R4R Runners #9

Slicey Tysie

There aren’t many people more community minded than the fella we get to meet today. Almost from the first run Tyson attended, he organically and authentically established himself as a pillar of R4Rs community.

He’s always up for a chat, to listen, and to help new people meet other new people. On top of all that, he’s got a cheeky sense of humour and is a great man to have a beer and a yarn with.

R4R is extremely lucky to have someone like Tyson in its corner. With all this being said, let’s meet Slicey Tysie!

What is your name?

Tyson Flynn

Where are you from?

Canberra

Have you always lived in Canberra?

Yes, 39 years as of today!

How did you first hear about R4R?

I was fortunate enough to have seen Ben Alexander's Strava post in 2020. As a big time Brumbies fan I knew Ben from when he would visit the news agency at Deakin I worked at from 2005-2018. It seemed like a cool run to do, alongside lake burley griffin in the warmer months ahead had appeal.

When did you first attend a R4R?

21st July 2020. I've calculated around 40 Wednesday nights that I've joined the group.

What keeps you coming back to R4R?

The comradery, the networking, like minded people.
The location we run alongside.
It's free like most of Canberra's running groups.
It sells itself in my opinion 

Do you have a R4R Personal Best? If not, what’s your 5km PB?

I don’t worry about PBs with R4R,  it's not about individual success.

My 5km PB is 17:30 in 2014 for those interested, this happened when I was training in Sydney for rugby league refereeing, just below the NRL

Do you prefer the winter R4Rs or the Summer R4Rs?

Spring to Autumn - Not a cold weather fan, but I still rock up!

Do you prefer Friday or Wednesday R4R? or in other words… Do you prefer beer or coffee?

Wednesday. Beer is a bonus

During the end of last year I asked Matt and Ben if we could add a Monday 6:15am run to the other two they already had going, to which they agreed upon.

When parkrun wasn't going at the back end of last year I asked if we could have on a Saturday morning to supplement no parkrun a ride for resilience. To which they agreed. This typifies the R4R moto of Just keep moving.

If you could go for a 3km/6km walk or run with 3 people alive or dead, who would you choose and why?

It wouldn't be long enough to spend with 3 people but;

James Hetfield, Metallica lead singer - My favourite band. 

David Attenborough - an icon of our time and to hear him speak on many subjects would be simply amazing

Ian Fleming, James Bond writer - My favourite series, individually there's some iconic films there that I'd love to tap into his mind about the life he lived. 

What does resilience mean to you?

Defying the odds, proving the doubters/haters wrong. Going above and beyond for someone or something you believe in.

Is there a time in your life where you’ve had to rely on your ability to be resilient?

Previously I didn't like answering this question, and I still won't as it revolves around the birth of Zachary, for those that don't know the journey our family went and are going on, see me privately as this is, and will always remain the hardest period of my life.

If you could say one thing to someone going through something tough at the moment, what would it be?

I'd give them my mobile number for starters. Listening and then understanding what others are going through is a tough thing for anyone, nothing is too much for me to give back to someone, even if it's my last $100.

In the 2022 edition of the R4R Gift, who will win the coveted Clydesdale award 100kg and above? Jonesy, Benny A, or other?

A new contender!

It’s been a pleasure getting to know you better, Tyso! Thank you for everything you do!