Sunday Sippers step up for R4R
100km on November 9th
R4R Runner and Sunday Sippers host John Veloudos will be running 100km around Lake Burley Griffin. His goal is to raise more than $20k for Running for Resilience, and when we asked why, he said there were two reasons.
Firstly, to help a cause that has been a highlight of my week for the last three years and hopefully provide Running for Resilience with funds to get closer to their Suicide Free by 2033 target.
Secondly, it’s an enjoyable process undertaking a large goal and slowly chipping away at it. I usually find out a bit about my character when the going gets tough and that’s always a useful exercise.
It certainly is a large goal, and Johnny is fair way through his chipping. Having run his fifth marathon in Sydney 2 weeks ago, he’s building towards triple figures… but understandably has some reservations…
The task of running 100ks scares me bit actually, though it is good motivation to get me out of bed and run when I’m not really feeling like it.
For most people, 100km’s isn’t even on the table let alone a motivator to jump out of bed! When we asked Johnny if he had any words of advice to give himself in the furnace, he said…
I'm going to tell myself that I asked to be in this position so now it's time to show up and finish it, along with thinking about the further impact R4R can make with the donations we will raise!
But Johnny has some secret sauce and inspiration on his side, being the support man for his good friend and co-host James Butz, who recently ran 100km to raise money for the Mark Hughes Foundation.
I’m very grateful to have a friend like Butzy in my life. He is constantly setting the standard on what is possible. It was awesome to raise money & awareness for causes such as Lifeline and the Mark Hughes Foundation in the past, it taught me about the importance of community for people and their struggles.
Well Johnny, we’re very grateful to have someone like you in our community. Regardless of the fundraiser, you and Butzy are great blokes and part of the reason why R4R is so special.
Thank you… and perhaps I mean this more than ever for your effort on November 9th… Just. Keep. Moving!
Want to help?
If you’d like to read more about the event and donate, please click the button below. And when we asked Johnny what people can do if they can’t donate, he said…
They can help by getting accustomed to R4Rs story and mission, understanding that you don’t need to have the answers for people struggling with mental health but just being willing to listen can help. Additionally, participating in R4Rs various runs/walks/yoga session they hold to get to know the community!