1. How does this marathon differ from others you have run?
This will be my fourth marathon, and my second in Melbourne. It will be good to run the course again after a couple of years. My fitness has improved a little I think. I’m looking forward to being in Melbourne again, and the course is quite flat – good for steady running.
2. Could you tell us a little about the Aboriginal Housing Company’s Pemulwuy Project? What made you want to run for this organisation?
Mick [Mundine], Lani [Tuitavake] and the Board are working so hard to ensure that Pemulwuy is something extraordinary – a place of pride for Aboriginal families on The Block, for the Aboriginal community, as well as for Redfern and Sydney. Pemulwuy was a freedom fighter and the name comes from a word meaning earth or clay. It’s a strong name for a residential development (62 new homes) designed, owned and managed by Aboriginal people – and will incorporate artist markets, a museum and cultural centre. I’m excited for the AHC, and I believe in the vision.
3. Do you find running for charity gives you extra inspiration and motivation?
I really enjoy running, it’s a great release, and it feels good to be part of something bigger than my own immediate worries. Inspiration has to do with breathing – so, yes, there’s a drawing on the hope and the good work of others.
4. New York writer John Hanc (Runner’s World) once said: “I’ve learned that finishing a marathon isn’t just an athletic achievement. It’s a state of mind; a state of mind that says anything is possible.” Would you agree with this statement? What goes through your mind as you run?
That’s so true. I love the impossible!
5. To future marathon enthusiasts, where would you recommend they start locally, and what would be your advice?
Running is great because it’s simple. All you need is a pair of shoes, and some time to go see what’s happening outside. Early morning and late afternoon are good times. I’d say start slow, run for a while and walk for a while. Start out running for just 20 minutes. Stretch a little afterwards. Once I could run for an hour, it was easier to keep going – drinking water with a dried fig or sports drink every half hour. I also found I needed to get shoes a size bigger than usual, otherwise my feet got really bruised and sore.
