Level 1 run leaders

'I've always loved running, starting as a child and then playing hockey in high school. It just rolled into adulthood and I have had a bit of a love/hate relationship with running.

My favourite running event is the Dublin Women's Mini Marathon - June Bank Holiday weekend always warm and sunny. Also, I really enjoyed the views when Participating in the Run Melbourne Half Mara. One of my running quirks is that when it gets tough on a run, I repeatedly count to 100 in Gaeilge.

I am excited that I help grow enthusiasm for running and exercise, showing kids that it isn't always about winning - that just taking part is an achievement and that being part of the LRC community is something to be proud of.'

'I started running in 2012 and first event was Run for Kids 2014 My favourite running event was 2019 Berlin Marathon to have family cheering and friends also running is an easy answer. Also was my Marathon pb. I like coaching because I like meeting and chatting to people, passing on knowledge, giving tips and seeing them improving is very satisfying My running quirk is that I always put my left sock on first then left runner, tie it up. Then right sock then runner tie it up.'

 'I’ve been running consistently since 2015 and have loved the freedom that being fit brings. Recently, I’ve run UTA50 and Melbourne Marathon which were both huge challenges, both to train for and to finish, however my favourite running events have been trail runs on Victoria’s surf coast – Wonderfalls, and the Surf Coast Trail Half Marathon. 

My favourite part about coaching is supporting and motivating others, and how improving your running mindset is just as important as physical fitness on those long runs. My running quirk is that I can be peer pressured into entering (almost) anything, as long as there is good company and a refuel at the pub!'

'The reason I started running was on the back of starting triathlon in 2011 and just enjoying the running side of it more than swimming. Obviously. My favourite Race is 4Peaks trail run in Bright, anything with elevation. Looking forward to leading a few runs through the gorge my favourite stomping ground. Quirks,  I seem to wear long sleeve running tops a lot probably to hide my skinny arms. But I’m working on that.'

 'I had a huge lifestyle change at 45 years old which led me into running as a healthy way to manage my mental health.  

I have since run multiple half marathons and at the age of 50, ran my first marathon.   Coaching was not something I had thought I’d ever do as I never thought of myself as “a runner”, but I hope I can help motivate people through my experiences and prove that you can turn your life around at any point in time.   

I guess the running quirk I have is that I like to run on the left hand side if running with company.'

 'I started running on Oct 29, 2016 - my very first Parkrun.

My favourite running event was the Cadbury Half Marathon in Jan 2020, the scenery along the Derwent River in Hobart was stunning. 

What I like most about coaching is to help others achieve their goals regardless of distance or time and to never compare yourself to other runners or their ability. 

My running quirk is that I need a pack of red jelly beans when I head out for a long run, and I don’t tie my shoelaces too tightly either!' 

 'I started running 6 years ago after having my 2nd child, but I also ran Little Athletics and at school. 

My favourite event was Surf Coast Century Team 100km  

Coaching allows me to meet such a wide range of people and gives me opportunity to help people to make a change or reach a goal, which is really satisfying

My running quirk is to never run in long sleeves unless it is below 0... except that one time at Bright parkrun where it was -1 and I still ran in a singlet and was hot and sweaty by the end!'

 'As a teenager, I was always running: School cross country, Athletics Carnivals, playing football. I remember being fit and competitive. Fast forward 30+ years, I thought my running days were in the past, until Feb 2021. My wife, Anna, said she was inspired to do a LRC 'Walk2Run' program and  asked me to join her. I wasn't too keen but everything changed from there. My favourite running event is Run 4 the Kids, it's an amazing day with lots of costumes and laughs, supporting the Royal Children's Hospital. I became a coach to support and encourage, like I had received, and hoping to do the same. One of my running quirks is that after an event, I will have a hot Radox bath with a small glass of Sambucca (recovery and hydration) and complain about how sore I am.' 

'Never ran as a kid. I would think of every excuse to get out of Athletics Carnivals and P.E. It's funny how life turns around. 

I love running and it helps balance the mind and life's stresses. My favourite running event is the Great Ocean Road Running Festival -  gorgeous scenery and it's just that far away from Melbourne to make it a great, short runcation. LRC gave me the drive to push through runs I'd never imagined I'd achieve, and I'm humbled to be a Coach where I can give back . 

My running quirk is that I always yell out motivation to other runners (regardless if it's LRC or complete strangers) during an event to give them a boost of confidence. It works two-fold, as it helps me run happy. Very rare to find me without a smile on my face.'

' I started running in 2020 to get fit after hearing about Parkrun. It’s fair to say I’m hooked and enjoy the longer distances. My favourite race is Great Ocean Road Running Festival. With cliff faces on one side, the ocean on the other and a huge bunch of members to give you a final push across the line what’s not to love. 

As a coach I want to help and inspire anyone to set some goals and then smash them. 

My running quirk would have to be catching a train to the city then running home just for fun.'
 

'I always hated running as a teenager. But then I had a midlife crisis and decided to get healthy. I lost around 20kg and thought I would try parkrun to see how far I could run.  I then fell in love with running and the community it brings.  I have since run countless half marathons and 3 marathons.  My favourite event is Gold Coast Marathon, the vibe just keeps you going, and it’s a bonus that it’s a flat course.  I’m really excited to be a coach and hopefully inspire and encourage others in their running journey.   My running quirk is that I wear odd socks and that I eat straight Vegemite on my long runs and marathons.'

'I started running when I was about 15 years old to stay fit for footy, and I ended up falling in love with it.

My favourite running event is definitely the Melbourne Marathon Running Festival as you can't beat running into the MCG. It was also my first ever running event (the 10km distance).

Coaching has always meant a lot to me as I love seeing people achieve things, and the happiness they have when they do. Being a swim teacher for 7 years, I have seen this many times and it's amazing to see people excel.

My running quirk is that I always run in a singlet even when it’s freezing as I seem to warm up quickly.'

'I started running in the mid 90s so the best part of 25 years. I didn't do many events until around 2015. That's when I joined parkrun and made friends with like minded folk and it really escalated from there.  

I don't think I have one favourite event. I like Run Melbourne, 4 Vines, Shepparton Marathon, Murray Marathon Festival, Harvest Run and some of the smaller regional events. The best bit about coaching for me is that I really like to see the look of achievement on people's faces when they get to their goal or working on their goal.   

I don't have any pre race quirks, though mid morning runs can often interrupt my poo schedule!'

 'It’s hard to say exactly when I started running. I would say I have two dates. The first was when I started treadmill running in Feb 2018, as part of a cardio-focused health kick not long after I turned 39. The turning point came in October 2019, so 18 months later, when I got my fitness to a point where I felt comfortable taking it to the streets! To me it’s the second date but I had built up a pretty solid foundation beforehand. 

So far my favourite running event is probably my first half marathon completed in LRC colours - Sandy Point Summer Edition in Feb 2021. Seeing people push themselves to achieve their goals is a coaching highlight for me! Everyone is coming off a different base, but by coaching I can share this activity, share my stories and experiences to support others to either lose some weight (check-lots), recover from injury (in progress), run a new distance (check), set a new personal best time (check) or run a challenging course (check)!'

'I have loved running for as long as I can remember. I always entered the running events for athletics at school. Now as an adult it just seems like the most fun way to exercise. 

The Grampians Challenge Trail Run in 2019 was my favourite event. A really beautiful course in one of my favourite locations. It also gave me a bit of a kick start after a bit of a break from running. 

I love seeing people working towards goals in running and completing runs or distances they didn't think they were capable of. Its nice to be part of the support network at LRC.

I always run in shorts and a t-shirt no matter the weather and after an event I always go for hot chips and a coffee or beer - depending on the time of day.'

'I’ve been running since the birth of my daughter in 2013.  I was initially drawn to running as it was too difficult to commit to a team sport training schedule as a new dad. 

I enjoy exploring the suburbs whilst out running and the fact that any workout can be done as easy or as hard as you like.

My favourite running events so far has been the Melbourne half marathons, I really enjoy the big city crowd support and the being able to run through/on city icons – MCG, Bolte Bridge and the Grand Prix Circuit.

I enjoy connecting with other runners in the LRC community and look forward to working with them to achieve their individual goals - their first ever 5k, achieving a new PB or completing a longer event.   

My running quirk is that I like to always wear a visor regardless of the weather and my penchant for brightly coloured running attire.'

'I started running in late 2016 with a goal to run 5km before I was 50 in May 2017 (and the rest as they say is history).  

My favourite running event so far has been Run for the Kids in 2018, with Kirsty, Nikki and Hughsey... even though I prefer to run solo.
I like coaching because it feels good to give something back to a club that has been tremendously supportive to me during my worse times. Also, I like to think that I may just inspire that one person to think that they can do it if ATP has.
My running quirk is that I always have to have a coffee prior to an event, two is better (a glass of bubbly is EVEN better). Also, I always put on my left sock first... I will swear A LOT - words you won't have even heard before.'

' I started running in 2014 and was coerced by a work colleague to run the 5km Melbourne Marathon event with them. This lead to a 10km and 21km Melbourne Marathon event in the following years. 

After the 21km event, I thought I’d give it a consistent go, so I joined parkrun, which was only 500m from my home. One thing led to another, and eventually I join the LRC family and haven’t looked back.

I now want to give back to the club that helped me get to where I am, and am hoping to provide guidance and support to the running community.

My running quirks are that I have to wear a hat when I run (#sunsmart) and I dislike hugging after a long sweaty run.'

'I was inspired to start running after watching the London marathon when I lived there in the early 2000’s.  Over the next 15 years I had an on-off relationship with running.  Then in 2016 I discovered  parkrun and that’s when I feel I became a runner again.  There is something magical about parkrun that really brought out my love for running!  

I’ve a few favourite running events, including my first half marathon at Run Melbourne, but the number one would be my first ever event, the 10k London event. I am looking forward to coaching other runners to achieve their goals, whether that’s their first ever 5k, aiming for a pb or some other goal.  LRC is an awesome club full of lots people who are always encouraging others to do their best.  

As for running quirks, I don’t think I have any.  I like to always run with my Garmin, and wear my colourful Steigen socks.  I’ve just started to run with music, and it’s a game changer for me.'

'I started running with a group of friends who were doing parkrun. After my first taste, I was highly addicted and hooked! 

As a goals-driven individual, I enjoy the challenge running brings and allows me to push and persevere further. I’ve had several injuries over the years, but I’ve always come back fighting, stronger each time, ever determined to be a better version of myself. I’m passionate about coaching because I’ve always been known to put other people first, to try and get the best out of them and achieve their potential. 

I love to support them, encourage and share in their achievements. 

My biggest running quirk would have to be running with people and talking alongside – maybe a little too much!'