6 Extraordinary People
Tuesday, 23 October 2012
From the October 2012 issue of Runner’s World
Regular runners achieving amazing things
WIN: Followed In Dad’s Footsteps
When LUCY BARTHOLOMEW’s dad took up running, the 16-year-old soon became inspired by her father’s stories of where he ran and what he achieved. In January 2010, Bartholomew, from North Balwyn, Victoria, joined her dad to get fit. Now they spend their weekdays discussing weekend runs – where to go, how far, and where to eat breakfast afterwards.Bartholomew says: “My dad and I push each other and frustrate each other to the point you think we’d never run together again, but somehow when we finish a run we’re that much closer, and it was all worth it.” | |
WIN: Dropped 15 Kilos And Became A Marathoner
Eighteen months ago, MICHAEL SACCO started running to lose weight. Having caught the bug, the 45-year-old from Clunes – in Victoria’s central goldfields – has since lost 15kg, and in 2011 ran his first 42.2K (3:34). Backing up with the Gold Coast Marathon this year (3:36), Sacco has his sights set on the Melbourne Marathon in October, with hopes of nailing a 3:30 PB.Sacco says: “After Gold Coast I was a little disappointed and extremely tired. One thing I forgot to take into account was how a different climate might affect me. Lesson learned, and I’m now back up and running with the motivation to shave off those last few minutes.” | |
WIN: Ran With Four-Legged Friend
In September 2011, kelpie cross Ty, completed her first half-marathon with her human pal, 49-year-old MARK JENSEN of Kingswood, New South Wales. Jensen and Ty then ran the Westlink M7 Cities Marathon (5:13).Jensen says: “Ty was given to an 80-year-old grandmother as a pup, and ended up at an animal shelter, where we met her four years ago. She seems to love distance running, people, and absolutely loves to be cheered on.” | |
WIN: Ran A Half-Marathon Before 50
SANDY SLATTER-RAGUSE started running 15 years ago, but it wasn’t until early 2011 that the crossing supervisor from Chinchilla, Queensland, ran more than 12km. She set herself a goal: to complete a half-marathon before turning 50. This year, on 1 July, Slatter-Raguse ran her first half at the Gold Coast Airport Marathon event (1:59) at 48 years old.Slatter-Raguse says: “What a buzz to be amongst 10,000 other runners of different ages and sizes, all lined up to do their best. It just goes to show that if you really want to achieve something, nothing will stand in your way.” | |
WIN: Returned To Running
In the early 1980s, DOUG MOSS of Morwell, Victoria, began his “fun run” experience, building up to a full marathon in October, 1984 – the Big M Melbourne Marathon (3:02). An unshakable knee injury in the late 1990s forced the taxi driver to stop running for more than 10 years. Missing the friendships forged through running, the time off rejuvenated the 47-year-old’s enthusiasm – Moss has returned to the joys of distance running with his sights set on a sub-3:00 marathon before he turns 50.Moss says: “In regards to my enjoyment of running once again, it was like I had just completed a marathon and had my second wind back.” | |
WIN: Raced Post-Cancer
When doctors told DEBORAH VASSILACOS that she would not run again after a cancerous tumour was removed from her hip, she had no idea how difficult the road to recovery would be. But, over time the flight attendant from Cronulla, New South Wales, learned to walk again despite the pain being unbearable at times. In 1998 Vassilacos joined Vision Personal Training. She has since lost 30kg, and in 2012 completed the Gold Coast Airport Marathon (5:27).Vassilacos says: “Running has allowed me to meet some great people, develop relationships, fall in love… but one of the best things is I have inspired others to run.” | |
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