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President’s Tan Talk – October 2022
When VRR member Alan Pearce had a fall while running the TTT on Saturday with daughter Suzannah you wouldn’t say that was lucky, but the location where it happened certainly was!
Alan and Suzannah were about twenty steps from finished when Alan lost his footing and his head hit the pavement. Why lucky? Within seconds Rowan Cole (a skilled and experienced lifesaver) was administering first aid, ensuring Alan was positioned correctly, breathing OK etc, immediately followed by Tarquin Oehr (doctor) stepping in to assess Alan’s situation and looking after him. Next came Christine Oehr, physiotherapist, John Counsell (surgeon!) and wife Rosalie (theatre nurse)!!! (Oh and me, I’m a doctor, but not a medical one, my only use was wearing my hi-vis VRR tee-shirt standing on the road as a beacon as Suzannah loaded her dad into the car, and then making sure their Tan times were registered!!)
The good news is that John is OK, see email from daughter Suzannah:
“We wanted to say a huge thank you to all the people who helped us and took the time to make sure my dad was ok. Everyone was very kind and patient, and really helped to make the situation better.
After a day in the Alfred, the scans said there’s no permanent damage. My dad has a couple of stitches and a chipped tooth – and looks a bit worse for wear – but I’m sure he’ll be running again soon”. |
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| In other news, Ian Godfrey celebrates in 80th birthday this month (see pic below) and we wish him a very happy birthday.
The other big news, of course, is that Steve Moneghetti will be speaking at our 40th Anniversary Dinner on Friday 11 November, see booking information below. We are keen to see you at the dinner to celebrate this significant milestone, sharing running stories and hearing from Steve.
In this issue we feature a delightful Running Reflection from Debra Robb, with some reflections on the benefits of running that will ring true for most of us.
We hope that all VRR members who ran the Melbourne Marathon had a good run, and look forward to hearing their stories at the next TTT. One notable result was James Yatomi (at age 79!) with a time of 5:37:46.
A reminder that Jells Park 5k / 10k/ 15k is coming up on Sunday 23 October, another historic day in our 40th year.
Don’t forget to book for the dinner,
Happy running,
Michael Kennedy |
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VRR Running Reflections
(As part of VRR’s 40th birthday celebrations in 2022, we are encouraging members (both new & old) to share what running means to them.) |
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| This month, VRR member, Debra Robb reflects on her VRR experiences. |
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Running is a natural joy to me. I would never have believed that I would be considered a runner as I am from a non sporting academic family.
My first attempts were as a teenager running with our family dog after dinner trying to burn off the calories that I ate. However that gave me stomach cramps.
After fitting into my wedding dress I stopped exercising for years. Eventually I ventured into the swimming pool to do laps while my sons were having swimming lessons. I continue to swim weekly.
When my younger son graduated to a larger bike, being a protective mum, I ran alongside him to keep up as he learnt to confidently ride it. I slowly built up my fitness and distance and loved it. |
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| I completed my first half marathon at age 40. Over the next 20 years I completed 60 half marathons and two Melbourne marathons. Nowadays I keep to much shorter distances and enjoy a leisurely pace.
As my work in the health care profession became busier I needed time away from people. My time spent jogging along the bike track was therapeutic and helped me to enjoy work. I am fortunate to live a few doors from a bike track which gives me four possible routes. My running has helped get me through life’s curve balls. It gives me time to think, solve problems, write speeches, enjoy nature, sing, pray, cry, laugh. I listen to my breathing, listen for bike bells, listen to my thoughts, listen to my heart.
Sometimes running can be uninspiring, however when the next VRR tan trial or fun run comes along, members keep me motivated as they run past or I run past them. We all share a common bond. As VRR members we all try to run happy even though the Anderson Street hill is getter steeper each time!!
My personal best time was my most uncomfortable run as I was being encouraged by experienced VRR member Stephen B. Thank you Stephen as I achieved my goal time.
Highlights of running would be running with family members over the years. ( They all still think I am mad.)
Happy 40th birthday VRR, may we all continue to enjoy many more years of walking, jogging and running together. |
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Carl Kennedy proudly displaying his 150 TTT t-shirt.
Most members value their commerative t-shirts more than medals & trophies. |
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| Ian Godfrey looks quite serious here, but in reality, he has a wicked sense of humour. |
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Lynne O’Dea was feeling the cold after recently returning from Cairns!
Welcome back! |
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| Peter Black was looking pretty comfortable ascending the Music Bowl Col. |
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| Shaun Kemp proving that you do go a LOT faster in RED. |
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| Stephanie Armstrong – when she isn’t running, she’s walking and regardless, we always like to see her. |
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Jells Park Fun Run/Walk
Sunday 23rd Oct – 15/10/5km
8.00 am start for the 15km & 8.30 for the 10/5km.
Jells Park South – enter off Ferntree Gully Road.
Pricing – Members $15, Non-Members $20 & Juniors $5. |
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Melbourne Marathoners
If you missed the October TTT because you were saving yourself for the Melb Marathon, then the good news is that you can run next Saturday (8/10) at 7.30 and Michael Kennedy will be there to record your result.
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The November TTT will have the usual 7.30am start at the ‘Pearls of Wisdom’ and is on Saturday 5th November.
Refer to the website (vrr.org.au) for more details |
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ANNUAL DINNER. 11/11/2022.
We are delighted to advise that Steve Moneghetti will be guest speaker at our Victorian Road Runners 40th Anniversary Dinner, on Friday 11 November, making a special event even more special.
With limited venue capacity we need to manage bookings to try to ensure fair access to members. As a VRR Member you can initially book and pay for one seat, on a first in best dressed basis. We encourage you to book and pay ASAP.
On Monday 10 October we will let you know if any seats remain so that you can book a second ticket for a family member or friend if you wish.
To book please:
- Email Doug Stokes on vrrtreasurer@gmail.com, advising that you are booking a seat (and)
- Deposit $50 as below.
Please put your membership number and surname in the reference field.
In your email, please advise any dietary requirements.
The venue is the Postmaster Hotel, 186 High St Kew. Drinks at 7pm.
(There will be a two-course dinner (alternating) and drinks at bar prices.)
Any queries, ring or text me on 0411 191 115.
Michael Kennedy
President |
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Birthdays
VRR extends birthday greetings to the following members who will celebrate birthdays in October
Tom D, Graham E, Judy D, Kevin B, Bruce G, Graeme H, Ian G, Elizabeth M, Glenyse B,
Wil L, Ken C, Terry M, Jenny F, Vincent V, Rob S, John O’L, Yvonne W, Asher J, Mitchell T, |
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| If we missed your birthday we are very sorry. Please let us know so that we can acknowledge you in the next Stride Out. |
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VRR LIFE MEMBERS
Stephen Barker, Kevin Browne, Sally Browne, Tony Doran, Graham Edwards, Jenny Field, Peter Field, Vern Gerlach (dec), Peter Gunn (dec.), Don Hampshire, Eileen Helmers (dec), Frank Helmers (dec), Betty Horskins, Graeme Horskins, Mike Kennedy, Lynn Kisler, Greig McEwan, Ross Martin (dec), Vin Martin, John Morris, Helen Myall, Peter Nicoll, Bill Noonan, Brian O’Dea, Rod Opie, Graham Prossor, Melissa Sirianni, Doug Stokes, Brian Toomey (dec.), Stuart White, Robert Wilson, Judy Wines, Tom Worrell (dec) and Val Worrell. |
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Can you ask your running friends if they are receiving their email copy of Stride Out.
If they aren’t, can you get them to send me an email (gprossor@bigpond.net.au) asking to be put on the distribution list. |
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