Fun Runs

September 21, 2019

Bibra Lake Fun Run 2019

A “Walk in the Park” literally.

A sunny day and a big contingent of Y Striders added to our calendar of friendly physical activities. For the third year now we joined hundreds of locals of all ages, in this family event organised by the City of Cockburn for 6 kms running or walking in the Bibra Lake Fun Run.

Some were looking for a personal best time, others were just enjoying the sun, surrounds and happy atmosphere. And as always, one of the wonderful Y Striders offered to provide refreshments after, so we happily adjourned to Joanne and Mark’s house nearby for a lovely morning tea.

We were very proud of all our participants but particularly Kerrie T and John W who both came third in their respective over 55’s categories – well done, that’s when commitment and training shows. And it was also wonderful to have our trainer Deb joining the group and taking part in the run.

Added to this excitement was the prize for largest sporting club entry and again Y Striders took out the sports store voucher which will go toward more equipment and items needed for club activities and training. Kerrie T enthusiastically recruited no less than 33 people to take part in this event. Thank you Kokoda Kerrie.

Christine Hutcheon

September 1, 2019

Sydney City to Surf Fun Run 2019

Joanne Freeman Fun Runs 0

On 7^th August five of us intrepid Y Striders set out for Sydney to participate in the 49^th Sydney City to Surf Fun Run. We were all competing in the 14 km run.

Kerrie T, Leonie H and Jennie T had previously participated in this run. However, Pam and Kevin A were having their first experience with the Sydney City to Surf.

When we first arrived in Sydney the weather was cold and windy but there was no rain. This was definitely a positive.

Race day dawned cold and we joined more than 80,000 enthusiastic runners and walkers for the start. The weather remained fine for the duration of the race. It turned out to be ideal conditions for the Fun Run.

We were all pleased with our times. Kerrie T achieved a Personal Best! Well done Kerrie.

A relaxing spa was very welcome in the afternoon to ease our aching muscles. And some of us have already committed to returning to Sydney next year for the 50^th Sydney City to Surf Fun Run.

Leonie Harper

August 31, 2019

Anne Rinaldi Fun Run 18th August 2019

Joanne Freeman Fun Runs 0

Wow. What a glorious day for a Fun Run! It was a cold morning but the sun was out and shining as a big crew of Y Striders gathered at Quarantine Park. Everyone was ready to participate in our annual Anne Rinaldi Fun Run or walk along the Swan River from Bicton.

There was a countdown to the start and the front runners raced away from the walkers who headed out at a slower pace. As the morning slowly warmed up people walked and ran attempting to either achieve personal best times or just enjoy the beautiful morning sunshine.

For many, the main event was the breakfast afterwards at Ros’. Her welcoming home, patio and showcase gardens could only be surpassed by the lavish breakfast. Colin and John T manned the BBQ producing yummy bacon and egg muffins that were wrapped and distributed by Elizabeth T and Julie B. All this was done under the watchful supervision of past chef Daryl T. There was a big bowl of fresh fruit-salad prepared by Leonie H and Ros C for the health conscious, (or those of us who could fit in both) followed up by tea, coffee, cake and lots of laughs.

President Ken A could not stay, so he passed the baton to past president Chris B to welcome everyone and then pass over to our head trainer Deb R. She presented the award for “Enthusiasm and Commitment to Training to Achieve a Personal Best” – awarded to Jenny T who had continued training and participating in events through injury and demanding work commitments. She competed in 4 Fun Run events including the Sydney City to Surf.

This was another celebration of our club’s unique combination of fitness, friendship and fun. As always thank you to the many who contributed to the success of the day with their time and energy in helping organise our exercise and social events. Special thanks go to Elizabeth T, Ros C and Julie B and their extended team of helpers.

Christine Hutcheon

May 21, 2019

HBF Run for a Reason 2019

Joanne Freeman Fun Runs FunRun, HBF, run, Walk 0

It was a very chilly Sunday morning as 11 YStriders shivered in readiness for the annual HBF Run for a Reason. Although Sunday 19th March was clear and cool, the warmth and enthusiasm of the Y Strider runners and walkers was contagious. All were ready to demonstrate that extra training contributes to excellent results.

Everyone in the group performed well and results are as follows:
Joan de C 12km Run 1.11.26
Joanne S 12km Run 1.22.43
Kerrie T 12km Run 1.19.49
Marj 12km Run 1.22.43
Bill 12km Run 1.08.33
David M 12km Run 1.06.40
Leonie 4 km Run 25.40
Karen C 12km Walk 1.52.39
Jenny 12 km Walk 1.52.39
Joanne F 12km Walk 1.52.39

David was running in his first ever HBF Run for a Reason. Congratulations David, on a wonderful time and a great effort. One more year and Leonie will join the HBF Heroes if she completes her tenth season. Keep training Leonie.
Our 11th Y Strider, Chris, walked to the finish line carrying everyone’s bags. Thanks Chris for your help and support.
Every competitor was very pleased with their time and pleased to be competing with such a great group of athletes. It was a fantastic day and as usual YStriders competed with good humour and purpose.

April 9, 2019

Bridges Fun Run 2019

Joanne Freeman Fun Runs Fun Run, running, walking, Y Striders 0

What was happening?

Highly motivated Y Striders assembled at Elizabeth Quay, Perth on April 7th to participate in the Bridges Fun Run. The WA Marathon Club organises this event and our 11 entrants were part of the capped number of 2000 contestants.

Leonie and Jennie T competed in the 5 kilometre run. Both performed very well. Leonie ran a good time of 34:23 minutes. Jennie T interspersed running and walking and she is well on track with her running goals.

There were 9 Y Striders running the 10 kilometre course. This was from Elizabeth Quay, across The Causeway, along the South Perth Foreshore and then across The Narrows Bridge back to the start.

All runners were happy with their times and some highlights were: David M who completed the run in the excellent time of 55:34 minutes. This was his first ever fun run! And, after an extended break from running, Joan d C completed the event in 60:28 minutes. Well done Joan.

Also competing in the 10K run were Bill, Martin, Marjorie, Joanne S, Kay, Terrence and Eva. Chris was team support, taking photos and managing the gear.

Congratulations to all participants. This was a great team effort with some excellent personal results.
Eva H

October 9, 2018

Running Festival 2018

Joanne Freeman Fun Runs fun, marathons, running, walking 0

Perth Running Festival 7 October 2018
‘The most effective way to do it, is to do it.’ Amelia Earhart

Setting goals is important for achieving outcomes, providing focus and giving the impetus to ‘get on with it and do it’.

Saw ‘just do it’ on a t shirt in front of me. Well, I thought, I’m doing it; my goal of running in a 14km run with thousands of other participants. To keep ‘doing it’ for 14km without walking was my psychological challenge and to finish, feeling good, not buggered!

To help motivate myself I exaggerated the number of kilometres still to compete; for some reason, this took the heaviness out of my step as if preparing my body for the distance ahead, and I used visualisation.

I visualised running over the fabulous new Matagarup Bridge, the ‘M’ bridge at Elizabeth Quay, saw myself the other side of the Narrows Bridge, running under the Causeway Bridge and I could hear the theme song for ‘Chariots of Fire’ while running into the equally fabulous new Perth Optus Stadium.

Seems to be a theme here! Bridges and plenty of them. To help bridge the success of the goal of just ‘getting out and doing it’, required help and training and that’s where Y Striders came in! The regular training sessions and the motivation of other Y Striders who had also set the goal of running/walking into the new stadium. John W is always motivational as is Kerrie T who motivates us all with her encouragement and love of Y Striders. So did running companions Eva, Rosie and pocket rocket Pam who with little training, as she had just come back from extended holidays, ran the 14km and still beat me!

The 14km route was a beautiful circular route starting outside the stadium, across the Matagarup Bridge, around the Swan River, past Elizabeth Quay, over the Narrows along the South Perth Foreshore and into the stadium on a sunny, gorgeous, albeit warm morning. Apparently there were over 10,000 participants in the three distances of 21km, 14km and 4km.

Well, I’m stoked! To take part in the inaugural Perth Running festival along with my John, who ran the half marathon and Sunni, my eldest granddaughter running with me in the 14km event. Stoked to be running with Sunni. Stoked because I hadn’t run a 14 km before. Stoked because the run finished inside the new Perth Stadium. It felt really good finishing there. Stoked because I kept to my steady pace and I still felt good crossing the finish line. In fact, I was emotional.

How wonderful to have Karen and Faye cheering us along the route and at the stadium, along with Jatinda, to support us along with John T and Kerrie having already completed their 21km run, at the finish line excitedly calling out our names as we ran in. Along with the Chariots of Fire’ theme in my head and the Y Strider support, no wonder I was emotional!

Congratulations to Leonie, Nola, Christine, Y Strider trainer Tash and her mother, Merryl who walked or ran the 4km distance. Most of the Y Striders competing succeeded with PB’s. Congratulations to you all.

A big thank you to Karen for photographing our Y Strider success. A big thank you also to Y Striders for providing and facilitating the means to achieve outcomes, for providing focus and giving the impetus to ‘get on with it and do it’.
Nancy Wilkinson 9 October 2018

September 19, 2018

Bibra Lake Fun Run 2018

Elizabeth Turton Fun Runs Bibra Lake Fun Run 0

First Second AND Third
First – we won the ‘largest competing sporting group’ category. We did it!!
Second – Kerrie T won second in the ‘over 55 female’ category
Third – Martin K won third in the ‘over 55 male’ category

This well organised ’whole of family’ annual event is generously put on by the City of Cockburn. It is totally FREE to take part in, and participants can run, jog, walk or skip the 6km footpath around Bibra Lake. It’s not far for Y Striders! Easy-peasy!

From the moment we stepped out of the car on this picture perfect day, we were struck by the tranquillity of the place! The full lake a sparkling mirror with swans gliding by, the green, well maintained parklands and, the shady, picturesque pathways! It made us glad that we had made the effort to get out of bed and take part.

We can thank Eva and Kerrie for motivating no less than 19 people to register for the run. As a result of their motivation our club won the largest competing sport club category – a $250 voucher to spend in a sport shop. Fantastic effort Eva and Kerrie!

And then there was Kokoda Kerrie! She ran her own race, coming second in her own category but there she was, cheering and encouraging everyone else across the line! She even thwarted Darryl’s efforts at trying to beat Elizabeth and Christine H across the line by warning them of his intentions to do so. There was no way the girls would allow that!! Bad luck Darryl……….

And what about the canny Scot! Martin quietly went about his business and effortlessly picked up a third in the over 55 category – yet another medal to add to his collection.

But it didn’t finish there. Joanne and Mark invited all of the Y Striders back to their nearby house for tea, coffee, refreshments and debrief over the morning’s events. Wow! What can I say? It was a spread fit for a king, complete with homemade sausage rolls, cheesecake, almond raspberry cake, curry eggs, fruit platter and an assortment of slices. Thank you Joanne and Mark! We easily fitted into your large entertaining area – with room to spare.

We missed Bill’s presence at the run! We understand he was indisposed but then perhaps he is saving himself for Bunbury? Get well soon Bill.
Elizabeth

August 22, 2018

Anne Rinaldi Fun Run/Walk August 2018

Joanne Freeman Fun Runs Anne Rinaldi, Fun Run, Walk 0

Anne Rinaldi Fun Run/Walk 2018
Congratulations Jatinder!
We may be a very social club but we are very serious about our walking, running and exercise! Jatinder demonstrated his commitment over this last year. The trainers voted him the most improved and committed member with the best attitude over the last twelve months. On Sunday, he was awarded the ‘Personal Best Award’ at breakfast after the club’s annual 12km Anne Rinaldi Fun Run/Walk.
It was a lovely sunny day for our run/walk and Ros’ garden was a showpiece as she, once again, opened her home for the breakfast. Our “chef” Darryl with new sidekick; Colin, could outdo many local eateries with their tasty and well prepared breakfast. With Elizabeth organizing and assisting none of us are surprised by the efforts of this dynamic duo – plus one. Thanks also to Julie Z for her help.
After the hungry herd was fed and watered our president Ken was able to explain the history behind the loved member (Anne Rinaldi) in whose honour this event is named. He mentioned the qualities she embodied and that we seek to encourage in our members.
Jatinder was surprised and pleased to receive his award! He thanked our trainers: Deb, Anita, Tash and Celeste for their training tips and acknowledged the support and encouragement that fellow members have offered him. We all know what a difference this comradeship makes in maintaining our fitness and fun.
With all eyes on Ken’s presentation to Jatinder and his thanks to all concerned, Darryl didn’t notice the smoke from the last piece of toast – his own specially prepared gluten free bread – saved again by Elizabeth’s quick action and our amusement.
We are indeed fortunate to have so many willing helpers behind this event – Terry and Kaye who put out and retrieved the km markers from Bicton to Fremantle, the many thoughtful members who supplied the fruit salad and healthy nibbles, and everyone who helped to tidy up afterwards.
Just another reminder that fitness can be fun when shared with like-minded friends! Thank you all.
Christine H

August 14, 2018

Sydney City to Surf 2018

Joanne Freeman Fun Runs Sydney City to Surf 0

Well done Y Striders! Another successful participation in the Sydney City to Surf! Thanks to Kerrie for getting everyone motivated to take part in this amazing annual event. Thirteen enthusiastic Y Striders ran and walked amongst a huge group of 80,000 participants!

Kerrie said, “amazing atmosphere, lots of fun had by all and some are already talking about doing it again next year. Do you want to join us?”

Kerrie is already on to the recruitment for 2019 so start planning now!

Check out the race results at;
http://live.tiktok.biz/results/city2surf/2018/

August 8, 2018

Perth Half Marathon

Joanne Freeman Fun Runs Half marathon, Perth, runners 0

A few months ago, the Perth Half-Marathon popped up on our radar and a
group of enthusiastic Y Striders thought, “Why not?” So training began in earnest only 10 weeks ago on the 14th May and continued right through until Marathon day! Have you ever wondered why these runners came back to the club so hot and sweaty? Well it was because this courageous gang of four were often out running, well before the rest of us even started our own exercise.

On Sunday 5 August, four of our members- Neerja, Bill, John and Martin, ran the 21km Half Marathon. Starting in Burswood Park, the course meandered around the south side of the river, over the Narrows Bridge and then along Mounts Bay Drive to Hackett Drive Nedlands and then back again to the start. Completing a 21 kilometre run was a fantastic effort achieved by all four. Congratulations and well done! You are all Y Striders legends!