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A Quick Cuppa With…Alli

A Quick Cuppa With…Alli

Alli is a 36 year old software developer from Melbourne, Australia.  She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010 and managed to continue running throughout her treatment – which helped aid her recovery both mentally and physically. 

How long have you been running and why did you start?

I started running the summer after high school (18 years ago!) when I was interested in starting something new and my sister’s boyfriend encouraged me to run.  I had done well in cross-country at school but hadn’t done any regular running.  I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010 which involved 4 surgeries and 4 months of chemo. I was lucky and was not too ill during chemo so I was able to keep running throughout. I love to run – it makes me happy.

How often do you run?

I run four days a week. Two long runs and two shorter speed sessions.

What do you listen to when you are running?

I don’t listen to anything when running. I usually run with a group and even when I’m by myself I feel like it distracts me too much and I’d probably get run over!

How do you stay focused  and disciplined?

The main thing is habit. Going running is my normal routine so I don’t have to make a decision about it, it’s just what I do. Also, I run with a group and I know the others will be expecting me which helps me get out of bed earlier than I otherwise would so I can meet up with them.

Other than running what else do you do to keep fit?

I do water running and aqua aerobics in the local pool. I started doing water running years ago to protect my troublesome feet and I really like it. It’s a good way of running without the impact and nice being inside where it’s warm and light instead of out in the dark, cold night.
I also ride my exercise bike and sometimes go kayaking, although not as often as I would like.

What is your favourite place to run?

We have a nice run we sometimes do in the hills just east of Melbourne. I like the quiet atmosphere of winding through the tall trees on dirt roads and grassy trails. In one section we run beside a gully full of ferns which is just lovely. Running is always fun but good scenery makes it even better.

How long have you been a member of Running4Women?

I joined Running4Women just over 2 ½ years ago when I was looking for information about running during chemotherapy. I have greatly appreciated all the encouragement and support from R4W both during my treatment as well as afterwards as things got back to normal. I also like following along with other members’ stories.

What are your goals for the coming year?

Usually I am not keen on setting goals but I did my first marathon a couple of weeks ago and I really liked having that goal to work towards for the last several months. I’ll have to come up with a new goal but I haven’t thought of it yet.

If you would like to have your story featured in A Quick Cuppa With… then please message Lianne via the Helpdesk and I will send you a very quick questionnaire.

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