Firstly, introduce yourself; who you are, what you do and who you run with/for?

I’m Teresa, someone who loves being outdoors, chasing sunrises and sunsets! I’m currently working as a structural engineer while finishing off my degree. I’m relatively new to this running community and I have had been lucky enough to run with some of the talented Hunter Athletics runners.

How long have you been running and what has been your main source of motivation to run during lockdown?

I have only been running for just over a year now. I started running due to the lockdown restrictions and my main source of motivation is chasing that feeling you get after you finish a run, whether it’s an easy, tempo, interval, or long run. Starting the day with a run while the sun slowly rises just sets the tone for my day. Running helps clear my mind and allows me to be more productive throughout the day.

Where do you live? Can you tell us a few things that you like/ don’t like about running in your area?

I live in Avondale Heights, and I love my local running routes because it was where I learnt how to be more confident in myself. I initially started running on the treadmill because I feared judgement from others (I could barely run for longer than 500m without stopping when I first started). Now, when I run my local routes, I remember how far I’ve come, and it is a reminder that I will only improve from here on.

What has been your go-to running route within your area and why?

My go-to running route is running along the Maribyrnong River shown in my first route. It’s a nice and flat route with great scenery. I always see cyclists, walkers and runners along that route and it’s so motivating to see so many people pushing themselves. There’s also heaps of construction going on around there now and as an engineer, I get to nerd out and admire the construction during my runs!

If you could pick one road or trail to run anywhere in the world, where would it be and is it somewhere you have run before?

I haven’t explored many routes around the world, and I am super keen to be able to travel (hopefully in the future) to be able to explore the world on my feet! I would love to run the Central Park loop in New York, and it is definitely one of the bucket list runs!

Music on the run? If so, who has been your go to artist and/or playlist?

I love listening to music when I’m doing an easy session. I’ve been loving Justin Bieber lately (12-year-old me would be so proud) and Ed Sheeran. I’m not ashamed to say that I’ve been caught singing while running before.

Are you currently training for anything at the moment? And how has the lockdowns affected your running?

I have been training for the Melbourne Marathon in October that was recently postponed. It was difficult to get through those tougher sessions without your mates running alongside you. However, since the marathon has been postponed, I’ve been running for the pure enjoyment of running. Still looking for the next challenge!

Route #1 — Brimbank Park	Route #2 — West is the Best
Route #3 — Maribyrnong River	Route #4 — Royal Park