If Kelly can, I can. Why I signed up for the Casino Fun Run

ABOVE: This isn’t me, but it’s gonna be.

Susanna Freymark

I don’t like running. Too many wobbly bits on my body, my face goes beetroot red after two minutes, I’m huffing and puffing – and really, no one should have to see that.

I usually take photos at the Casino Fun Run start and finish lines.

“I’m working,” is the best excuse to not go in the run.

I have plenty of excuses. I’m unfit, like really unfit, I don’t like running (see above), my chest hurts when I’m out of breath, I’ve left the washing on the line. You name it, I have plenty of excuses for not running.

I don’t dislike all exercise. I love swimming, dancing, sailing (if only I could find a boat), long walks with the dogs but a fun run – nah.

Fun Run, that’s an oxymoron for sure.

I have never ever signed up for a fun run. Never wanted to.

So, what changed my mind.

Kelly Griffiths. I met her on Wednesday and she has all the excuses in the world to not run/walk the fun run. But she isn’t making excuses.

“See you at the finish line,” she said as I left her home in Casino after the interview. Read her story here.

Kelly has a brain injury and if she can cope with the likelihood that she will fall over during the fun run because of her mobility limits, who am I to make fake excuses for getting up and moving my large frame down the streets of Casino on a Sunday morning.

I’ve signed up. I’m committed now. I’ll still be taking pics of the event but will be huffing and puffing while I do so.

I’m going to do the 5km section of the fun run. If Kelly can, I can. And you can.

There are 10km, 5km and 2km sections to run or walk. It is easy to register and takes a few minutes. Cost for the 5km section is $32 for individuals, $20 for families and $100 for teams. Register here.

See you at the race briefing for the 5km run outside the front of the Casino RSM Club on Sunday, October 23 at 8.30am.

Participants have the option of picking up their race bibs on Saturday at RSM, 9am – noon and going straight to the start line on Sunday (getting a friend to pick up from QE2 afterwards) or from QE2 on Sunday and being transported by bus to the start. The last bus will leave by 8.20am.