Loveday Writing

I got an email from the Heart Foundation of Australia advertising their MyMarathon event by asking me what type of runner/walker I am.

Their email continued to encourage me by stating that I don’t have to be a world-class athlete to complete a marathon, anybody and everybody can run, wheel or walk MyMarathon. The email also stated that MyMarathon is all about helping raise funds for heart health research and encouraging people to get and stay active.

The email contained a link of the Heart Foundation of Australia’s two-minute quiz to find out what type of runner/walker I am.

The first question asked me, “when you go for a run/walk, how do you keep yourself motivated?” It was a multiple choice question with three answers to choose from: “by blasting music or catching up with your favourite podcast – exercise is a chance to take some time alone”, “by going with a friend – a workout is always more fun if it ends with a coffee and a chat”, and “by going with a colleague – getting away from your desk can give you a fresh perspective on the latest happenings and projects at work”. I chose the “blasting music” answer.

The second question asked me, “when do you do your best running/walking?” and again gave me three answers to choose from: “first thing in the morning – it’s dark, quiet and there’s no-one around”, “after work or on the weekend – it’s another social activity that you save for your spare time”, “in your lunch hour – it’s good to step away from your desk, often with your friend in tow”. I chose the “after work or on the weekend” answer.

The third question asked me, “which of these describes your approach to life?” and yet again gave me three answers to choose from: “‘life is a competition with yourself – to do your personal best each day’ – there is no such thing as winning. You’re focused on bettering yourself”, “‘It’s not the destination, it’s the journey’ – you’re focused on having fun along the way, rather than breaking records as you go”, and “‘a problem shared is a problem halved’ – why tackle a challenge alone when you can put together the best possible team to solve it?” This was a tough one between the “life is a competition with yourself” and the “it’s not the destination, it’s the journey” answers, as I feel both apply to me and why I became a fun runner (or rather fun walker not runner). However as I had to pick one, I ended up going with the “life is a competition with yourself” answer as I feel it aligns more with my journey and aim as a fun walker not runner as, while I’m not competitive with my fun running/walking, I do try to beat my PBs and get better with each run I sign up for and complete.

The fourth question asked me, “for you running/walking is…” and yet again gave me three answers to choose from: “a joy – you love getting outside, being active and pushing yourself to keep fit”, “equal parts pleasure and chore – you enjoy the endorphin rush, but it’s always easier to get moving if you know there’s someone waiting to exercise with you”, and “part of your daily routine – you know it’s good for you, so you make time for it, whether it’s a work day or a weekend”. I chose the “joy” answer.

After answering these four questions, the type of runner/walker I am according to the Heart Foundation of Australia was revealed to me. According to them, I’m a “lone wolf” and that running/walking is “an opportunity to disconnect from life and work and enjoy a bit of solitude.” I’d say this assessment is accurate.

I was encouraged to enter MyMarathon as an individual, however I decided not to enter as I had already committed to completing other virtual running events. If you’re interested in completing MyMarathon, you can find out more about it and register here. If you are interested in completing the quiz, you can do so here.