By Deanne Jeffers
FOR almost two decades, a tight-knit group of runners have pounded pavements, forming close friendships and keeping active together after a chance meeting at Aquamove’s bootcamp sessions.
“We didn’t necessarily know each other on a social level or anything, we just decided we liked running so today, we do our own thing,” Jill said. “Over the years we’ve enjoyed lots of social gatherings and catch ups; it’s a real family.”
Now, this “little running group” is preparing for their next big challenge: the prestigious Paris Marathon. Among them are Jill Maude, Wes and Michelle Teague, David Morey, and Narelle Pell.
For Jill, a founding member of the group, the Paris Marathon marks her third marathon, the first in over a decade.
Deciding to travel halfway across the globe to participate in one of the world’s largest marathons, Jill said was attributed to the pandemic. Running became a lifeline during lockdowns, but for Michelle and Wes, it also affected their family trip to Europe, prompting them to seize the opportunity to use their expiring travel vouchers for the Paris Marathon.
“It was a spontaneous decision. Michelle announced one morning at the gym that she had just signed up, and then Narelle
followed suit. Excitedly, I decided to join them.
“I went home thinking, ‘Oh my god, this is insane!’ I said to my
husband, ‘Michelle and Narelle are running the Paris Marathon, and I’m going to run it too!’ Then I jumped online and signed myself up,” Jill said.
The group has been following a rigorous 20-week training program to prepare for the 42-kilometre marathon, including hill training on Tuesdays, tempo runs on Thursdays, and long runs on Saturdays.
Jill, at 58 years old and active throughout her life, sees age as merely a number. “It’s just important to encourage people to get out there and get on with it,” she remarked, emphasising the importance of perseverance and determination.
As the excitement builds and the April 7 marathon looms closer, Jill looks forward to soaking in the iconic sights of Paris as she races past. With hopes of finishing the loop in 4.5 hours, she eagerly anticipates the experience that awaits her and her fellow runners who have become dear friends.
