The Wonthaggi Road Runners celebrate the return of the Grand Ridge Rail Trail parkrun, after February’s devastating storm. Photos: Rob Kenyon
By Etsuko Yasunaga
COVID 19 robbed people of so many plans and opportunities in 2020 and beyond. For me, parkrun every Saturday was as certain as the sunrise, and I couldn’t imagine my life without it. After my 50th parkrun in May 2019, the date was set for my 100th as well as 25th volunteer celebrations. I was also looking forward to attending parkrun in Japan on our upcoming Japan trip.
I clearly remember writing those three goals on a tiny whiteboard as New Year resolutions at the Grand Ridge Rail Trail parkrun in Mirboo North at the end of January 2020. My name was put down on their volunteer roster as a Run Director in April. I was so looking forward to stepping up to this important volunteer role. It didn’t happen. The ever-present parkrun suddenly stopped.
COVID 19 robbed people of so many plans and opportunities in 2020 and beyond. For me, parkrun every Saturday was as certain as the sunrise, and I couldn’t imagine my life without it. After my 50th parkrun in May 2019, the date was set for my 100th as well as 25th volunteer celebrations. I was also looking forward to attending parkrun in Japan on our upcoming Japan trip.
I clearly remember writing those three goals on a tiny whiteboard as New Year resolutions at the Grand Ridge Rail Trail parkrun in Mirboo North at the end of January 2020. My name was put down on their volunteer roster as a Run Director in April. I was so looking forward to stepping up to this important volunteer role. It didn’t happen. The ever-present parkrun suddenly stopped.
The first year that I discovered parkrun it was all about me, first walking then running. I became quite obsessed with this newly found ritual and tried very hard not to miss a Saturday. I knew every time I attended, though, a group of volunteers was there to support those people who wanted to run or walk. I began volunteering slowly in my own capacity. It was a good feeling knowing that I was giving something back to the community where I belong. Volunteering was really fun, I discovered.
There are quite a few volunteer roles at any parkrun event and I have done most of them many times before at Inverloch, Koonwarra, Grand Ridge Rail Trail and Phillip Island. My favourite was Run Report Writer, and I often sought any opportunity to volunteer for that role.
In February this year, the week Mirboo North was hit by a devastating storm, I debuted as Run Director at the Phillip Island parkrun. The Run Director has overall responsibility for event safety, oversees proceedings during the event and at the finish line, has the ultimate authority to decide everything on that day and co-ordinates all other volunteers.
The course check at Phillip Island is very special. No one is on Churchill Island in the early hours, so you have a whole island to yourself to savour stillness and solitude. Run Director is my favourite volunteer role now I’ve experienced it a few times. It has more responsibility but I get to work with other like-minded volunteers who believe in the benefit of parkrun. To see the many smiling faces made me feel good and was so rewarding. It was wonderful to have Rob besides me as a photographer volunteer, too. He captured many happy smiling faces to mark the occasion. I treasure the day in my memories very fondly.
The Grand Ridge Rail Trail parkrun was cancelled for six weeks due to the storm damage. When I thought hard about what I could do to help the Mirboo North community, I decided it was through parkrun. Without volunteers, parkrun can’t happen. Once a month, I call out all volunteer roles for the Grand Ridge parkrun amongst Wonthaggi Road Runners so the locals can enjoy their regular Saturday morning exercise. As soon as I posted my intention on our Facebook page, many put their hands up for volunteering. We share the load of volunteering.
The Grand Ridge Rail Trail parkrun returned on March 30th, the seventh Saturday from the storm. It was truly a joyous occasion, and wonderful to celebrate it with my fellow Wonthaggi Road Runners and local participants. I volunteered as a report writer to document this special occasion. On April 27th, I volunteered as Run Director so the other regulars could run instead of volunteering.
There are quite a few volunteer roles at any parkrun event and I have done most of them many times before at Inverloch, Koonwarra, Grand Ridge Rail Trail and Phillip Island. My favourite was Run Report Writer, and I often sought any opportunity to volunteer for that role.
In February this year, the week Mirboo North was hit by a devastating storm, I debuted as Run Director at the Phillip Island parkrun. The Run Director has overall responsibility for event safety, oversees proceedings during the event and at the finish line, has the ultimate authority to decide everything on that day and co-ordinates all other volunteers.
The course check at Phillip Island is very special. No one is on Churchill Island in the early hours, so you have a whole island to yourself to savour stillness and solitude. Run Director is my favourite volunteer role now I’ve experienced it a few times. It has more responsibility but I get to work with other like-minded volunteers who believe in the benefit of parkrun. To see the many smiling faces made me feel good and was so rewarding. It was wonderful to have Rob besides me as a photographer volunteer, too. He captured many happy smiling faces to mark the occasion. I treasure the day in my memories very fondly.
The Grand Ridge Rail Trail parkrun was cancelled for six weeks due to the storm damage. When I thought hard about what I could do to help the Mirboo North community, I decided it was through parkrun. Without volunteers, parkrun can’t happen. Once a month, I call out all volunteer roles for the Grand Ridge parkrun amongst Wonthaggi Road Runners so the locals can enjoy their regular Saturday morning exercise. As soon as I posted my intention on our Facebook page, many put their hands up for volunteering. We share the load of volunteering.
The Grand Ridge Rail Trail parkrun returned on March 30th, the seventh Saturday from the storm. It was truly a joyous occasion, and wonderful to celebrate it with my fellow Wonthaggi Road Runners and local participants. I volunteered as a report writer to document this special occasion. On April 27th, I volunteered as Run Director so the other regulars could run instead of volunteering.
Sometimes it’s easier to accept a new challenge than to worry about it: Etsuko stepped into the role of Run Director at the Phillip Island parkrun. It took four years to fulfil my Run Director volunteering at Grand Ridge, but it finally happened. I felt relieved and accomplished at the same time.
As an introvert, it was initially challenging to take up this volunteer role, but I knew I was in the friendly and supportive community of parkrun. I received much encouragement, guidance and training beforehand to build up confidence. Instead of focusing on my performance as Run Director, I focused on contributing back to my beloved warm community. It was truly the case of easier to do something than to worry about it. Action is certainly worry’s worst enemy.
As we age our world tends to shrink if we don’t act on expanding our horizon. As we grow older, it’s essential to consciously seek out new experiences, learn new skills and explore to prevent our world from becoming too small and constrictive. I strongly believe pushing boundaries away and expanding our horizons can lead to personal growth, new connections and a richer life.
As an introvert, it was initially challenging to take up this volunteer role, but I knew I was in the friendly and supportive community of parkrun. I received much encouragement, guidance and training beforehand to build up confidence. Instead of focusing on my performance as Run Director, I focused on contributing back to my beloved warm community. It was truly the case of easier to do something than to worry about it. Action is certainly worry’s worst enemy.
As we age our world tends to shrink if we don’t act on expanding our horizon. As we grow older, it’s essential to consciously seek out new experiences, learn new skills and explore to prevent our world from becoming too small and constrictive. I strongly believe pushing boundaries away and expanding our horizons can lead to personal growth, new connections and a richer life.