Larähna - an Inclusive Running Community

Hello! 

I’m Mel Garcia, a runner from the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.

I’m not an elite runner, a professional runner, or even a fast runner. I don’t have a six pack and you won’t see on any finish podiums.
I'm not a "natural" runner either, I'm just a consistent runner. I run every day, at least a mile (1.61 kms).

I’m a mum to a very active (hyperactive?) toddler, I work a desk job and there are never enough hours in my day.

I started the Larähna running community as a way to share little things I’ve learnt about running over the years and to encourage and support people new to the sport. 

You don’t need anything special to start running, just a desire to do so. And the right pair of shoes. And comfortable clothing. And a supportive bra (for those who have boobs). And…. Yeah, ok you need a few things. But there are plenty of fancy things you don’t need and I’m here to share what has worked and not worked for me.

My story

I used to secretly run in high school. In the early, dark, frosty mornings before school. I kept it quiet because I didn’t want anyone to know until I was a ‘real runner’. You know, the type of runner you see on the cover of fitness magazines, with the perfect ponytail, amazing abs, a glowing tan and a pearly white smile. As you can imagine, my secret stayed secret.

 I took a long break from running when I started uni. Not just because of the parties and too many nights out... but because I was involved in a minor car accident that left me with whiplash and unrelenting pain in my lower back. My doctor and physio told me to avoid running. Forevermore. Because, you know, running jars the body and causes injury...

Five years later (yes, seriously!), tired of always being in pain, tired of being overweight and unfit, I decided screw it, I'm going for a run. What's the worst that can happen?

And what happened? ...I felt better!

My abs switched on. And supported my back. And the more I ran, the stronger my core became. And the stronger my core became, the more my back was supported.

I've been regularly running for 10 years now (at time of writing) and while I may not look like the girl on the front of those fitness magazines, I am strong, pretty fit, and I'm pain free.

I'm not terribly fast, but to date I've run 9 half marathons and 4 full marathons. Running has helped me through some huge life challenges and introduced me to some amazing people. It's given me mental strength as well as physical strength and taught me how to breathe through big pain.

And again, I'm not a "natural" runner (whatever that means), I'm just a regular person who turns up and heads out for a daily jog. Because I decided one day that I wanted to be a runner.

I would love to support you to do the same!

Join the community on Facebook and Instagram and check out our merch for some quality and comfortable activewear.




Photos: Brisbane Marathon, 2021

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