They say if you have not DNF’d (Did Not Finish) at least once, then you have not challenged yourself to your limits yet.
Wise words from our newest Bravery Trek Ambassador, Singh Talwar, who had no prior running experience when he took up running 17 years ago.
Singh gives credit to his workmates for encouraging him to come for a weekly lunchtime 6km run, which led to a 10km, 21km run ….. and eventually ran his first marathon in 2012.
Singh now trains at least 50km every week – alongside various social running and dragon boating clubs just to name a few, Running 4 Resilience, Canberra Runners, Griffins, HillSeekers .. etc.
He says the secret is to just “turn up” and the rest will happen.
“Irrespective of all the training and preparation, we all still have good and bad days.
“I say to everyone – ‘just turn up’ , especially the days when you are feeling low. Come and jog, walk, or have a chat because mental health and wellbeing is equally important, if not more so than physical strength.
Recently volunteering as a tail runner aka a sweeper at the Kowen Winter Marathon was one of the most rewarding challenges, supporting new runners through fatigue and physical pain to achieve a marathon finish.
“The moral of the story is, it doesn’t matter if you come in the first ten or the last ten, you are still a marathon runner. Wear that medal with pride, less than 1% of the global population will achieve a marathon in their lifetime.”
Singh also volunteers his weekend to Achilles International, as a guide runner supporting people with disabilities through athletic programs and social connection.
“It’s the most amazing gift to be able to help others,” said Singh.
“I learn about people’s journeys and their life experiences, about empowerment and overcoming adversity and by helping others I get the privilege of being inspired by some of our community’s true heroes.
“It is not until we walk in the shoes of others, or in this case run in the shadow of others, that we can truly understand their journey and share in their life lessons.”
Singh has been recently appointed a Bravery Trek Ambassador. He has not served in the ADF, but feels an overwhelming sense of pride to support those who made a vow to protect the nation with their lives. Singh is a proud supporter of the Bravery Trust. It is the least we as civilians can do to support our veterans in every way we can, by raising awareness and much needed funds to support them.
He said Bravery Trek provided him with an opportunity to meet current and ex-serving members of the ADF and understand their journey and the sacrifices made in order to protect our freedoms.
Singh believes that if we run together, we talk together, we learn together.
“My first Bravery Trek was in 2022 when one of the Bravery Trek Ambassadors got a group of us together to run 57km from North Head to South Head through several Navy bases around the Sydney Harbour.
“It’s so powerful to meet the men and women who serve our nation and hear about their stories of success, adversity and empowerment,” he said.
“For me it is all about raising awareness of the ways they serve our country and raising funds to provide the support our veterans need and deserve when faced with tough times.”
Looking for a greater challenge, Singh ran 4 marathons in 4 states during Bravery Trek last year: joining the official Sydney and Melbourne Marathons, and leading a group of ADF veterans through bespoke courses around Brisbane and Canberra.
“Bravery Trek events have not only challenged and given me the desire to push my own limits but have created a sense of comradery looking after each other and sharing the pain while working together towards shared goals ,” said Singh.
“You set your own challenge – is it 57km in one day? Is it 4 marathons in 4 weeks? or is it just showing up and completing 2km a day every day.
“Small steps forward can create lifelong habits and one thing I guarantee, when you’re out there in the community exercising – however that looks – you are connecting with others, you are pushing yourself to new heights and you are making a difference in the lives of those around you.”
Bravery Trek is open to anyone who wants to show their support for our veteran community. Registration is free – www.braverytrek.com.au
