Name:Tristan Iseli
What is your occupation? I am in medical research working at the Garvan Institute in the Diabetes and Obesity Research Program. My focus is on identifying the useful compounds found in currently used natural medicines.
Running age group?30-34
Do you have family? Mum, Dad, Lucie, Tim and Claire. I’m no. 3 of 4. Oh and of course my recently acquired fiancé (also known as financé) Tam; also a Woody.
How long have you been a Woody? About a year now since moving up from Melb.
Do you run on Tuesday night/TNT/Saturday morning? Sat mornings
Why do you enjoy running? For the chatter and the challenge. I never liked running when I played soccer, but now that I’m retired, I need an exercise outlet to complement my indulgent lifestyle!
What is your favourite running distance/course/event and why? I loved The Great Nosh because it was 15kms in the bush with some rock hopping, but much prefer adventure racing (with Tam) because it’s a longer multi-discipline race with tactics involved.
What has been your running highlight? Coming 18th in the State Cross Country when I was Grade 6, and finishing the Sydney morning herald half marathon this year.
Any lowlights (injury etc)? Too many to list, but currently plantar fasciitis
What was the last race you went in and how did you go? C2S ‘09, ran 74’29”
Anything funny/unusual ever happened to you while you have been out running? I’m always funny and unusual when I’m out running!
What other sports/hobbies are you involved in? Used to be a semi-pro soccer player for about 10 years in Melb, also play a lot of competitive tennis and social golf, and now I’m into adventure racing.
Favourite food/beverage? Lasagne and real Greek Souvlakia; and Tecquila!
If you could have dinner with anyone who would it be and why? My family including my grandma, and Tam of course; they go on for hours and are generally a lot of fun.
Where would your ideal holiday be? Snowboarding at Silver Star in Canada or trekking in Peru.
Interesting things we may not know about you? In 2006 I was selected to play for Australia in soccer at the World University Games which disappointingly never eventuated.

Thanks for sharing Tristan!!

Name: Theo (dore) Hastings
What is your occupation? I originally trained in social work and social policy. I now work as a manager in the NSW Public Service. I work at Ageing Disability and Home Care managing a team of case managers/therapists who work with people with an intellectual disability. I have also worked with homeless people, prisoners, and people with serious mental illness.

Running age group? 35-39
Do you have family? Yes a wife Ingrid – who was a very good 200m runner in her day – and our baby daughter Louisa. I have two older brothers (Thom and Lawrence) and a mother whom I am very close to. I now have three nieces – Isolde, Eleanor and Havana. Sadly my dad has been deceased for 15 years.
How long have you been a Woody? About 7 months. Hopefully this relationship continues well into the future.
Do you run on Tuesday night/TNT/Saturday morning? I run with the Woodies on Thursdays and some Saturdays. I enjoy the challenges both sessions provide me - chasing Kazu on a Saturday and being yelled
by Martin on a Thursday.

Why do you enjoy running? My older brother, who I idolised, was keen about running about the same time I qualified for some representative cross country. As I got older I did it more to recover from the excesses of my social life. More recently I have taken running seriously because I cannot play any sports that require acceleration - I have torn my hamstring four times calcifying the muscle. Distance running is one of the only methods I have available to stay physically and mentally fit.
What is your favourite running distance/course/event and why? Part of me wants to please Martin, Brendan, Anthony and Phil by saying a marathon. Being true to myself I prefer the shorter distances of 5-10km. I would like to reach my goal times in these races before I seriously increase the distance.

What has been your running highlight? The highlight of running has been meeting wonderful people who set inspirational examples (i.e. Dot, Martin, Bronwyn, Susan M, Brendan, Kazu, Rick, John, Phil, Anthony, fast Pete, and my mate Tim aka Freespirit Fitness).

Any lowlights (injury etc)? The struggle that was the Balmain Fun Run 2009 was about as low as I have plunged! The hamstring and lower back is a constant worry.
What was the last race you went in and how did you go? SMC on the 21 February. I was aiming to go under 20 mins for the 5km. I did it in 20:19. I have four more goes this season to get it under the 20 minute mark.
Anything funny/unusual ever happened to you while you have been out running? Funnily no.

What other sports/hobbies are you involved in? I was a handy park cricket player. I scored two centuries (118
and 102) and once took ten wickets in a match (10/86). I played soccer for 25 years solidly not spectacularly. I am a keen reader of philosophy and politics.

Favourite food/beverage? I love a beer and an asado (ribs).
If you could have dinner with anyone who would it be and why? I would love to meet the Canadian philosopher John Ralston Saul. In lieu of his non attendance I would love to have dinner with Brian Ferry of Roxy Music or John Taylor of Duran Duran. They are welcome to invite female company.

Where would your ideal holiday be? I love Uruguay. I enjoy its antiquity and laid back feel. It was like Southern Italy on valium. Their passion for football was real, the people were terribly good looking, and there were fantastic retro Fiats and Renaults everywhere. If I should disappear, look for me in Montevideo.

Favourite running shoe? Why? I recently started wearing some Mizuno Wave Rider 12’s. Brilliant.
Interesting things we may not know about you? I collect retro football jerseys from around the world. In
particular I have a special collection of Nottingham Forest tops dating back to the 70’s. My dad’s family were
from Nottingham and as a child Nottingham Forest were winning everything in sight. The last 20 years have
been lean.

Thanks Theo for sharing! And 'twas a surprise bumping into you one night at the bay run. - Editor

Name: Terry Vohradsky
What is your occupation? Own business - Lawn mowing & car detailing
Running age group?30-34
Do you have family? Yes, thankfully. I have my Mum and Dad and 1 younger Sister, and 1 much loved partner. Plus i have a beaut dog named Max, and couple of cats.
How long have you been a Woody? 3 months
Do you run on Tuesday night/TNT/Saturday morning?Sometimes Sat mornings, mostly fun runs on Sunday. Interested in the TNT if i can find the extra time around my busy work schedule.
Why do you enjoy running? Its great for fitness & weight loss and has a certain stress relief element to it. I enjoy getting out on the track, running with my friends and my partner! I like the thrill factor when in a big race/ fun run and the spectacle of running with hundreds of runners around me and the loud clatter of all the feet, running well and making it through the finish gates! The social element is fun. I have improved so much since I began running in March this year, and have gone from 3km to 7, to 10, 14, and 15km runs, and am confident In my first Half Marathon in 3 weeks time.
What is your favourite running distance/course/event and why? I mostly like 7-10k distances, i like alot of courses but my fave local is the Bay Run in Drummoyne, and as far as events go i also like a few of them, though I'll pick City to Surf because of the challenge and sheer numbers of people the buzz of being part of it and i like to give heartbreak hill a good flogging and coast down the hill to the beach for a well deserved beer and lunch.
What has been your running highlight? I ran a 48 minute PB for my 2nd 10km race at NSW Roads State Championship a few months ago, and then that gave me enough credit to make it into the Red Intermediate Start Section in City 2 Surf, and run alongside my partner.
Any lowlights (injury etc)? I have struggled to warm up on cold winter morning runs, and I've had a couple races where went out too hard early, and paid the price being out of breath and feeling my legs burning and bricking up, etc and not enjoying the run. No injuries as yet, but as I have upped the kms and advanced had a few annoying pains and strains affecting hamstrings, calves, knees and ankles. As time passes these have became less apparent, even gone away.
What was the last race you went in and how did you go? I ran the St George Beachside Dash at Brighton Le Sands in
the 10km run last week and I had my calves on fire the whole way, since i have upped my running from once a week to two or 3 times a week in training for my half, and this wasn't very pleasing to me, though toughed it out and had a fair bit of fuel left to speed up in the last 4km and go for a PB, but missed by around 1 minute.
Anything funny/unusual ever happened to you while you have been out running? Not really. I have seen people
dressed as Superman, Supermums running flat out in races with twins in prams.
What other sports/hobbies are you involved in? I'm not involved in any other sports, though as hobbies I enjoy things such as getting out for a bike, bbqs, going to the beach, dining out, making home brew beers, watching movies, catching up to family and friends, and getting out and about and being active and fit in general.
Favourite food/beverage? Tacos and Beer simultaneously.
If you won 1 million, how you think going to spend the money?I wont spend much of the money, rather just live off
some of it, maybe buy a home but still get a loan for most of it, invest a bit in some stocks, maybe do a few random acts of kindness and help my family if i see them struggling, and relax on a boat in a bay somewhere, and doing some fishing and just continue working but part time, so the money didnt run out.
If you could have dinner with anyone who would it be and why? Probably my dad because he lives quite far away and I don't see him very often.
Where would your ideal holiday be? I am going to The Phillipines soon, and it will be ideal, and I'll be seeking warm sun soaked beautiful beaches, and all things fun and relaxing, plus the Australian Dollar buys alot more over there than it does here, so food and drinks shopping and accoms will be at a bargain price.
Interesting things we may not know about you? I ran as a ring-in and unofficial woodstocker for a couple of events in the prior weeks before joining, and achieved some good PB's but I am now trying to beat the PB's as a new
Woodstockian, which i haven't been able to do yet.

Thanks for sharing Terry.

Name: Tami Dower
What is your occupation? Writer
Running age group? 30-35
Do you have family? Is this a trick question? I have family, yes, and am about to acquire a new one to add to my complicated collection (recently engaged).
How long have you been a Woody? About a year now
Do you run on Tuesday night/TNT/Saturday morning? Sat morning
Why do you enjoy running? Because it means I get to eat a Bowan Island raspberry and oat muffin afterwards, guilt-free.
What is your favourite running distance/course/event and why? I love any kind of off-road running, especially where there’s a navigation element involved (and I am not the one navigating).
What has been your running highlight? Breaking 47 minutes for 10K at this year’s Macleay Marathon running festival.
Any lowlights (injury etc)? Yes. ITB is a swear word.
What was the last race you went in and how did you go? The Macleay 10K but by the time this goes to print it will be the 2009 C2S. I’m hoping to do a bit better than last year when I got 84 minutes and spent half the time dodging prams and walkers six-abreast in the back of the pack.
Anything funny/unusual ever happened to you while you have been out running? I tend to trip over things – tree roots, gutters, small dogs, my feet… Coordination has never been my strong point.
What other sports/hobbies are you involved in? Adventure racing, mountain biking, kayaking, horse riding, skiing, hiking, most things that involve being out in the bush.
Favourite food/beverage? Bowan Island’s raspberry and oat muffins – they are to die for.
If you could have dinner with anyone who would it be and why? My fiancé (ooh that sounds weird). Because he is my soulmate and he is like Darryl Kerrigan from The Castle – he thinks everything I make is gourmet, even when it actually tastes like something the cat threw up.
Where would your ideal holiday be? Peru, hiking the Inca Trail, which I will hopefully do next year on my honeymoon.
Interesting things we may not know about you?
- By the time I get married next year, I will have spent almost exactly half my life with my
partner (Tristan Iseli, also a Woody).
- I am distantly related to the Queen of England (according to my mum).
- I have a pathetically juvenile sense of humour and am a huge fan of Funniest Home Videos

Note - Thanks Tami! It was a plan to put Tami and Tristan's profile together, however I am not sure what happened to Tristan's piece as I havent received it! Congratulations and best of luck to both of you on your engagement and the new house. - editor

Name: Ross Keys

What is your occupation? Once upon a time I was a public servant IT System Administrator)– Retired for four years, one month and twenty days – and loving it!! I do occasional volunteer clerical style work for Union Aid Abroad – APHEDA (Australian People for Health, Education and Development Abroad). It is the overseas aid agency of the Australian Council of Trade Unions and, while I’m far from being a “lefty” as this might imply, I like the way this agency trains people to look after themselves rather that just pour money into “needy” areas.

Running age group? Over sixties

Do you have family? Two kids of my own living in Fremantle and Mount Gambier – anyone would think they don’t want to be near me. Three step children – only one living in Sydney (anyone would think they don’t want to be
near me) and I share my life with Christine who, surprisingly enough, and unlike our kids, still lives with me.
Three of our four grandchildren live here in Sydney (Carlingford) so that’s a plus eh! But their Mum is threatening to
leave us the grandkids and go join her brothers and sisters. Before that happens Christine and I will escape first.

How long have you been a Woody? Since about 1986

Do you run on Tuesday night/TNT/Saturday morning? That’s been a bit of a problem lately. Until about ten years ago I was both Tuesday and Saturday; then I moved to Padstow and stayed with the Tuesday nights. Retirement brought regular Tuesday golf – and after eighteen holes running becomes a task for this 64 year old. Don’t get me wrong – I’m still running but mostly in my own time. Saturday mornings I swim with Christine and a mate or two at the local pool. My nick-name at the pool is “Stone” because I swim like one!! TNT nights I’m found at the local Bowlo selling raffle tickets for our social golf club.

Why do you enjoy running? Because, try as much as I do, I can’t swim well Truly but, I find running pleasurable in
company because we are people from all walks of life sharing a common interest. I’ve always enjoyed the way Woodies relax and talk in the pack. I find running pleasurable alone because it’s my time to mull over issues that are in my "unsolved” basket at the back of my brain. I find that I solve a lot of problems while running and, this’ll sound silly, in the shower too.

What is your favourite running distance/course/event and why? Not that I could do the distance today but I’ve never not enjoyed a half marathon.

What has been your running highlight? First and foremost is, as a member of the Blacktown Athletic Club, I won the
Metropolitan 1500 meter B Grade Championship on the Sylvania synthetic track back in the early eighties. A stinking hot day and the fact that the would be best competitors had long since gone home because of the heat, in no way diluted my elation at winning that event. As I strode up the final straight with all of the Blacktown team-mates screaming from the stand – well! Maybe both of them – thanks Mum and Dad. Anyway; that was huge.
Breaking sixty minutes in the City2Surf was a challenge and felt great when accomplished. I only did it once and then only by a few seconds but times have never been that important to me. Knowing I’ll not break sixty again the City2Surf has been well down my list of priorities for many years. If I enter it these days I’m just as likely to stop at the Golden Sheaf Hotel at Rose Bay for a schooner before completing the run. By the time I get to Bondi the Woodies have usually abandoned the meeting place.

Any lowlights (injury etc)? I no longer run at night as I have no faith in my night vision. I’ve wound up flat on my face a couple of times - too many (always while running) falling over tree roots etc. in the dark. After the last occasion I spent the night in a Sutherland hospital with a broken nose and several contusions, not to mention my spectacles which were not worth recovering. My worst fall was while running near Queens Park one Tuesday night (15 July 2003) with Kerry B and Marie L. I did a lot of rotor cuff damage to my left shoulder that night and my running confidence, and golf, have never been the same.

What was the last race you went in and how did you go? I really don’t know. When I was really running well in the
early 1980s I completed five or six marathons, all between 3:15 and 3:28.

Anything funny/unusual ever happened to you while you have been out running? Two things spring to mind. I was
running with Julie, a colleague and Billy’s Bushy out of our St Leonards Office one day when we approached an elderly lady hosing the nature strip next to her footpath. As we jumped the hose and continued running towards Chatswood she yelled after us “You should have left home earlier!!” Gees we laughed. And while on the elderly, after completing one of the Saturday runs one of the Woodies who finished with me asked what time we did. “Dunno
Mate” I replied “wasn’t wearing a stop watch”.  Overhearing this the then club President, John Dawlings stated “Ross doesn’t need a stop watch – he needs a calendar”. I love the camaraderie in running but with friends like that who needs etc.

What other sports/hobbies are you involved in? I have a rule that, unless I’m carrying heaps of stuff I will not drive anywhere less that three ks away; so I cycle and walk a lot. I love golf but play it very badly.

Favourite food/beverage? I make the best meat loaf – well! Second best. My mum made the best and I love eating “in”. My favourite restaurant is the Orexi at Padstow, a local Greek restaurant which serves the best Lamb Kleftiko.

Beverage: Wine wise I like the reds; particularly Cab. Sav. Or, given the choice, another bottle of Cab Sav.

If you could have dinner with anyone who would it be and why? Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister together with Hamas leader Khaled Meshal can come to my place anytime so we, and you’re all welcome to come too, can share a meat loaf and show them both how good it is to live in peace.

Where would your ideal holiday be? In 1996 I spent nearly three months in the Middle East communicating with many people of so many different attitudes from aggrieved Palestinians to Orthodox Jews. Though a very moving experience it never abated my concerns for the Peoples of that region. We are so lucky to be here in
Australia. For a relaxing holiday these days I look to the Outback. There is nothing so moving as the awesome Majesty of places like Uluru, the Olgas, King’s Canyon, MacDonald Ranges and Katherine Gorge. When you stand alone in any of those regions on a windless day the silence is deafening. In summary, for a relaxing holiday for me, there’s no place like Oz; however to try to understand how others live I’ll go somewhere off the tourist map. I’m contemplating East Timor. A very need country, trying to encourage tourism, it has an annual mountain bike race, “Le Tour de Timor” which, over five days, looks a bit arduous for this old fella, but……

If you were given super powers, what would it be? I have always dreamed of flying, like, just come out the front door, flap my arms, get above the power lines and head for the Georges River and turn East for the coast. Beautiful!! I hope to be reborn after Man evolves sufficiently to fly (imagine the fuel bills we’d save too!!!)

Interesting things we may not know about you? While I maintain pride in my Irish heritage, there is a lot of
Aboriginality in my family. I have always maintained a keen interest in things indigenous and the Dream Time. In my study I have two Aboriginal paintings. One is of the Wanjina. This is a great rain spirit which emanated from the Kimberleys before our time. The Wanjina is painted with no mouth because, it is such a powerful spirit, it is said that if he had a mouth so much water (rain) would gush from it that the land would be flooded and we’d fail to exist. It is said that the Wanjina emerged, and will return, from the clouds. The occasional similarities between the Dream Time and the world’s many religions are not lost on me.

What else? I love real Cricket (no one day stuff for me) and am at the SCG every day of a test match and most NSW (go the Blues) Sheffield Shield matches.

Finally, my motto (which I stole from a local high school) is “Guard the Good”.

Thank you Ross for Sharing! I wish I get to speed up my Marathon times like what you had!! - Ed.

Name: Rick Collins
What is your occupation? I have a small accountancy practice & a babygoods distributing business.
Running age group? 59 to 64
Do you have family? Yes, My wife Novello, 2 sons, 2 daughters & 5 grandchildren.
How long have you been a Woody? About 10 years.
Do you run on Tuesday night/TNT/Saturday morning? Saturday mornings.
Why do you enjoy running? Mainly I enjoy being with all the Woodies & the freedom to run to anywhere we like.
What is your favourite running distance, course, event and why? Canberra Marathon. Have run it 7 times. I like the whole package being a weekend away with good company, a great Pasta Party, a well organised event, Rydges hotel only 2 minutes walk to the start / finish & all the early morning training in a nice part of the year for running.
What has been your running highlights? Many, many times during the very early morning long runs we have solved all the worlds problems, have solved everybody else’s problems & had a lot of good laughs along the way. It is also great to start running in the very early hours & as the hours pass watch the whole city wake up around us as we are still running.
Any lowlights (injury etc)? Stopped running for about 3 months about 4 years ago with a knee injury.
What was the last race you went in and how did you go? Canberra Marathon 4:05 & Sydney Half 1:52. Both runs were my second best times for the same tracks.
Anything funny/unusual ever happened to you while you have been out running? A few months ago at Chatswood shopping centre everyone was standing around lost because the up escalator had stopped. In true Woody style I lead the way & ran up the down escalator however misjudged the moving top step & fell flat on my face to the crowd’s amusement. After being dragged about half way back down I jumped up & ran very fast up to the top, leapt off & of course, acted like nothing had ever happened.
What other sports/hobbies are you involved in? I swim 3 mornings a week at about 6.30am. I used to do a
lot of bike riding before becoming a Woody. Being a Woody doesn’t give me any time for a hobby.
Favourite food/beverage? Flat white decaf coffee in a mug with soy milk. I Like most foods especially all the
rubbish type foods we have after a very long hard run.
If you could have dinner with anyone who would it be and why? Maybe the Queen in the main palace dining room just to see what she is really like.
Where would your ideal holiday be? Hard question – travelling overseas, staying at a beach resort, travelling the polar regions – can’t decide.
Interesting things we may not know about you? I have won a limbo competition. I can eat 4 Big Macs after a long run. Mostly when I run up the down escalators I don’t trip over. I can touch my little finger with my second finger on both hands at the same time.

Editor: Thanks for sharing Rick! Now you can stop wondering what’s Rick’s secret why he looks lots younger than his age!;-)

Name: Peta Bray
What is your occupation? Early Childhood Teacher
Running age group? 40-50 years
Do you have family? No Children, 4 siblings and nieces and nephews How long have you been a Woody? 8 months, but running a little before then.
Do you run on Tuesday night/TNT/Saturday morning? Unable to run with Woodstock anytime but run the Handicap runs
Why do you enjoy running? I enjoy running because it makes me feel better and healthy. I like the challenges it brings specially as running is new to me. I like setting goals for myself and trying to achieve these. Finally its great to run with others, meet people and belong to a running group where people cheer on you and encourage you. It also means I can eat anything.
What is your favourite running distance/course/event and why? As I've just began running its a bit of a tricky question. I would say after my first season I prefer medium distances of 7-10 Km because there are many races of these distances and it interesting to compare times. I also enjoyed the Blackmore's Half Marathon last year as it was my first half and loved the atmosphere and everything about it.
What has been your running highlight? I have a few completing my first ever fun run without stopping (4Km, Sri Chinmoy) with my mum Kerry. Receiving my first ever medal in my age category and completing my first half marathon last year as the longest distance ever.
Any lowlights (injury etc)? Fortunately, I haven't experienced any low lights or injuries. So far only being sore and tight but I'm used to now. (found out that stretching helps!)
What was the last race you went in and how did you go? Sri Chinmoy 7Km November 2009. Would have liked to have done a faster time but due to the heat and humidity thought I did okay.
Anything funny/unusual ever happened to you while you have been out running? Nothing unusual or funny has happened to me while running. I'm sure something will as I continue to run more.
What other sports/hobbies are you involved in? I like cycling and sometimes my own circuit training
Favourite food/beverage? Vegetables and Pizza, Stir fries, Chicken and of course chocolate apple juice and smoothies
If you could have dinner with anyone who would it be and why? Michael Palin author of New
Europe (Travel Book). It would be fascinating to hear all about his travels and about the many
countries he's been to and written about.
Where would your ideal holiday be? Would love to go to Egypt. I like ancient history and one day
would love to see the Pyramids.
Favorite running shoe/Gadget? Why? Can't Fault my Polar running watch it keeps track of my
distance and helps me with training and to keep my speed up in races.
Interesting things we may not know about you? I've never driven. Lived and worked in London for
2 years, 13 years ago.
Thanks Peta for sharing! I appreciate your effort of having to write the response down since your computer was acting up. - Editor

Name: Martin Amy

What is your occupation? Town Planner

Running age group? Aged 27

Do you have family? Yep, parents, older brother, 2 younger sisters (Family all lives in UK). Mum and Dad are member of West Wight runners on the Isle of Wight.

How long have you been a Woody? Maybe 2-3years??

Do you run on Tuesday night or Saturday morning? Normally Tuesday nights, but at moment am a bit scared of the dark!

Why do you enjoy running? Meet new people, find new places, keeps me active

What is your favourite running course/event and why? Not that I’ve done too many, but for the after party the City to Surf isn’t too bad!

What has been your running highlight? At moment completing my first marathon in Canberra.

Any lowlights (injury etc)? Apart for injuries and niggles. Not pushing myself gets me a bit frustrated.

What was the last race you went in and how did you go? I managed to do the SMH Half marathon and just squeezed in under 90minutes

Anything funny/unusual ever happened to you while you have been out running?

Watching Greg Muir run is always quite amusing…. So Emanuel tells me…

What other sports/hobbies are you involved in? I play golf, do a bit of Rec AFL and Oztag in summer

Favourite food/beverage? Spaghetti Bolognese/Milo

If you could have dinner with anyone who would it be and why? Nigella Lawson, of course the reason being that I’d love to pick her brains about her recipes. NOT that she’s easy on the eye…..

Where would your ideal holiday be? Anywhere that the weather lets you go outside and enjoy yourself

Interesting things we may not know about you? I score cricket for Sydney University and currently travel the country in the summer with the XXXX Gold Beach Cricket.

Thanks for sharing, Martin!

Name: Manal Garcia
What is your occupation? Personal Trainer / Fitness Instructor
Running age group? 35 - 39
Do you have family? Yes an amazing husband (Hector) & 2 boys Tyler & Cameron) ages 9 & 7
How long have you been a Woody? I think since 2003
Do you run on Tuesday night/TNT/Saturday morning? Can’t get to any at the moment due to family & work commitments but I run 6 days a week & catch up with a lot of Woodies along the way.
Why do you enjoy running? Running is my time – time to be me not a mum, wife or trainer (if I’m not running with clients). I’m also very self competitive so I love to strive towards bettering my times - having a goal to aim for & ticking it off once it’s achieved.
What is your favourite running distance/course/event and why? SMC 10km – might be boring but the repetition suits me, the people are lovely & there’s a challenge (best 6 out of 9) which I love.
What has been your running highlight? Gold Coast Half Marathon this year was a great weekend away, for so many reasons – company, course, beautiful conditions & location to race in & I achieved a sub 100 min goal (97:03) which I still can’t believe. Last year’s full Marathon in Sydney was another highlight. Again great conditions & atmosphere but more importantly the end of 20 weeks of training for a specific race – which was all consuming. I was really pleased with my debut Marathon time of 3:50:33. Another highlight which is sort of running was the Sydney Tower Run Up this year. I won my category in 11mins & won a very decent cash prize as well.
Any lowlights (injury etc)? I’ve had a few injuries over the years but have treated them fairly quickly & they have resolved themselves within a month usually. Lately I get stitches during races so I’m just working on that. Nothing really to complain about, I’m very lucky.
What was the last race you went in and how did you go? Striders 10km at Homebush – not a PB, around 46mins (trying to get below 44)
Anything funny/unusual ever happened to you while you have been out running? Years ago I ran Tues night & followed the Woodies across the road in Burwood & we almost were run over as a group – can’t remember who was there, but it made me very aware of night running ever since.
What other sports/hobbies are you involved in? I weight train at the gym a few times a week & cross train with clients all week so I get mini workouts when I can. My boys play soccer & Little Athletics so I get involved a bit there as well.
Favourite food/beverage? Chocolate, ricotta canollis & a good soy mocca (sweet tooth)
If you could have dinner with anyone who would it be and why? Audrey Hepburn, beautiful, complicated, caring & intelligent.
Where would your ideal holiday be? I’ve just been to Phuket & that was pretty fabulous – holidays for me have to be warm with a pool, swim up bar, great shopping, great food & entertainment for the kids.
In just one word what is it that best describes you most? happy
Interesting things we may not know about you? I did a degree (BA) in Politics but I have no idea what’s going on in the world (OK maybe a little knowledge). I worked in the disabilities field for 9 years before doing the fitness thing. My cooking is not a strong point (though I’m trying harder at that) & I rarely drink alcohol – so when I do I am a very cheap drunk!...oh I recently got a "running girl" tatoo - see pic).. so I'd better keep running forever....

Thank you Manal for taking time to answer my pleas despite of hectic schedule! Too bad I couldn't find a photo of you in Woodstock top, you are excused as you are on the Woodstock color ;)-editor 

As a resident of Burwood in 1980, I ticked "jogging club" as a possible interest of mine in a survey conducted for the newly opened Woodstock Community Centre. One hundred and fifty people replied likewise, but only five, including Steve Briscoe, my son, Rohan and I, attended a meeting. Nevertheless, we decided to form a group, Woodstock Runners, and our first run through the Appian Way took place in August 1980.

I have always been involved in sport. At school it was athletics, netball and tennis, while squash was my No.1 sport for 16yrs during the time my children were growing up.

Woodstock Runners introduced me to distance running and in 1983/84 I ran 4 marathons and have run many half marathons over the years, as well as numerous and varied fun runs. Injuries introduced me to swimming and then to racewalking, so that, at present, I run, walk and swim and compete in all three.

I have five adult children, who grew up in Burwood, where I lived for 41yrs, before moving to Cronulla almost 7yrs ago. My two daughters live in Cronulla, with three sons spread from Hong Kong to the Eastern Suburbs. They are all involved in sport. I have three grandchildren, with a fourth due in August.

Woodstock Runners has been a big part of my life and I am most grateful for the good times and the wonderful friends I have made through the Club. So many of you have inspired and motivated me over the 23yrs of my involvement. For that, I thank you and I sincerely trust I can always remain interested in running, walking and general fitness.

Kerry Bray