Be inspired by Jetty 2 Jetty ambassadors

Published 1:07pm 17 June 2022

Be inspired by Jetty 2 Jetty ambassadors
Words by Kylie Knight

All types of runners will make up the Jetty 2 Jetty fun run field on July 17. We meet four who will be carrying the mantle of ambassadors. Be inspired and join them

Leanne Sklavenitis

“I love running and have competed in many (events) over the years including City to Surf Sydney and beating the Puffing Billy Race in Melbourne and a few half marathons too,” Leanne explains.

“It wasn’t about winning but the social component and good friends I went with … that was the best part. Then as a fitness Coach and Personal Trainer I started to train people to run and organised groups of clients to enter fun runs together. It was extremely rewarding.

“Then over five years ago I was diagnosed with MND and been predominantly wheelchair bound for over four years now.

“It was extremely upsetting to lose the ability to run. I was given two to five years to live. I decided to keep entering and recruit people to push me. I had a team push me in 2018 City to Surf, Sydney then I did it Virtually from Shorncliffe pier with a team during COVID.

“I created a wristband saying Be Awesome Every day. On my Leanne’s Health Mission Facebook page everyone posts themselves wearing it, and I have people all over the world posting themselves being or doing something awesome.

“My purpose now, more than ever is to inspire others to Be Awesome Every Day.”

Q. Why are you taking part in this year’s J2J?

A. I’m doing J2J to continue fulfilling my purpose. My awesome trainer Kylee Samson at True Technique Sandgate asked me if I would accompany her on this terrific run to help fulfill her bucket list of helping someone complete a ten Km race. Leanne’s Awesome Team was formed so we can both fulfill our purpose.

Q. What’s your favourite thing about the J2J?

A. This will be my first J2J even though I have lived in Sandgate for seven years. I was planning to do it, then my condition struck. I love the water, sun, sand and there is something calming but yet refreshing when you walk along a jetty.

Q. What is your favourite post-run food?

A. My favourite post-run food is coffee and eggs on toast

Q. How are you training for this year's event?

A. This fun run I hope will be very exciting for me. With Kylee, every kilometre I will walk a short distance. Then, with help I will walk across the line. For me to do this, I go to the gym four times a week. I work on everything - leg strength, arm and neck strength. I also regularly stretch.

Q. What’s your best advice for anyone thinking about taking part in J2J?

A. If this is your first fun run, start training a few months before. Pick your goal and focus on it. Build up slowly. Work on your hydration and start eating healthy. Rest well before the race and go and have a great time. Be proud of your achievements no matter how big or small.

Be inspired by Jetty 2 Jetty ambassadors

Samantha Christensen

Q. Why are you taking part in this year’s J2J?

A. I participate every year. J2J is my favourite fun run - 2022 is my 10th consecutive year!

Q. What’s your favourite thing about the J2J?

A. It’s always a great vibe - everyone is enthusiastic and supportive of each other. While it’s great to have a running buddy, I’ve run solo many times supported by strangers.

Q. What is your favourite post-run food?

I do love fresh fruit and there’s nothing like some sweet oranges post run.

Q. How are you training for this year's event?

A. I love circuit training which I do 3-4 times a week, with either an RPM class or park run.

Q. What’s your best advice for anyone thinking about taking part in J2J?

A. Run, jog, walk - go at whatever pace feels right for you. Don’t overthink it – there are all ages and fitness levels (dress attires) – just get out there and enjoy it in a way that is fun for you.

Be inspired by Jetty 2 Jetty ambassadors

Mark Hansen

Q. Why are you taking part in this year’s J2J?

A. I have always been a swimmer and a few years ago I joined an amazing club called SSG Multisports to join them in their regular swims from Suttons Beach in Redcliffe. Having never been a runner, I was constantly inspired by my fellow clubmates achievements and wanted to get more involved with the club, so I decided to start running. I managed to build up to be able to run a few Parkruns and wanted to train for something a little more. I had always heard about J2J and what a fun event it is that is right on my doorstep. I love how J2J caters for different running abilities, so I decided to enter and train for my first ever 10km run.

Q. What’s your favourite thing about the J2J?

A. The amazing support and camaraderie no matter what stage of your running adventure you are in, whether a beginner or seasoned runner

Q. What is your favourite post-run food?

A. A protein shake and some toast with peanut butter.

Q. How are you training for this year's event?

A. I have been doing a mixture of long slow runs to try build up my aerobic fitness combined with a mixture of shorter faster runs and some interval training.

Q. What’s your best advice for anyone thinking about taking part in J2J?

A. If you are thinking about participating then just put your entry in and do it! You will only regret not entering. Challenge yourself and remember to enjoy the journey and build up to race day as much as the race day itself.

Be inspired by Jetty 2 Jetty ambassadors

Dylan Smith

Q. Why are you taking part in this year’s J2J?

A. I've worked behind the scenes in J2J in the past, but never had a chance to literally run it myself. This will be my first year officially running the J2J and, honestly, you couldn't ask for a better event in a more beautiful location!

Q. What’s your favourite thing about the J2J?

A. Definitely the scenic route! It really showcases a stunning part of the Moreton Bay Region.

Q. What is your favourite post-run food?

A. If I'm rewarding myself, I wouldn't say no to some cheeky KFC.

Q. How are you training for this year's event?

A. Due to the number of snakes, foxes, and wild pigs I've seen around my property at Chinchilla, I've decided to play it safe and only run on my driveway where everything is a bit more visible. So, yep, 75 laps of my driveway gets me to my 21km of training. Pure stubbornness gets me through (as well as a true crime podcast or two). Not to mention the cheers from my number one supporter, my cow, Eeny.

Q. What’s your best advice for anyone thinking about taking part in J2J?

A. If you're just starting out running, my advice is to start where you can and then each session or each week just push yourself that little bit further. You'll be amazed how quickly your body adapts and just how far you can go. If you're thinking about getting involved in J2J, just do it! Even if you're not a serious runner, challenge yourself to do your best. The atmosphere on the day is so supportive and fun that you'll have an amazing time regardless.

Register for Jetty 2 Jetty

This year’s Jetty 2 Jetty fun run is on July 17. Participants can choose from the Kindred Half Marathon, Moreton Daily 10km, wheelchair 10km, Planet Fitness 5km and Sesame Lane 3km.

Visit the website to register

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