At 46, facing sleep apnea and obesity, I made a bold decision: to run every single day for a year. But here's the twist – this isn't just about physical transformation; it's a journey into the minds of athletes, celebrities, and everyday heroes, all while uncovering the profound 'why' behind our need to run. And this is where it gets fascinating: what if running isn't just about fitness, but a gateway to resilience, creativity, and joy? Join me as I lace up my shoes in the rain-soaked streets of Melbourne, ready to sprint alongside Olympic medalists, chat with podcast stars, and unravel the secrets of endurance – both physical and mental. But here's where it gets controversial: is running a selfish act, or does it ripple out, enriching the lives of those around us? Let's hit the ground running and find out.
It’s a grey, rainy morning at the Collingwood Harriers Athletic Club, and the last place I want to be is here. Yet, the world is alive – lorikeets chirping, traffic humming, and the city stirring. Today marks day 156 of my 365-day running challenge, a leap year’s worth of daily sprints, jogs, and shuffles. This wasn’t just a New Year’s whim; it was a rebellion against middle-aged stagnation, sleep apnea, asthma, and a 117-kilogram frame that screamed 'obese'. Running felt like the elegant solution, but with a catch: no excuses, no skips, no internal bargaining. So here I am, waiting for my running partner in Melbourne’s north, ready to learn from those who’ve mastered the art of speed and resilience.
As a sportswriter, I knew this journey couldn’t be solitary. Why run alone when I could tap into the wisdom of Olympic silver medalist Jessica Hull, marathon legend Steve Moneghetti, or tennis star Jelena Dokic? I envisioned interviews, insights, and a book – a deep dive into why we run. What drives us? What do we gain? And what do we sacrifice? Today, I’m meeting Hugh van Cuylenburg, podcaster, Australian of the Year nominee, and sprinting enthusiast. His story is one of transformation – from a teacher exhausting himself to lift classroom spirits, to a resilience guru working with sports teams and schools, all inspired by a boy’s gratitude for sandals during a trip to India.
Van Cuylenburg’s journey back to sprinting is a lesson in relearning. After ‘retiring’ from cricket at 36, he rediscovered his childhood love for sprinting, only to realize he’d been running like a jogger trying to go fast. ‘Sprinting is about force, not endurance,’ he explains. Today, he’s giving me a crash course in technique – dynamic stretches, ‘spinal engine’ work, and drills that feel like speaking a foreign language. It’s awkward, tiring, and neurologically demanding, but the goal is clear: get my muscles ‘speaking’ to each other, ready to crackle with energy.
As we sprint, van Cuylenburg shares his philosophy: running isn’t just physical; it’s a mental reset. ‘The most present I am is when I’m sprinting,’ he says. He talks about the snowballing benefits – how his passion for running improves his relationships, his work, and his life. But it’s not without sacrifice. He’s given up drinking, embraced saunas, cold plunges, and Normatec boots – all to run faster, live better. Here’s the controversial part: is this level of dedication selfish, or does it elevate those around us? Van Cuylenburg argues the latter, and I’m starting to see why.
After our final sprint, I reflect on a recent run that ended in a living room dance party with my family. ‘You feel drunk,’ van Cuylenburg nods, ‘almost primal.’ Running, it seems, isn’t just about miles; it’s about connection, joy, and resilience. So, as I cool down, I’m left with a question for you: What’s your ‘why’? And are you ready to lace up and find out?
