Running Change arrives in Townsville
The Running Change program has made tracks to Townsville, finding many happy feet from the 3rd Brigade ready to join in with the challenge following the successful pilot program in Brisbane.
CAPTION: Run Army participants from the 3rd Brigade at Lavarack Barracks, Townsville. Story by Lieutenant Simon Hampson. Photo by Corporal Brodie Cross.
Running Change is a resilience program, providing support to Army members through participation in middle-distance running. The program is entirely voluntary and assists soldiers to enhance their physical and mental resilience. It is designed to help soldiers who are recovering from injury, or struggling physically or mentally. The program caters for all abilities and is all-inclusive.
The Running Change program is different from every other running-based program currently offered across Army. It adopts a proven heart rate-based methodology for training. It is a new approach for Army members who are used to running fast in their usual physical training sessions.
Instead, they run at a slower pace in order to maintain specific heart-rate zones and they are educated that this in turn improves their efficiency and reduces stress on their body. Consistently running slowly enables them to run faster over time.
Soldiers are placed in small groups with a dedicated mentor. They are supported by physiotherapists, psychologists, PTIs and nutritionists who guide them through weekly themes of mindfulness, goal setting and ongoing running assessments to improve their running efficiency.
Major Courtney Sypott, National Director Run Army – Running Change Program, said the rapid expansion underlines the popularity of the program.
“The program is exceeding expectations and the appetite for expansion is rapidly growing,” Major Sypott said.
“Participants are reporting positive feedback as the demand for more programs continues.
“This is a testament to the program’s effectiveness and the opportunity to support our soldiers’ mental health and resilience through running performance.”
The next Run Army 5km and 10km fun runs are taking place on April 24, 2022. Register now at runarmy.org.au
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