Melissa Breen: Running from the Heart
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You’d be forgiven for assuming that Melissa Breen would be running the entire length of the 5km course at the Canberra Times Fun Run this Sunday 3 September.
After all, she’s represented Australia at the Olympic Games and in 2014, broke the record for the women’s 100m sprint. However, like many of us mere mortals, Melissa says she’ll be walking parts.
“If anyone is looking for someone to walk with, I’m your girl” she laughs. “I definitely can’t run that far. I will stress that – I love being involved and I’m happy to raise money and awareness and get people involved, but I definitely will not be running the entire way – my body isn’t built to do that.”
As an Ambassador for the Heart Foundation, Melissa is running for a cause very close to her heart.
“It’s important to align yourself with things that have meaning to you” she says. “My dad had a heart attack in the beginning of 2016, so when the Heart Foundation contacted me about being an ambassador, it was a ‘yes’ straight away.”
In addition to raising funds for the organisation, Melissa’s goal is to raise awareness around heart health.
“There’s so many things that could be going on that we don’t know about. It’s kind of scary – without sounding too morbid, we are all ticking time bombs. We just don’t know when our time is up, and we want to try and do everything in our power to live long and healthy lives.”
As a track athlete, Melissa is a role model and advocate for leading a healthy lifestyle.
“I think it’s really important. You don’t have to be an Olympic level athlete to get out there and enjoy the beautiful sunshine that we’ve got on offer in Canberra. It’s really about getting out there, and getting fit and healthy.”
While Melissa is excited for the Canberra Times Fun Run on the weekend, it’s unlikely that the event will signal the end of her involvement with the Heart Foundation.
“They’re just beautiful people trying to make a difference. The story goes ‘one person can’t make a difference’, but one person can – and this has shown me that there’s a snowball effect: you get amazing people behind you and great things can happen. It’s hopefully something I can continually be involved with.”
It’s understandable that Melissa hasn’t been working on her long distance running. In addition to time spent raising funds and awareness, the athlete has a “hectic” training schedule in preparation for the upcoming Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games
“It’s been pretty heavy work since May. I’ll start racing in October or November – just doing some local races and comp meets here at the AIS. It’s all gearing up to trials which are in the middle of February for the Commonwealth Games, and then obviously towards the Games themselves.”
“To have a home championship is something I’m really looking forward to. Having a whole stadium cheering for you – how awesome is that?”
In the meantime, Melissa will undoubtedly be enjoying the support of the local community this weekend. Born and raised in Canberra, she’s proud of the city that she calls home.
“Because my family is here, it’s my favourite place. It’s the ease of it, and the relaxed nature. I remember when I was growing up, we lived down in Tuggeranong and I used to ride my bike around Tuggeranong Lake and kicking the footy with my brother. That’s the beauty of Canberra – there’s so many great places to get outdoors and enjoy the glorious weather.”
These days, you’re more likely to find Melissa at one of Canberra’s premium athletic recreation facilities – or brunching at the Foreshore.
“Most of my stuff is at the AIS, but we do a few things out at Stromlo Forest Park in ther wintertime. On my Sundays, I love heading down to the Kingston Foreshore with my parents – there are so many amazing spots in Canberra that I’ve discovered.”
To show your support for Melissa, you can visit her fundraising page or alternatively, sign up for the Canberra Times Fun Run this weekend.
the essentials
What: The Canberra Times Fun Run
When: Sunday 3 September, from 7am
Where: Races start from Yamba Drive, Phillip or King George Terrace, Parkes. Check website for details.
Sign up: Visit http://www.canberratimesfunrun.com.au
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