Meet Kathy Reid, a dedicated mum and a “shuffler,” as she calls herself, from Rockingham, Western Australia. At 48, Kathy juggles shift work with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, raising her 12-year-old daughter, and trying to fit in her love for running—although she admits she’s come a long way from her early days of “not even running for the bus.” Her running journey is one of grit, resilience, and continual comebacks, driven by a desire to build both physical and mental strength.
“I’ve been shuffling for about nine years now,” Kathy laughs, recalling her journey from zero to… well, still working on the hundred. “I was always the last kid picked for team sports. I didn’t run, not even when magpies were swooping!” But that all changed nine years ago when a tough chapter of her life led to an unexpected transformation.
The Turning Point
For Kathy, running began out of necessity, not desire. After a traumatic domestic violence incident, she needed ACL and MCL repairs on her knee. “The doctor didn’t even think I needed surgery,” she remembers. “He thought I was just a sedentary mum who wouldn’t need her knee for much.” But then one day at the park, her young daughter ran off, and Kathy couldn’t keep up. That moment changed everything.
“I realised then that I needed to get stronger—not just for me, but for my daughter. I went through with the surgery, and when I recovered, a friend convinced me to try parkrun. They said, ‘Just walk it!’ And so I did.” Kathy began to shed weight, build strength, and adopt healthier habits. She even gave up her sugary staples, Coke and Masters Iced Coffee, though the withdrawal was tough. “I had no idea how hooked I was until the headaches hit! But seeing the changes in my health made it worth it.”
Changes, Challenges, and Unexpected Achievements
Since that first hesitant parkrun, running has become an anchor in Kathy’s life. It’s not just about fitness; it’s about reshaping her mindset. “I’ve struggled with mental health for most of my life,” she shares. “Running is my therapy. It helps me tune out all the noise in my head and just focus on breathing, on each step.” And along the way, she’s found a community that understands her “crazy” goals and encourages her to chase them. “Surrounding yourself with people who get it, who don’t question why you’d want to run crazy distances—that’s been huge.”
Of course, it’s not always easy. Kathy admits she battles with comparison. “I catch myself looking at others who can just run and run, like Forrest Gump, and I think, why can’t I do that? But I’ve learned to accept that my journey is my own. I’m not like anyone else, and that’s okay.”
Despite the struggles, Kathy’s achievements are remarkable. She was selected for the “Couch to 200 Mile” program by Ultra Series WA—a dream come true. “I never thought I’d get picked. I barely knew anyone on the panel, and I certainly didn’t think I was ‘ultra’ material. But they saw something in me, and that pushed me to give it everything I had.” Balancing intense training with single motherhood and shift work was a challenge, but Kathy persevered. “I didn’t win, but I won respect—from others and from myself. That was the real prize.”
Goals: Small Steps to Big Dreams
Now, Kathy’s sights are set on running 5km continuously and consistently—no small feat for someone balancing as much as she does. “I want to make it a regular thing, not just a once-in-a-blue-moon effort,” she explains. Long-term, she’s aiming for the big leagues: a 100km event, maybe even the full 200 miles someday. “It might sound crazy, but it’s what keeps me going. These goals are my ‘why.’”
The Impact of Running: More Than Just Fitness
When asked about the biggest benefits of running, Kathy doesn’t hesitate. “It’s about what I’m showing my daughter. She sees me setting goals and working toward them, and she’s learning about building healthy habits. That’s huge for me.” Running has also had a powerful effect on her mental health. “Running is one of the few times I can quiet my mind. I don’t have to worry about anything except putting one foot in front of the other.”
And then, there’s the community she’s built. Kathy speaks warmly of the friendships she’s made through running, friends who inspire her with their own journeys. “There are people I look up to, even if it’s from a distance. And the amazing thing is, they care about my goals too. It’s such a supportive space.”
The Pitfalls: Juggling Life, Work, and Running
Of course, running has its drawbacks, too. For Kathy, the biggest struggle is balance. “Trying to fit in a run when you’re on a 10-hour shift, and then coming home to be a single mum, it’s tough. There are times I’ve quit because I just felt I couldn’t keep up.” She also faces the pressure of others’ expectations. “I don’t look like a ‘runner.’ I’m not the stereotypical tall, lean figure, and sometimes that makes me feel like I don’t belong. But I’m learning to ignore that and focus on what running gives me.”
Staying Motivated: “Comeback 1234565678789”
Motivation isn’t always easy to find, especially with so much on her plate, but Kathy has found ways to keep going. “I need visual reminders of my why,” she says. “When I start to give up, I look at what happens to my weight and mental health, and that’s usually enough to get me back out there.” And even when she falls off track, she reminds herself that there’s always room for another comeback. “I’m on comeback 1234565678789, but that’s the beauty of running—you can always make a new start.”
Kathy’s Advice: Run Your Own Race
For anyone considering running, Kathy has simple but heartfelt advice. “Don’t compare yourself to anyone else. Go at your own pace, and find your cheer squad—people who believe in you even when you don’t believe in yourself.”
Want to Connect with Kathy?
Kathy is always happy to share her journey and hopes that it inspires others to start theirs. “Message me on Facebook, come find me at Secret Rocky Runners, or say hi at parkrun on Saturdays. I’m trying to be more consistent these days!
At Runners Gateway, we love highlighting the journeys of our community members, just like Kathy’s, and celebrating the unique paths that bring each person to the starting line. Every runner’s story has the power to inspire, encourage, and motivate others to take that first step or keep pushing forward. If you’d like to share your own story with us, we’d love to hear from you! Get in touch, and let’s tell your story together—it might be exactly the spark someone else needs!
