Matt Golinski: “Having a positive attitude is the only way to move forward”

Matt Golinski is a highly regarded Australian chef. In late 2011, a fire in the Golinski family home tragically claimed the lives of Matt’s wife Rachael and their daughters, Starlia, Willow and Sage. The blaze left Matt fighting for his life with third degree burns to over 40% of his body.

True to his nature, Matt has made extraordinary progress with his healing and continues to work at his recovery whilst honouring the memory of his beautiful family by helping others.

Exclusively to runPositive, he shares how running and having a positive attitude has been a crucial part of his recovery.

First of all, how are you?
I am currently focusing a lot of energy on my fitness whilst I await some yet- to-be-scheduled surgery. I’m not back in the kitchen cooking full time yet, but I’m enjoying experimenting at home with new ingredients and dishes as well as conducting public cooking demonstrations and public speaking engagements.

How important has running been for your recovery?
Running has been one of the most important aspects of my physical and emotional recovery.
Being able to set goals, even when I was still in hospital has helped to keep me focused on the future. The endorphins produced from running also keep me mentally buoyant.

How often do you run, and what’s your biggest achievement in the track so far?
I try to run at least four times a week, mixing it up between flat runs and trail running. I also do other forms of exercise in between like kickboxing, pilates, and touch football. It’s a good way of cross training and keeps things interesting.
My favourite run so far has been the ‘Cape to Cape’ track in Margaret River, Western Australia. I ran 70km of the 137km course (as part of a team challenge). It was physically tough but it was such beautiful place that the scenery helped to keep my mind off the pain!

What do you love about running?
Apart from it being great for fitness, I love the freedom and solitude of running.
For me, it provides the chance to spend time without being interrupted by ringing phones or emails and gives me a chance to process things. It’s also when I think about food.

You’ve talked about trying to find a silver lining in the dark clouds. How important is it for you to be positive?
It’s easy to slip into a frame of mind where everything seems unbearable and hard, but I find running, especially amongst nature, reminds me that ultimately the world is a very beautiful place and that I am lucky to live in such a stunning part of it.
It’s much healthier to concentrate on what I have, such as my health and fitness than what I don’t have. In my experience, having a positive attitude is the only way to move forward.

Do you have any advice to share on how people can remain positive?
Set goals, no matter how small they may be and always be striving toward the next one.
Discipline is one of the hardest things to maintain, but if you have goals and see progress as you head towards them it helps to keeps you motivated.

Feeling inspired to join the Suncorp Bank runPositive campaign and want to share the inspirational reasons why YOU run? Want to go in the draw to win $10,000?
Entry to the competition is open to registered participants of The Sunday Mail Suncorp Bank Bridge to Brisbane on September 1 and Blackmores Sydney Running Festival on September 22 – enter here to share the inspirational reasons YOU runPositive!

Once you choose hope, anything’s possible.

/Christopher Reeve

Marathon man: Five easy steps to improve your running

William Wragg, to left

William Wragg, who’s completed an impressive 50 marathons in 50 days, specialises in running techniques, and has provided the runPositve community with his top tips on how to maximise your running!

1. Let gravity help you
Newton’s first law of motion states that “an object will remain at rest until acted upon by an external force”. So, as a runner, if you remain too straight without pushing, you aren’t going to create movement. But if your centre of mass (hips) is in front of your contact point (your feet,) gravity will start moving your body forward.
So by leaning forwards slightly when you run, you will reach a tipping point where your upper-body will create movement. With this technique, you can run whilst relaxing your body.

2. Relax your feet
Relax your feet when you run. Think about it like this; if a ball is filled with air and you drop the ball, it will bounce higher than a ball half-filled with air. So if your feet are tense, they will not absorb the pressures from running effectively, so these forces will ride up to your knees and hips causing injury. Relaxing your feet optimises the absorption of your arches, and can also stave off shin splints and lower-body injuries dramatically.

3. Plant your feet behind the hips
When people plant their feet, it’s important not to heel strike. I would advise to make your feet land slightly behind your hips – literally by a centimetre or two. This will help you land in the correct area of your foot, and reduce time in contact with the ground, which reduces the pressure through the body, and thus the chances of injury.

4. Level through the hips
Do not bend at the hips or stick out your bottom. The key to preventing these postural weaknesses is having a strong core. If we stay straight through our hips as we run, we will increase blood flow to our muscles and connective tissues, and as well preventing muscular pain, it will help our body to restore itself and feel relaxed as we run.

5. Start your arm swing by moving the arms backwards
When you’re running, keep your shoulders down, relaxed and slightly back. If you swing your arms forwards, your shoulders will lift, creating muscular aches in your neck, shoulders and arms. Instead, start by moving your arms backwards. You’ll find it’s easier to keep the shoulders down and stay relaxed, and this will prevent over-rotation and added pressure on your spine!

“The obsession with running is really an obsession with the potential for more and more life.”
/George Sheehan, running legend

Suncorp Bank Ambassador Adam Gilchrist is proud to runPositive

Q: What is your personal reason to runPositive?
A: Throughout my career I’ve always enjoyed running as a way to stay fit and ensure I could play my best game every game. Now as I get older it’s even more important to maintain that fitness for my general health and wellbeing, plus it helps you keep up with the kids too

Q: What motivates you to support the Suncorp Bank runPositive initiative?
A: Having competed in a number of running events around Australia as part of the Suncorp Bank runPositive Team over the past four years, I know what an amazing feeling it is to be part of a big community event with everyone getting in to have a go. The buzz and excitement on event day is hard to explain but it really energises you and I’m excited that Suncorp Bank is supporting people in their efforts to achieve this feeling again.

Q: How important is it for the community to be involved in running events like Gold Coast Airport Marathon, Sunday Mail Suncorp Bank Bridge to Brisbane or Sydney Running Festival?
A: I think it is really important. We are all quick to get caught up in our busy lives. I would encourage everyone to get involved in one of the events, bring your family along and have a fun active day.

Q: For those who aren’t keen on running, how could they get involved?
A: That’s the great part of these events, everyone can still take part.  Whether its working as an Event Volunteer or just coming down as a spectator to cheer on the participants, events like these rely on community participation at all levels to make it a great day. If you’re interested in volunteering visit the specific event website to register.

Q: Why is it important to be sunwise?
A: As Aussies, enjoying the great outdoors is quite simply our way of life. Whether that be by heading to one of our beautiful beaches, gathering around the barbie, or simply playing backyard cricket with family and friend – having fun in the sun is part of our lifestyle.
However, through my role as Suncorp Bank’s community ambassador, I have come to realise that spending time in the sun can be deadly.  It is a very unnerving fact that skin cancer can strike any person at any age.
Australia has one of the highest rates of melanoma, with Queensland having the highest rate around the world.  The impact of skin cancer is not limited to the sunshine state and each year it costs the country around $300 million to treat Aussies affected by skin cancer.
And the very sad fact is that while the incidence of skin cancer in Australia is alarmingly high, with regular check-ups and the adoption of sun safe practices, this disease is largely preventable.
That is why I am proud to help Suncorp make sun protection our way of life.  Not only are they actively involved in skin cancer education and prevention, but Suncorp have also put their financial muscle behind a number of partnerships and fundraising activities to provide support for valuable life-saving skin cancer research.
So the message is simple.  Stay out of the sun between 10 and 3pm, wear a hat, apply sunscreen and wear protective clothing.

Q: Running events all start early in the morning and – usually – in colder temperatures. Is covering up and using sunscreen still important?
A: After years of playing sport and exercising outdoors I’ve learnt how important it is to cover up and protect your skin against the harsh Aussie sun, regardless of the season.
It is important for participants and their support crews to cover up with sunscreen, a hat and UV protective clothing, preferably before they leave the house to avoid getting caught out.
While your muscles may burn during the fun run, there’s absolutely no need for your skin to. Just because you can’t feel the sun’s heat early in the morning, doesn’t mean it isn’t doing you damage.
Make sure to look out for the Suncorp Bank SunWise Ambassadors who will be around on the ground at Gold Coast Airport Marathon, Suncorp Bank Bridge to Brisbane and Sydney Running Festival providing free sunscreen to help everyone stay SunWise.

Q: Can we look forward to seeing you out on the course again this year at these events?
A: I will be there in spirit this year, but look out for me on the Super Screens on the course at the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival as I introduce the many and varied reasons why people runPositive. I’ll also be sending everyone a special thank you message for taking part in the Suncorp Bank $10K Competition on the runPositive Facebook page – so make sure you ‘Like’ the page!

Feeling inspired to join the Suncorp Bank runPositive campaign and want to share the inspirational reasons why YOU run? Want to go in the draw to win $10,000?
Entry to the competition is open to registered participants of The Sunday Mail Suncorp Bank Bridge to Brisbane on September 1 and Blackmores Sydney Running Festival on September 22 – enter here to share the inspirational reasons YOU runPositive!

“My attitude is that if you push me towards something that you think is a weakness, then I will turn that perceived weakness into a strength.”

/Michael Jordan

Kristy: I runPositive to beat MS

Kristy (in the centre wearing a white cap) after completing the Gold Coast Airport Marathon.

 
Kristy Cruise hasn’t worked since she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in February last year. Together with friends and family, she participated in the Gold Coast Airport Marathon runPositive-style to raise money for a stem cell transplant.

You did the GCAM 5 km walk. How did you go?
It was physically tough for me. Surrounded by friends on a gorgeous Gold Coast day, I was buoyed by the support I received. Very quickly, however, my multiple sclerosis symptoms kicked in and I considered pulling out at the halfway mark. With tears in my eyes, the pain was overbearing. I looked at my children, one of them in a pram I was using as support to hold me up, and I realised I had to do it for them and for myself. I needed to show MS that, just for today, I was going to be in charge of my body. I needed to dig deep and show how much of a fighter I am.

And you made it across the finish line!
Although I essentially needed to be carried over the finish line, I was elated to have made it! What a glorious day to show MS who is boss! This was just one of the events we organised to raise funds for my stem cell transplant. I am pleased to say we have raised nearly $50,000 of my $80,000 goal, and I am off to Russia next month to conquer Multiple Sclerosis and to get my life back!

Tell us a little more about your inspirational story.
I was an ED Nurse at Mater Children’s Emergency department, and about a year ago, I found out I had MS and I haven’t been able to work since February. Recently, I found out there was stem cell treatment available for MS in America, Israel and Russia. I can’t afford the treatment in America, but my friends and family are helping me to raise the money for Russia. I have two little boys and am extremely exhausted with my condition. My aim is to get my energy and life back.

Why did you decide to participate in the runPositive campaign?
To raise money and more awareness that there is hope for people with MS.

Why is it important to share your message with others?
People with MS loose hope really quickly and are statistically seven times more likely to commit suicide. I didn’t initially know overseas stem cell research was available, and I want to inform other Australians living with MS that there is hope.

If you want to support Kristy, click here.

Feeling inspired to join the Suncorp Bank runPositive campaign and want go in the draw to win $10,000? Entry to the competition is open to registered participants of The Sunday Mail Suncorp Bank Bridge to Brisbane on September 1 and Blackmores Sydney Running Festival on September 22 – enter here to share the inspirational reasons YOU runPositive!

“Life is very interesting… in the end, some of your greatest pains, become your greatest strengths.”
/Drew Barrymore

Nine-year-old Sam: I runPositive to raise awareness about cerebral palsy

The Gold Coast Airport Marathon is not just for adults! Samuel Hayes, nine, from Goonellabah in northern New South Wales, participated in the 2km junior dash with his brother Ashton, six, in true runPositive style.

Wearing his personalised singlet sharing his inspirational reason to runPositive – “My Brother & I Both Have Cerebral Palsy”- Sam completed the run alongside Ashton, who got a little bit of help from their dad.

Here Sam tells us his story, and what being positive means for him.

What made you want to do the GCAM this year?
Both my brother and I have cerebral palsy. Ashton’s is more severe than mine because he can’t walk, so he is in a wheelchair. With my dad’s help we pushed Ashton’s wheelchair so he too could enjoy the experience. Running, and in particular competing in The GCAM junior dash, is one of the only physical things we can do together as brothers.

Why did you decide to create a runPositive singlet?
We wanted to tell people about brain injury – it’s not as scary as people think! Physical disability doesn’t have to stop you from being involved and enjoying life.

Why is it important to share your message with others?
Hopefully someone else with a brain injury or cerebral palsy saw us and thought they can do it too, and come along next time or enter a local fun run in their community.

How has staying positive made a difference to your everyday life:
I know that sometimes I don’t run as fast as the other boys at school and I am often picked last for the soccer team, but really, having cerebral palsy is no big deal. I mean, I have never not had it. My mum and dad have always said “give things a go, do your best and have fun”, so I do.

If you won the Suncorp Bank runPositive $10K Competition, what would you do with the money?
I would buy an xBox because I have always wanted one, and I would help my mum and dad buy my brother a new standing frame.

Check out or video interview with Sam, and if you want to support Team Ashton, click here!

Feeling inspired to join the Suncorp Bank runPositive campaign and want to share the inspirational reasons why YOU run? Want to go in the draw to win $10,000? Enter here for the Sunday Mail Suncorp Bank Bridge to Brisbane on September 1 or Blackmore’s Sydney Running Festival on September 22.

You must be the change you want to see in the world.

/Mahatma Gandhi

The Best of Suncorp Bank runPositive at GCAM & What’s Next

Talk about strength in numbers! Over 1200 Suncorp Bank runPositve participants took part in the Gold Coast Airport Marathon on the 6-7 July, all bravely sharing the inspirational reasons they run.

Overcoming a challenge, improving their personal health or raising awareness about a cause close to the heart – the reasons have been as many and unique as the runners themselves!

Case in point, runPositive participant Garry Beutel finished the marathon against all odds. He was in a serious car accident 10 years ago and was told he could never walk again – but he crossed the finish line at a remarkable time of 3:06. Check out our video chat with inspirational Garry, where he talks about joining the runPositive campaign to “celebrate life”.

Sean Bowes was the fastest runPositive participant finishing at 02:36, which placed him at an impressive 23^rd place of the 5,432 runners in the full marathon.

Sean joined runPositive to raise money for national charity Youngcare, which supports young people with full-time care needs, and together with his team he managed to raise over $11,000.

“The fact that I chose to runPositive for Youngcare did help to inspire me during the race,” he tells us. “I had set a fast pace early and when my race fell apart in the latter half, I really wanted to stop and say ‘Oh well, I blew it’. However, I thought of all the people who supported our team with generous donations and well-wishes and felt I had a responsibility to represent them with my best effort.”

“More importantly, I thought about the young battlers in the Youngcare program. They live their lives dealing with the tough hand they have been dealt; who was I to pull out of something that I had gotten myself into? I’ll get a chance to race again another day but these kids aren’t as lucky as me – the least I could do is hang in and try my hardest until the end for them!”

In other words, the Suncorp Bank runPositve participants went the distance in more ways than one!

Feeling inspired to join the Suncorp Bank runPositive campaign and want to share the inspirational reasons why YOU run? Want to go in the draw to win $10,000? Enter here for the Sunday Mail Suncorp Bank Bridge to Brisbane on September 1 or Blackmore’s Sydney Running Festival on September 22.

“To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift”

/Steve Prefontaine, running legend

Cecilia: “I runPositive for a 14-year-old heart attack survivor”

Cecilia Vine from Brisbane has joined the runPositive campaign and is running her first ever half marathon, The Gold Coast Airport Marathon, for 15 year old Lucas Dyer. On April 17 Lucas, who plays soccer with Cecilia’s son and is coached by her husband, suffered a heart attack in the middle of soccer training. Here, Cecilia tells us Lucas’ extraordinary story.

First of all, how is Lucas doing now?

“He’s doing remarkably well! He’s walking, talking and eating again. His vision has improved dramatically. He’s in great spirits, and is being his cheeky self and joking around with his family. He left the hospital on June 14, although he did so with a pacemaker and he will need continued physio help.”

What happened on April 17?

“Nothing out of the ordinary. It was just a normal evening of soccer training at the Loganholme Football Club. All of a sudden, Lucas just collapsed. He was dead – he didn’t have a pulse for 45 minutes. Two coaches and two parents performed CPR on him, which we were told later saved his life, and he was taken to hospital. They haven’t been able to explain why a healthy teenager, he was 14 at the time but recently turned 15, had a cardiac arrest. Those who gave him CPR are heroes.”

What inspired you to join the runPositive campaign?

Lucas is just such an inspiration; the recovery he is making is remarkable and is due to his parents’ dedication and his own determination. When I visited him when he was in hospital I told him that if he can walk around the ward, I should be able to complete a half marathon!

How do you think you will go on July 7 with the half marathon?

“I recently had surgery and have been told not to exercise for a few weeks, so I am no longer focused on crossing the finishing line in a certain time – but just crossing it! And knowing that I am spreading Lucas’s brave story while jogging and walking those 21 kilometers, is all the motivation I need.”

Are you participating in the Suncorp Bank runPositive campaign for The Gold Coast Airport Marathon? Remember to wear your Suncorp Bank runPositive singlet so you can win awesome spot prizes on the day.

“When it seems impossible like nothing is going to work, you are usually just a few millimetres away from making it happen.”
/Tony Robbins

Robert De Castella: I runPositive for the Indigenous Marathon Project

Robert de Castella with the 2012 IMP squad

Australia’s greatest ever marathon runner Robert de Castella is taking the opportunity to runPositive at this year’s Gold Coast Airport Marathon to raise awareness for a cause close to his heart, the Indigenous Marathon Project, which aims to promote healthy and active lifestyles and role models throughout Indigenous communities.

“Running a marathon is one of life’s ultimate challenges. To run a marathon from some of Australia’s most remote and harshest places is truly an amazing accomplishment. When our runners cross the finish line of the world’s biggest marathon, in the world’s biggest city, after overcoming unimaginable challenges, they know they can achieve anything. The lessons learnt and the pride felt are taken home and used to educate and inspire others about the importance of personal pride, healthy lifestyles, good nutrition and regular physical activity,” Rob says.

“The Suncorp Bank runPositive program provides a great vehicle for us to get our message out there and inspire others to get on board with the valuable work that we are doing through the Project.”

De Castella invites all Gold Coast Airport Marathon participants to get on board and support the project.

“We will be running a shoe exchange program at this year’s Gold Coast Airport Marathon and associated ASICS Sport and Leisure Expo to be held at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre. Suncorp Bank has donated over 1000 pairs of thongs to support the initiative, so when you bring your old running shoes in to our booth you can swap them for a pair of Suncorp Bank thongs. By handing over your old running shoes, you will be making a real difference to a fellow Australian,” he says.

To find out more about the Indigenous Marathon Project, visit http://imp.org.au/ .

“You become what you believe.”

/Oprah Winfrey

Six Tips to runPositive – and Injury Free!

From heart health, weight loss to mental wellbeing, the benefits of running are well documented. However, it’s all too common that once you really start to feel the benefits of running on a regular basis, an injury can occur and you’re back to square one – or worse!

To assist you in your preparation for your fun run, we’ve asked Brisbane-based running physiotherapist Paul Trevethan of Body Leadership to share his six top tips to prevent injuries to help you runPositive whatever the distance.

1. Warm Up

Sounds simple, but most people just don’t do it. Take a few minutes to warm up cold muscles. Remember to use movement and dynamic-type stretches.

2. Don’t Overstride

One of the most common mistakes runners make is reaching forward too far with their stride. If you notice you’re quite noisy with your foot strike, you may be overstriding, so shorten it up!

3. Cool Down

Always do a proper cool down. Use your full stretch routine. Get yourself long and straight so you can be ready in time for your next run.

4. Listen to Your Body

Most running injuries don’t happen in a split second. Your body will give you warning signs. If your body is aching, it may be time to review your running technique. If pain persists, get help quickly!

5. Ice Ice, baby

If you’re really upping your distance or getting ready for your first marathon, your legs might start to fatigue. Get into the cold water for about 20 minutes after a run to freshen legs up and nip problems in the bud.

6. Don’t be marathon mad

Are you training for The Gold Coast Airport Marathon or half marathon? If you feel a niggle leading up to the run, don’t just push on and ignore it. Stop! Reduce distance and speed for a few days. If your ache continues, get help. It’s better to pull back and look after yourself, than risk an injury that stops you from racing.

Paul adds, “The most important thing to staying injury free is to keep learning about yourself. Running is a great teacher, keep listening, improving your skills and seek out information. That way you can runPositive and prevent injuries as best as possible!”

“Don’t ever let someone tell you that you can’t do something. You got a dream, you gotta protect it. When people can’t do something themselves, they are going to tell you that you can’t do it. You want something, go get it. Period.”

/Will Smith

Shannan Ponton: How To Run Your Best Race

Personal Trainer Shannan Ponton knows good health! The Anytime Fitness Brand Advocate took time out of his busy schedule to share his top tips on how you can gear up for the best run of your life, exclusive to Suncorp Bank runPositive.

Build Up Your Training
Shannan advises to give yourself time to build up the volume of your training.  “Beginners, it should take at least six weeks to gradually increase the amount of kilometers you run each week. For the first week, try running or even walking/running between 2-4 kms a few times. Increase the distance you run by 2 kms each week. At the end of 6 weeks, you will be running 12 kms and should be just about race ready,” he says.

“Intermediate and advanced runners – you will benefit most from a combination of  shorter fast runs, hill sprints and longer distances – close to race distance – at a slightly higher intensity than that of which you usually run,” Shannan recommends.

Stretching and Recovery
“Stretching at the end of all training sessions is essential, to aid recovery and help avoid injury,” Shannan says. “Try a Yoga, Pilates or body balance class for variety and ideas.”

Understand the Psychology of the Race
According to Shannan, any length race has three stages when it comes to the mental journey and being aware of the challenges you will go through, will help you cross the finish line.

The Start: When the adrenaline is pumping and your mind and body are in a heightened state, ready to take on the world.

The Grind: The middle of the race, you hurt, you question yourself ‘what am I doing here’, ‘can I keep this up’, ‘I need a rest’. Don’t listen to that part of your sub conscience, stay the course, YOU CAN DO IT! Say it to yourself and believe it. This is the part of any challenge or race when champions are made.

The Finish: You can see the finish line, you still hurt, but bring it home strong. Then comes the best bit – the utter adulation realising what you have just achieved!

Amp up the Carbs & Hydrate
One or two days before the race, Shannan advises to increase the amount of low GI, complex carbohydrates, in your diet. These include fruit, oats, pasta, whole grain breads and long grain rice.

On the morning of the race, he recommends having a small nutritious breakfast such as 1/3 cup of oats, skim milk and ½ a banana or 1-2 pieces of toast with jam or peanut butter.
“A word of advice, experiment with combinations before training leading up to the event to see which breakfast feels the best for you!” he adds.

Shannan recommends drinking plenty of water the night before your race, so you don’t leave it to the last minute to hydrate as that will make you feel heavy.

Enjoy it all
“Most of all, take time to enjoy every aspect of what you have done,” Shannan says. “The health benefits, weight loss, increased energy, overall well-being and increase in fitness you will have gain from all the training leading up to the event.”

“On the day of the race, enjoy the build up, anticipation and nerves just before the gun goes off. During the race, take time to look around, enjoy the challenge, embrace the emotional roller coaster you will go on, believe in yourself, don’t quit, and push through the different psychological and physical barriers you encounter. You will learn a lot about just how strong you are mentally! This, for me is the best most exciting part of fitness,” he adds.

“Finally the finish, enjoy running across the line, and hold onto the feeling of having completed something good, no, something great for yourself. Then gear up to beat your time on your next run!”

“It’s never too late – never too late to start over, never too late to be happy.” /Jane Fonda

Did you find Shannan’s advice helpful? What are your top tips for running a race?