Running 4 Happiness Project

We are incredibly excited to officially announce that Running 4 Happiness Project will be launching a BRAND NEW training group for the 2026 Canberra Times Fun Run! 🔥

This year we’ll be helping runners prepare for the:
🏃‍♂️ 5km
🏃‍♂️ 10km
🏃‍♂️ Half Marathon

Whether you’re brand new to running, chasing a personal best, stepping up in distance or simply wanting to be part of an amazing community heading towards a huge Canberra event, this group is for you.

We’ll be running a 10 week training block with:
✅ Tuesday & Thursday evening sessions
✅ Full training plan included
✅ Group support & accountability
✅ Goodies included
✅ Ongoing coach support throughout the entire journey

📅 START DATE:
August 25th

Over the years our training groups have helped runners achieve everything from first ever 5kms right through to marathons and beyond, and we honestly cannot wait to bring that same energy, support and community into this exciting new event.

Planning is already well underway behind the scenes and we are determined to make this our biggest and best group yet 🔥

📩 Message the page today for more information or to secure your spot!

Next up in our Running 4 Happiness Project Ambassador introductions is the incredible Christy ❤️💛💚

Christy holds a very special place in the R4HP family as she was one of my very first coaching clients. From the moment we met, it was obvious she had an amazing heart and a positive attitude that people naturally gravitate towards.

Over the years, it has been an absolute privilege to watch Christy grow as a runner and achieve things that once may have seemed out of reach. Her commitment, consistency and passion for running have seen her take on some incredible challenges, including completing the Sydney Marathon before heading across the world to tackle the iconic London Marathon.

While those achievements are impressive, what stands out most about Christy is the positivity and encouragement she brings to those around her. She is always supportive, always smiling and always willing to celebrate the successes of others. The running community is a better place because of people like Christy.

Watching her journey unfold over the years has been incredibly rewarding and we are so grateful to have her as part of the R4HP ambassador team and run family.

We asked Christy what running means to her and this is what she had to say:

"Running has brought more to my life than I ever expected. I’ve made such great friends, visited amazing places and have run distances I once thought were impossible for me.

I’m so grateful for the R4HP community and to Sean and Kat who have created such an encouraging, safe space for all runners.

Looking forward to what the rest of the running year holds."

For some people, running becomes more than just fitness. It becomes a chance to switch off from the noise of everyday life, clear the mind and simply enjoy the moment. Sometimes peace is found not by standing still, but by continuing to move forward one step at a time. ❤️💛💚

Happy Global Running day! Did you run?

We’re excited to officially announce the next round of our Stromlo Morning Group! ❤️💛💚

If you love trails, hills, adventure and building strong, resilient running legs — this group is for you. It’s also the perfect opportunity if you’re thinking about taking on the Stromlo Running Festival this year, with sessions designed to help prepare you for trail running, elevation, strength and terrain changes.

📅 FREE TRY-OUT SESSION - Thursday 9th July 2026
📅 10-Week Block Begins - Thursday 16th July 2026
⏰ 6:00am Starts
📍 Stromlo Forest Park

Over the 10 weeks we’ll cover a huge variety of sessions including:
• Hill repetitions
• Trail intervals
• Strength-based running sessions
• Fartlek training
• Tempo efforts
• Running form and efficiency work
• Terrain and downhill technique

Every session is fully adaptable, meaning runners of all levels can train together while still working at their own pace and ability.

✅ Build strength and endurance
✅ Improve trail confidence and technique
✅ Develop climbing and descending ability
✅ Improve running economy and fitness
✅ Be part of an incredibly supportive run community

Joining the group also gives you access to our private social run community where we regularly meet at Parkruns, social runs, trail adventures and weekend road excursions ☕🏃‍♂️🌄

Whether your goal is fitness, trails, fun, consistency or preparing for an event like
Stromlo — this group is built to help you become a stronger and more confident runner.

Come along for the free session on the 9th July and see what Running 4 Happiness Project is all about.

Message today for more details 👊❤️💛💚

As we move into June, the focus shifts from introducing speed to learning how to sustain effort.

Up to this point, you’ve developed your aerobic base, built strength, and started to explore faster running through strides, hills, and intervals. The next step is learning how to apply that fitness over longer periods.

This is where threshold and tempo running come in. These types of efforts sit in the space between easy running and high-intensity work. They are controlled, challenging, and sustainable, and they play a key role in improving endurance.

Training at this level helps your body become more efficient at managing fatigue. It improves your ability to maintain pace without accumulating excessive stress, which is essential for longer events.

The challenge is that this intensity can be difficult to judge. Too easy, and the stimulus is limited. Too hard, and it becomes unsustainable.

This month is about understanding where that balance sits and how to apply it consistently.

Simple takeaway: threshold training teaches you how to hold effort, not just reach it.

Next up in our Running 4 Happiness Project Ambassador introductions is the wonderful Amy K ❤️💛💚

Amy has been a valued member of the R4HP family for quite some time now and has become someone that so many people in our community know, appreciate and enjoy training alongside.

What has always stood out about Amy is her dedication, determination and the positive attitude she brings to every session. She is one of those genuinely kind-hearted people who is always encouraging others while quietly putting in the hard work herself.

Over the years we've had the privilege of watching Amy progress from taking on shorter events to tackling some incredible challenges. One of her biggest achievements to date was completing the Great Ocean Road Marathon, and then some, finishing an impressive 44km. It was a fantastic example of the commitment, resilience and determination she has developed throughout her running journey.

Amy embodies so much of what Running 4 Happiness Project is all about. Showing up consistently, supporting others, embracing challenges and enjoying the journey along the way. We are incredibly grateful to have her as part of the run fam and proud of everything she has achieved.

We asked Amy what running means to her and this is what she had to say:

"Running started as exercise, but it’s become a huge part of my life. I love seeing what I can push my body to do and the feeling of accomplishment that comes with it.

My biggest achievement so far has been completing the Great Ocean Road Marathon in May 2025 — it’s the hardest I’ve ever pushed myself, both mentally and physically.

Running has also given me friendships and a community I never expected to find. I love what R4HP has become and how it gets me off my butt even on the days I’m feeling lazy.

It’s helped me show up for myself, connect with amazing people, and apparently buy way more clothes and shoes than I ever planned to." 😂

We’re excited to officially announce the next round of our Gungahlin Morning Group! ❤️💛💚

Whether you’re looking to improve your fitness, become a stronger runner, return to consistency, or simply train with a supportive and motivating group — this block is designed for all abilities.

📅 FREE TRY-OUT SESSION - Tuesday 7th July 2026
📅 10-Week Block Begins - Tuesday 14th July 2026
⏰ 6:00am Starts
📍 Gungahlin Region (locations vary weekly)

Over the 10 weeks we’ll cover a huge variety of sessions including:
• Intervals
• Hill training
• Fartlek sessions
• Tempo efforts
• Running form and efficiency work
• Speed endurance sessions
• Strength-focused running workouts

Every session is fully adaptable, meaning runners of all levels can train together while still working at their own pace and ability.

✅ Improve fitness and endurance
✅ Build running strength and confidence
✅ Learn pacing and structure
✅ Reduce injury risk through smarter training
✅ Be part of an incredibly supportive run community

Joining the group also gives you access to our private social run community where we regularly meet at Parkruns, social runs, trail adventures and weekend road excursions ☕🏃‍♂️🌄

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to start — this is it. Come along for the free session 0n the 7th July and see what Running 4 Happiness Project is all about.

Message today for more information 👊❤️💛💚