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Monday, 30 April 2018

Rodney Glossop has spent his career helping people achieve their health and fitness goals and prides himself on leading by example knowing it can motivate and encourage others.

UWA Sport’s Deputy General Manager also likes a challenge and is currently training for his latest one.

On Sunday 27 May, Rodney will participate in the UWA half marathon, part of the HBF Run for Reason. This will be his first half marathon, in fact the first running event he’s participated in since the 12k City to Surf 15 years ago.

“It was one of those times where all the stars aligned. I was looking for a new fitness challenge around the time that UWA announced its partnership with HBF.

“I’d been doing a little bit of running – my family and I take part in 5km parkruns most weekends. A half marathon wasn’t something I had really considered, but combined with the possibility of raising funds for a charity I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to make a difference.

“I have been looking for a way to support a charity close to my heart and will be running in honour of the niece I sadly never met and her incredibly brave parents.

“For some the challenge of getting over the finish line is enough motivation, but I knew I needed a bit more to get through 21kms,” Rodney says.

Rodney’s running for Sands Australia – an organisation that supports families in all stages of pregnancy loss and newborn death.

“I’ve had family and friends go through this tragic experience and felt helpless, like there wasn’t really anything tangible I could to do help them. Running for Sands Australia is just a small way I can make a contribution,” Rodney says.

Starting his career as a personal trainer and gym instructor, Rodney has always been fit and played a lot of sport in his younger years which appealed to his competitive nature.

Nowadays he still manages to lead an active lifestyle even with five young children. So far Rodney is enjoying his new training regime, along with regular visits to the UWA Recreation and Fitness Centre, and coaching footy.

“I’m a true believer that work-life balance is really important and we need both a healthy mind and a healthy body to get the most out of life.

“For me, one of the things I enjoy the most is spending time with my family. Whether it’s a week camping, or simply enjoying a day out at the zoo or the beach - while it may take a little while to get everyone organised, it certainly doesn’t stop us.

“It’s another reason I think UWA’s partnership with the run is a great way to remind staff and students about that balance.

“It doesn’t matter what distance you’re doing, or whether you’re running or walking, it’s all about having your reason for getting active,” Rodney says.

Registrations for the HBF Run for a Reason are still open and you can register for Team UWA here . By joining Team UWA you can access free training workshops run by UWA Sport.

“The workshops are a great way to meet some of the other runners and get some training under your belt in a supportive environment.

“With six weeks to go, I’m starting to ramp up my training which I’m looking forward to and nervous about! But it’s pushing me outside my comfort zone which is a good thing,” he says.

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