Port Macquarie Pacer Christine Lalor reflects on running and how parkrun has helped her mentally

The 60-year-old only took up running in her 40s while also racing kayaks and canoes.

After barely running five kilometres as a 42-year-old, Lalor borrowed some shoes and pounded the pavement earning a fourth-place finish out of 54 starters.

That was where her love of running and being active was born.

"I'd only run twice before then," she said.

"So I borrowed some running shoes because I didn't know what they were. I ran along the beach in bare feet, then ran the five kays at work in work shoes one day and then when we got to the run it was run by Nike and they were lending out running shoes which I thought were so light.

"It's probably why I'm not as injured as a lot of people; I was a late bloomer."

From there she competed in numerous fun runs before claiming the age group record in the 50-54, 55-59 and 60-64 female divisions.

That's not to mention the completion of a full Ironman along with a number of half Ironman events and Park Runs.

She also admitted getting a "rush" from pushing herself to her limits is one of the many benefits of running and playing sport in general.

"You know that rush you get when you push yourself? I love it. I like pushing myself and setting myself some little goals as well as I enjoy running around people," she said.

"I'm loving the Pacers because there are a lot of fast runners and you can't keep up with them but you like to run along and do your best and help the others that aren't as fast.

"Everyone encourages each other so I'm really enjoying that."

Lalor also holds the best overall percentage in Port Macquarie Parkrun based on age, gender and the time a runner completes the Parkrun course in.

"It's easy to get when you're old and a female," she said.

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