About me

A self-confessed running fanatic, the high of setting a new goal and crossing the finish line inspires me to clock up the kilometres each week.

I love running because every run has a purpose. It might be to clear my mind, to be out in nature, to work on my form, to chase down a PB or to spend time with friends. And every run is different, which means you’re always having to adapt your body and mind to match the run. This means running is creating a better you wth every stride.

I believe that every abled body person has what it takes to run. You have the design and the circuitry to run. You may not think you can run, but if you strip away all the excuses, you’ll soon realise that running is hardwired into us. We were literally born to run. With the right information, mindset, gear and training plan, I believe you can run like the wind.

But there’s more to me than running. I’m a fierce social justice and equality advocate.  I have spent most of my career working in communications and reputation management roles for purpose-driven organisations. I’m currently the Associate Director, Strategic Communications at Oxfam Australia, where I get to use my smarts and deep commitment to advancing human rights to support the organisation’s vision of a just and sustainable world for all.

But the role I’m most proud of is being Mum to my darling toddler Levi. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to have a family, but I’m so grateful my husband Andy and I got to experience it. Raising Levi is the best thing I’ve ever done, and luckily for me – it seems he shares in my joy of running.

About this blog

Two of my loves in life are writing and running, so five years ago I started this blog. Then I landed a great side-hustle gig blogging for Fairfax Media’s Executive Style. Sadly, the digital publication wound up in March 2020, but the great news is I continue to write for Body+Soul online and Fairfax’s Lifestyle section, and you guessed it – about running.

Whether you’re a newbie to the running scene or a seasoned athlete, my blog – I heart running – brings the latest running trends and gear to readers – wherever you are.

My running journey

As a kid I ran around on my folks’ farm and competed in short and middle distance running events at the state level. I loved sprinting hard – pumping my arms and legs as fast as they could go and feeling my chest nearly explode as I blasted over the finish line.My parents were careful with money, so I didn’t own any special running gear. Just a baggy t-shirt, a pair of green sports knicks and a beat-up pair of Aerosport shoes from Kmart. I remember competing at the old Olympic Park stadium in Melbourne and lining up against kids who wore lycra, special running shoes and  starting blocks. They were intimidating, but once the start gun fired, I was off and racing and didn’t pay them any more attention.

However, like many of my mates, as I grew up I ran and exercised less, and studied and partied more. While my runners gathered dust in the back of the cupboard, my text books and high heels were getting a workout, and running didn’t get a look-in.

Then, at a low point in my early twenties I refound the joy of running. On a blistering hot day I stupidly decided to go for a run around Princes Park. It was 3.5km of hell and afterwards I felt like I was going to either puke or pass out.

On that afternoon, as I lay on the grass sucking in air and berating myself for thinking I could run that far without stopping, I realised I’d pushed through the pain and made it to the finish line. I’d surprised myself. From that day on, I ran my way out of sadness.

I found that running gave me purpose and helped me focus on what was positive in my life. It challenged my body and mind and with every stride I could feel myself becoming a better, stronger and happier person.

Ever since, I’ve been running through life – and most of the time with a big smile on my face.

Keep running
Laura xo