The running club romance that will get your heart racing
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A running club dedicated to a suicide-free ACT by 2033 isn’t where most people would expect to find love.
But for Daniel Conlin and Georgia McCall, that’s exactly what happened – and this running club romance will get your heart racing.
Started by Matthew Breen 10 years after losing his father to suicide, Running for Resilience (R4R) began as a one-time run, seeing 20 people meet at The Dock in 2019 to pound the pavement in the name of suicide awareness and prevention.
Now, R4R hosts four weekly events that draw more than 500 participants to run, jog, or walk a circuit at the Kingston Foreshore – including Daniel and Georgia.
“I got involved in R4R when I was in a low point of my life. I was struggling with depression, a broken relationship, being isolated from my friends and family, and at one point, I almost attempted to take my own life,” says Daniel.
“My dear friend Kyla Wilson introduced me to R4R which really signified a true turning point in my life.”
“I have always loved running but hadn’t tried it in a group setting. My friend invited me along and I enjoyed it,” adds Georgia.
“I have struggled with anxiety in the past and have seen many people I am close to suffer from very debilitating mental health conditions. R4R shows us we are not alone but also that it’s okay to not be okay sometimes.”
Introduced by a mutual friend, the couple says they formed an immediate connection that quickly evolved. Both going through personal challenges at the time, Georgia believes that the timing of meeting Daniel was perfectly unplanned and a blessing – which is why she didn’t hesitate to say yes when he proposed in Janaury.
“For me, I have always felt love is where you find your safest space in a person who holds no judgment or conditions,” says Georgia.
“We are different in many ways but, together, we’ve found our equals and I find comfort and ease in being around him and knowing that I can trust in him to share all my emotions. Plus, we laugh until our bellies hurt. I really do love him and being with him.”
“Georgia is one of the most kind and caring people I’ve ever met,” says Daniel.
“For me, I guess it was always there from the start. Never have I been able to just laugh so much day to day at everything we do together. Finding someone who I can be unapologetically me is rare to find. Georgia provides me with a safe and loving environment in which I can thrive. We only want the absolute best for each other.”
Recently announcing its new status as a registered charity, for Daniel and Georgia, R4R not only brought them together but it also represents a safe space that shows that it’s okay not to be okay.
And now that it’s officially a registered charity, the social running club can take even more steps towards a healthier, connected, and more resilient community free from the tragedy of suicide.
“I think the work of R4R is based on real chats and real stories and that’s what brings people together to share in moments of grief and moments of joy,” says Georgia.
“The mental health space is so vital. We need more of these open conversations that help to heal people and it’s through great work and belief in the organisation that has made this happen.”
“I think it really does encourage people from all walks of life to talk, be heard, and persevere through hard times.”
“This just serves as a reminder that when people with an idea get together, amazing things truly are possible,” adds Daniel.
Like finding true, unconditional love – and soon they’ll be lacing up a third little pair of runners as baby makes three.
“Georgia is truly the love of my life, and I have R4R – along with our friends – to thank for that. And whilst we’re here, we can now confirm that we will also be adding a baby boy to the party this November!” says Daniel.
Want to help make the ACT suicide free by 2033? R4R wants to create more opportunities for people to regularly exercise with friends and is looking for more hospitality venues to participate and to make a positive impact on the lives of more locals.
For more information visit runningforresilience.com.
If you or someone you know is suffering with issues relating to this article, there’s always help available. Contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.
