Bryden Campbell is managing director at brand and workforce consultancy Brand Rebellion. She lives in Canberra.
Why running?
Running gives me a reason to take a break from work and it clears my mind. It also takes discipline and mental toughness, and I love the sense of accomplishment it brings. There are days when getting up and going for a run while also running a business and having a four-year-old and a three-year-old just seems too hard. The trick? Don’t overthink it. Put on some good tunes and go. I always thank myself later.
Road or track?
I am a sprinter at heart, but these days I enjoy road running. Canberra has the best paths; it’s easy to be surrounded by nature a stone’s throw from the city.
Do you race?
I haven’t raced but I’m interested in competitive running. Success in running can come from achieving a personal best or being the first over the line — and I have a burning desire to cross that line first.
Favourite distance?
Five kilometres. It’s long enough to feel like a solid run, but short enough to fit into my busy schedule.
How often do you train?
I average three sessions a week, which helps me stay motivated and enjoying it. Our business runs on a hybrid working model, two days in the office and three days working from home, so I run on work-from-home days. On the weekend, if I get a chance, I’ll hit the pavement at Lake Burley Griffin for the five-kilometre bridge-to-bridge trail.
Are you a morning or night runner?
A morning runner, though I’m not a morning person. Once the kids are ready and out the door, I go for a run.
Social or solo runner?
Mostly solo – I go through periods of competing with myself. I’m fascinated by the metrics and how I can do the distance faster. To mix it up, I also try to join running groups; there is something nice about running with a group of people.
Post-run fuel?
I usually go for a protein and berry smoothie with banana and oats, followed by a coffee.
Ever been lost?
Thankfully, no. I am a creature of habit and usually do the same route so I can track my progress. If I decide to mix it up, I research the path in advance.
What motivates you to run?
It always gives me energy and a fresh outlook on the day. The days I run, I know I am more productive, which as a business owner motivates me to keep it up. Also, the feeling of seeing home in the distance after I’ve pushed myself as hard as I can – as my legs become jelly – is indescribable. That’s when I try to pick up the pace, sprinting as much as I can; it’s the most enjoyable part. Maybe it’s the satisfaction of knowing I did it, or that the physical and mental benefits will be invaluable – or maybe it’s because I know I can soon crash on the couch.
How do you mitigate the risk of injury as you get older?
I have never been very disciplined about warming up, but these days I can’t afford an injury. Especially in the depths of Canberra’s winter, making sure that the body is warm and ready to go is essential. Luckily, we live next to a park. I do a mix of dynamic and static stretching, some of it using the play equipment, and I use the trees as markers for little runs back and forth until everything feels good to go.
Done any marathons?
It’s on my bucket list, but I want to have a few fun runs under my belt first.
Do you travel to run, and if so, where?
As someone who has never taken part in a fun run, this is the year. I have a bucket list to tick off. Locally, I’m keen on the Canberra Times Fun Run, but I’m also eyeing the Melbourne Marathon Festival and Sydney’s City2Surf. At 14 kilometres, it’s a little over my threshold, but it would be very rewarding.
How do you feel about travelling overseas for running events?
I’ve always felt I have to make the most of holidays by seeing – and relaxing – as much as I can. Knowing the training involved to compete in events always took away from the leisure aspect of travel. But it’s become more appealing and a good reason to start planning an itinerary. I’d love to run in New York, or Paris and Versailles.
Favourite piece of kit?
My Aje Athletica leggings. They’re so comfortable.
Dream running buddy?
Grace Tame: inspirational, brave and a phenomenal runner.
Originally posted on the Australian Financial Review.
