Tell us who you are, who you run with? And how long have you been running for?
I’m Nerissa Stafford, a dedicated endurance athlete with over 15 years of experience in running and Ironman 70.3 events including 3 x 70.3 World Championships and 3rd placed series winner of Open Female in the 2XU 24/25 Triathlon series. My background includes having had the privilege of training one-on-one with Tony Benson, a renowned Olympic long-distance runner who competed in the 1972 Summer Olympics and Australia Athletics running coach. Under his guidance for over ten years, I developed my skills and techniques in running and endurance. Additionally, I joined Tony in Davao in the Philippines to witness his impactful work with young athletes through the Run Out of Poverty initiative. Although I initially trained with Tony, my work commitments have led me to train independently, allowing me to tailor my workouts to meet my specific goals based on Tony's methodology. My background in running has not only built my physical endurance but also instilled valuable life lessons in resilience and teamwork.
Why do you run?
I run because it offers me a unique blend of freedom, challenge, and personal growth. Each run is an opportunity to push my physical and mental limits, helping me break through barriers while fostering a sense of achievement. Running also serves as a form of meditation, allowing me to clear my mind and reflect on my personal and professional goals. As someone committed to promoting health and wellbeing, I believe in leading by example, inspiring others to embrace an active lifestyle that aligns with my dedication to employee wellbeing in my executive human resources career.
What motivated you to take on your chosen race this year?
This year, I’m excited to participate in the 14km Paradise Run as a crucial part of my training regimen. My motivation is to be competitive in this race, using it as a benchmark to assess my current fitness level and set the stage for a full training block leading up to the half marathon and the Nice 70.3 World Half Ironman Championships in September. This race will allow me to gauge my training progress and identify areas for improvement as I aim for a strong performance.
Do you have a goal?
Absolutely! My primary goal for the 14km Paradise Run is to be competitive and achieve a strong finish. This race will serve as a benchmark for my training as I transition into a more intensive training block for the half marathon. Ultimately, I aim to push myself toward a podium finish at the World Championships in Nice, demonstrating the dedication and hard work I’ve invested in my preparation.
What’s your favourite SHYU?
foam | pink | green. I love their vibrant colours and performance features, which provide both comfort and support during my runs. Wearing these socks not only enhances my performance but also adds a stylish touch to my training gear, reminding me of the vibrant community spirit we share as runners.
Racing as part of Team SHYU, what does this mean to you?
Racing as part of Team SHYU is a tremendous honour and reflects my commitment to community and collective achievement. It symbolizes the power of unity and support, which resonates deeply with my belief in fostering a high-performance culture in my human resources career. Being part of a team that shares values of determination, resilience, and encouragement inspires me to aim higher and push my limits. Together, we uplift each other, celebrate our shared passion, and create lasting memories.
