Running rings around her own expectations

On September 12, PO Sandra Jefferson completed her 100th Parkrun at Nightcliff in Darwin, with members of her personnel team there to support her achievement.

“It was just a personal goal that I’ve had, that it would be great to reach 100,” PO Jefferson said.

“It was just commitment that I could stick to.”

Despite her initial dislike of running, PO Jefferson began Parkrun to bring greater consistency to her fitness routine and maintain her health.

“I honestly don’t look forward to it. Every Saturday I moan and groan and say ‘I can’t be bothered’, but I make myself go and I just do it,” she said.

“I do enjoy getting out in the fresh air, to be honest, and it just is a good start to the weekend.”

The weekly 5km event has also provided PO Jefferson with a sense of community. She encourages fellow Navy personnel to get involved, with several of her colleagues from HMAS Coonawarra joining her on the weekly runs.

“It’s a good community,” PO Jefferson said.

“I’ve had a few of the younger sailors come and join me for the runs which is nice to see.”

Her favourite course is Nightcliff, which she describes as offering plenty of scenery and a relatively straightforward route, with a final challenge provided by the bridge.

For PO Jefferson, maintaining fitness has long been part of her approach to Navy service. At 59, she takes particular pride in remaining active and keeping pace with younger participants.

“Being in the ADF keeps me fit, even though I’ve always been into my fitness,” she said.

“Defence gives me a good reason to stay in shape, but I love the feeling of being healthy and fit.”

While reaching 100 Parkruns represented a significant milestone, PO Jefferson said the event was never about competing against others or achieving a particular time.

Her advice to Navy members who might be interested in trying Parkrun but don’t consider themselves runners is simple: just get involved.

“They can walk. They can just walk it, just enjoy the fresh air,” PO Jefferson said.

“They can even volunteer and do the timing. They don’t have to participate in the walk or run, they can do the time check-ins or help at the end.”

PO Jefferson has a secret weapon that gets her through many Saturday mornings.

“I look forward to my mango smoothie afterwards,” she said.

“Everyone needs something to keep them going, for me it’s that mango smoothie.”