The Power Of Joggers

Joyce Malley

In 1990 I was at the Auckland Commonwealth Games representing Northern Ireland at Judo. Although Judo was my sport as an International player, running was an integral part of my training, so I had become quite interested in it.

After the competition, at a team beach BBQ, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to meet and talk to Arthur Lydiard who was invited as our guest of honour. In fact I spent much of the afternoon chatting with him. I remember he showed genuine interest in the type of running that was required to enable Judo players to develop the necessary anaerobic and aerobic CV needed in a contest.

I confided in him that my ambition, when I retired from International Judo, was to run a marathon. I was pleased that his reaction was not like that of my Judo colleagues when they would laugh and tell me I was just the “wrong shape“. Instead he nodded seriously and took time to explain how I would have to adapt and extend my current running programme.

When I returned to the UK I continued to follow any articles from, and about Arthur, in which references were often made to the Auckland Joggers club.

After finishing a teaching contract in Europe in 2006 I decided that I would like to travel further afield. My eventual choice of New Zealand was, (believe it or not!), heavily influenced by the happy smiling faces of all the joggers on the web site photo gallery! How easily fooled I was! I certainly have never been able to smile while ru

Seriously though, from the first morning of my arrival, (rather jet lagged) when I met up with Roger and his group, I have found it a way for me to meet people and establish those contacts that are so necessary for your well -being in a new environment.

When I return to Auckland shortly, Auckland Joggers will be an important part of my training, in my build up to the “World Masters Judo Championships” which are in Sao Paulo in June.

See you soon.

PROFILE:

Joyce teaches at Papatoetoe North Primary School

At the time of writing this article Joyce was in Uzbekistan (Representing Great Britain at a Judo tournament).

Below:

Terry, Arthur and Joyce, 1990