By Aydée Bigaton

Lyn Richards is a mother, wife and part-time runner who has set out to achieve her biggest goal yet, to finish this year’s Gold Coast Airport Marathon on Sunday 3 July.

Soon after moving to Brisbane in 2013, the 49-year-old started running with the hope of meeting new people and improving her overall fitness.

Lyn, in her late 40s at the time, wanted to show her daughter that it was never too late to pick up a new sport and take fitness seriously.

“I started walking around the local neighbourhood and when I felt a little bit confident, I went off to my local parkrun,” Lyn said.

“I also joined a local running group called ‘Girls Run This Town’ and soon found out that it didn’t matter how fast or long you run. You can always have time to chat to other ladies and learn something new about running.

“I am also a member of some very supportive online running groups such as Running Mums Australia.”

Lyn will celebrate her 50^th birthday this October and is aiming to complete the Gold Coast Airport Marathon along with several other milestones on her fitness agenda to mark the occasion.

“A couple of years ago, I could barely finish five kilometres and this year I will  have completed the Resolution Run, Twilight Half Marathon, my 50^th parkrun and also the Gold Coast Airport Marathon,” Lyn said.

“I never thought I would be celebrating my 50^th birthday by participating in such amazing events surrounded by inspirational runners and feeling absolutely at peace with my body and health.

“I want to inspire other people to get out there. You don’t have to be fast or fabulous or look like you’ve just walked off the cover of a running magazine. Get out there and get sweaty!

“In October I will also be attempting an ultramarathon – The Blackall 50. It’s all about living it up in your 50s.”

Lyn said she was excited about participating in this year’s Gold Coast Airport Marathon one month out from the event.

“Whenever I have a tough run, I visualise myself heading down the Gold Coast Airport Marathon finish chute with my daughter and husband at the end cheering me on,” Lyn said.

“It gives me the extra motivation I need to finish my run strong and also makes me feel excited about the upcoming event.

“I get a little emotional just thinking about how excited and proud I will feel completing the Gold Coast Airport Marathon!”