Following last month’s interview with Men’s captain Gareth, this month on Beyond the Singlet we are joined by Women’s captain Carmen Michael. Carmen has been a stalwart of the team in recent years, with her honours including taking home the Women’s club championship crown last year after a season of consistent performances and PBs. Welcome Carmen!
How did you get into running?
Watching Cathy Freeman run the 400m at the Stawell Gift in 1996 was an inspiration, but I first got into running at the grade 5 cross-country. From there, I ran every now and then including in Years 9 and 10 for cross-country, amongst other sports. But it wasn’t until eight years ago that I started running consistently in Adelaide and joined a local running club.
When I moved back to Melbourne in 2018, I wanted to keep up my consistent training, so I ended up joining Knox Athletics before more recently finding the Richmond Harriers. Elite runners including Phily Bowden, Eliud Kipchoge and Jess Stenson (Trengove) help me to keep at it.
How did you come to join Richmond Harriers?
I was previously training with Knox Athletics, but I was looking for a club that was more social and where you could choose how seriously you wanted to take it too. I found that when I reached out to Joji. He was great at looking at so many aspects of what I was doing and what I wanted to end up doing. I’ve been a Harrier since early March 2023 and am really happy of the change.
What’s your favourite running distance / event?
5km and 10km on the road or for cross-country. 1500m on the track.
Headphones or no headphones when running? If yes, what 3 songs we would find on your playlist?
No headphones – the outside world is a musical one itself!
What running shoes are you currently wearing?
I’m currently wearing the Brooks Glycerin (new ones from Neil’s shop)! Asics for flats on the track. Oldies include the Mizuno Wave Rider and Brooks Ghost.
Do you have a running idol / mentor that inspires you?
Phily Bowden, Eliud Kipchoge, Jess Stenson (Trengove) and Parker Valby.
Besides running, what are your other hobbies?
Apart from running, I enjoy spending time with friends and family. Going for walks with Brendan (my husband) in the hills, Pilates (I’m a Pilates instructor), gym workouts, reading and keeping my 17-year-old cat happy.
Do you have any target races coming up?
I wouldn’t say I have any target races coming up as I’m working on getting back to running after some time off for melanoma surgery (which was successful) and some other setbacks. I’m happy to be back and seeing how much of the cross-country season I can enjoy.
I am meeting Jess Stenson (Trengove) in Adelaide for a special meet and greet plus a 5km run which I am looking forward to.
What running event is top of your bucket list?
I would like to go back to South Australia to run the 10km at the Barossa Marathon Running Event. It is a great, fast and flat course and lovely scenery along the way.
For a race in Melbourne, it would be the Lakeside 10km next year as I’ve missed it two years in a row now!
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