Wendy Burgener had never heard of the Run The Rock annual event until she moved into GemLife Woodend and, even then, she didn’t expect to be signing up as a competitor.
A registered nurse who four years ago moved into an educational role helping student and graduate nurses, Wendy said her enrolment in this year’s Run The Rock was inspired by a group of friends she met at the GemLife Woodend Country Club on Saturday afternoons for a quiet drink.
“The group is called Charlie’s Angels and is named after the resident who started it off, Charlie. It seems to be growing every week and there are about six members who have participated in Run The Rock a couple of times. We got talking about it and before I knew it, I had agreed to join them,” said Wendy, who will be walking the 5km event this year.
The vivacious resident admits she is more of a swimmer than a walker, but was influenced by the enthusiasm of her friends and wanted to be a part of their team as well as support the community and enjoy the social interaction.
“It really is just a matter of getting out into the fresh air and walking, and Hanging Rock is only five to ten kilometres down the road from our resort. Everyone tells me it’s not hard. They just take their time and have fun and a good old chinwag along the way. Sounds right up my alley,” said Wendy, with a laugh.
While Wendy admits she has never been to Hanging Rock, she said she has been on walks with her two West Highland terriers to see the amazing bush scenery at Mount Macedon.
“I love getting out in the bush and appreciating nature at its best.”
At different times of her life, Wendy has been involved in various sporting interests. She describes herself as a water baby who loves to swim and was also a kayaker for a while until her family moved onto a five-acre property near Daylesford, Victoria.
“Once we were on the property most of my exercise was achieved by chopping wood, mowing lawns, repairing gutters, general yard maintenance and walking the dogs.”
Run The Rock will be held on Saturday, 30 April which gives Wendy plenty of time to take a few preparatory walks before the big day.
“I’m not into physical exercise just for the sake of it, there needs to be a purpose. I work four days a week which keeps me pretty active, and recently got on a treadmill for the first time in a long time, so I think I should be right on the day,” she said.
Join the team
If you would like to join the GemLife Woodend team for Run The Rock 2022, click here for details.