By Renee Wood
An 100km run is a giant feat for anyone and a Healesville resident is determined to do just that and reach the distance by spring.
Alex Gommers is currently preparing for the Surf Coast Century along the Great Ocean Road scheduled for 17 September.
“It’s one of the biggest challenges for me that I could imagine and envision – to me it transcends what I think I’m capable of,” Mr Gommers said.
The 20 year old has always been quite active, running in a marathon in 2019 and previously in the Defence Force full time.
But the training requirements are certainly ramping up – running five days a week for an hour and a 25km run each Sunday.
Mr Gommers put the preparation simply – “A lot of running,” he said.
“In the last two months I’ll be running a marathon every Sunday, so it’s a big time commitment.”
While training Mr Gommers is also fundraising, setting a goal of $5000 for the Black Dog Institute.
“They work to help prevent anxiety and depression and I think after Covid that’s been pretty rife among the whole world.
“I thought two birds one stone – do something I’d like to do and do it for a good cause at the same time.”
The Black Dog Institute has been running for 20 years and develops mental health programs, new treatments for depression and is part of world-leading suicide prevention and early intervention strategies.
The institute said one in five of people will experience symptoms of mental illness in any given year and roughly 60 per cent of these people won’t seek help.
Mr Gommers said he’s gone through his own battles and feels it’s a vital cause to support.
“I just came out of a pretty hard time in my life and that was a charity that I thought aligned, to help people that are going through the same sort of thing.
“And the fact that so many people have depression or anxiety that if I can do my bit to help some other people that would be great.”
Mr Gommers said he’s finding the challenge to be very fulfilling and enjoyable.
“I was looking for something to really put my mind to and have a pretty big purpose and then that’s what I set my sights on.
“I quite enjoy running, for me it’s just time to relax and clear my head and be fit as well.”
Fundraising events are expected to be held in the lead up to the event.
Until then, those interested in supporting can visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/shake-off-the-black-dog-running-100km
