Meet an Adventurer - Cindy Cappler

​What is your running/fitness/adventuring back ground?
 Was gym fit in my younger years, but struggled with a long-term illness for 15 ish years, gained about 60 kg and lost all my fitness.

The illness improved towards the end of 2015 and over the next 18 months I managed to rebuild some of my fitness and lose about 40 kg.

I started doing some running mid in 2016 first by myself and then with Sid Wills online coaching support. Then Runbirds started and I was lucky enough to be about to join their first program. (The last 2 thanks to the advice and encouragement of the wonderful Kelly Dicketts!)

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Runbirds
What is Runbirds?
Runbirds is a running group/program (ladies only) that caters for beginners and beyond, coached by the fantastic Karey and Chris. Not only do Karey and Chris use their considerable skills to teach and guide you on your running journey, these ladies have created a unique group that promotes women supporting each other, friendship, health and fun.  It truly is an amazing group to be a part of.
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What does Runbirds mean to you?
Joining Runbirds opened up a whole new world for me, in regards to running certainly but also a world of supportive, enthusiastic, amazing ladies. Through Runbirds I have been inspired by the achievements of others, learnt running skills (mental and physical), made great contacts in the community, made new friends, gotten to know old friends better, learnt there are amazing trails, runs and events all around Townsville to explore, and discovered a world of health, fitness and fun! Oh and coffee on a Sunday of course……..
 
You headed over to the island with the Runbirds on the morning of Cyclone Debbie. How did you find the 10km trail hike/run/walk?
I was just out of recovery from a major surgery when we did this run, so for me was more of a walk .or jalk? Is that what you call it Daina?. ( Yes a jog +walk = jalk)

It was pretty challenging to be honest, but some of the above mentioned amazing Runbird crew stuck with me and Daina kept up the fun and encouragement so I got through. Though it was challenging, I loved the trail, seeing parts of the Island and views I’d never seen before, the company and I felt elated when I finished.  Then a yummy brunch before heading home, what more could I ask! Cyclone Debbie just made it that little be more exciting……

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You were the very first person to contact us to put your name down for The Great Island Trek!! What was it that piqued you interest?
I love Maggie Island, its my spiritual home. I lived there in the 80/90’s on and off, but never did any hiking on the trails. I’m not even sure there were these amazing trails back then! So, I love the thought of seeing more of the Island. My son Jacob also loves Maggie, and grabs any excuse to get over there when he’s in Townsville, so it’s a nice bonding time for us (got to grab every chance, he is after all a teenager!) He’s hoping to bring his camera, he enjoys photography.
The other part I am looking forward to is all the happy energy this type of event creates for the participants, I love seeing all those happy faces – weather it’s the Runbirds crew, other friends I know are doing the trek or strangers. We are all out there with a common passion and loving the trail!!
 
What’s next on your adventure bucket list?
I told my son if I got my health back I would go skydiving with him so we are doing that in the September school holidays too (eeek!!).

I’d like to pursue mountain biking next year, and plan on attending the yoga retreat in 2018 (missed both this year –looks amazing)
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I hope to build up to a lot of hiking/running/biking/camping trips and outings.