Stronger Together: Running for Resilience & The 10 Before 2 July Challenge
Loneliness isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it hides in plain sight – behind a packed calendar, a polished to-do list, or a quiet morning coffee.
Back in October 2022, we shared some thoughts on loneliness and how it can creep into our lives even when we’re surrounded by people. At Two Before Ten, we believe the café is more than just a place for coffee. It’s a ‘third place’- a concept coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg to describe places outside of home (first space) and work (second space), where people gather, share stories, and build community. These spaces are vital for connection, belonging, and mental wellbeing. They’re where community quietly happens. Every chat with a barista, every familiar face, every shared moment over a flat white is an opportunity to feel a little less alone.
This year we are pushing to do more, that’s why, earlier this year we partnered with Running for Resilience (R4R) – a Canberra-based organisation with a big mission: to make the ACT Suicide free by 2033.
Each week, the R4R Crew host free events focused on 20-30 minutes of self-paced exercise followed by a drink and a conversation. – an opportunity to connect with community with support, movement, and meaning.
For us, this partnership was a perfect match for what we’re trying to achieve as an organisation. We now co-host our own event at Denman Prospect every Tuesday, with plans to create more.
This month we’re challenging ourselves & the community to show up to all the R4R events held at Denman Prospect. It’s a different kind of challenge. No reps. No leaderboard. No medals. Just showing up – to move, to connect, and to make space for yourself and others.
The goal? Get to every Denman Running for Resilience session this month. That’s Five Tuesdays. Five chances to be part of something bigger than yourself. And five moments to remind someone (maybe even yourself) that you’re not doing life alone.
Whether you walk, run, shuffle, or just come for the chat after – it all counts. It’s about being there, together.
So let’s move through July, together.
Tuesdays at Denman. Same time, same place. We’ll see you there!
Support Services:
If you’re joining us because you’re facing challenges, know that our community is here to support you. Exercising with friends can provide a strong foundation to tackle your problems, and while we can’t solve them, we can help strengthen your resolve. If you need additional support, please consider the following services:
Lifeline: Call 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: Call 1300 224 636 or use the Webchat Support Service
Black Dog Institute: access digital tools and apps to improve your mental health and well-being.
MIEACT: Access their list of support services
References
- Two Before Ten. (2022, October). Thoughts on loneliness and the power of connection. [Internal publication/blog reference]
- Oldenburg, R. (1989). The Great Good Place: Cafes, Coffee Shops, Bookstores, Bars, Hair Salons, and Other Hangouts at the Heart of a Community. New York: Paragon House.
- Running for Resilience. (n.d.). Suicide free ACT by 2033. Retrieved from https://www.runningforresilience.org
(As referenced in the blog and shown in the included image) - Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA). (n.d.). Push-Up Challenge Training Guide. Accessed via The Push-Up Challenge site.
(For preparing physically for the June push-up challenge) - Lifeline Australia. (n.d.). Support for anyone in crisis. Retrieved from https://www.lifeline.org.au
- Beyond Blue. (n.d.). Mental health support services. Retrieved from https://www.beyondblue.org.au
- Black Dog Institute. (n.d.). Suicide prevention and mental health resources. Retrieved from https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au
