My next guest for this podcast series is Heidi Clarris. Heidi is currently an executive leader at the disability service provider Aruma. Specialising in customer experience insights and strategy, also on executive boards that include for Aruma and Parkinson’s Australia, she’s previously been in leadership roles at Bupa, Public Transport Victoria and the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure. Heidi lives in the leafy eastern suburbs of Melbourne where she regularly hits the pavement to pursue her passion for running.

She started running at around 19 years of age when she was diagnosed with a heart condition called supraventricular tachycardia – basically a tendency for fast heartrate. After she was told that if she didn’t increase her physical fitness level, she’d be on tablets for the rest of her life and possibly need an operation. Starting at zero fitness level, she took up running and it took at least a year before Heidi started to feel comfortable with (i.e. not close to dying) from this form of exercise. 

Appreciating both the physical and mental health benefits of running, in her early 40s as her twin children started to become more independent, she started to set running goals. First it was 10km fun runs, then 15km, and now it’s half marathons. To be able to continue with this physically demanding but rewarding passion, Heidi has to continuously manage injuries based on her age and the length of time she’s been hitting the pavement, including through health specialists. And she recently recorded her personal best time in a half marathon in Melbourne.