Fitness for the Soul Podcast Interview with Lay Cunningham

Tell me a little bit about your background.

I was born in Malaysia and then went to England to study Nursing. When I relocated to New Zealand, my first job was at Middlemore Hospital in the Coronary Care Department in Auckland. I am still involved in the medical field but now at the ADHB.

 

You are involved in research at the ADHB, what is you role there?

After many years working in Cardiac Rehab I have moved into Liver Research at Auckland Hospital. This involves working with patients who have end of life diagnosis. Part of my role is to monitor these wonderful patients while they trial the latest drugs for life threatening liver conditions.

 

What led you to the start of your Health and Fitness journey?

During my time working in the Cardiac Rehab Unit, I was asked to go walking with many of the patients. It started with walking 1 kilometre, them up to 5 kms. I started to enjoy the walking and this led 10km runs, Half Marathons and eventually a full Marathon!

 

What attracted you to the YMCA Marathon Club?

After running my first Marathon in Hawaii, I knew I needed more discipline

if I was to run another Marathon, so I joined the Y Marathon Club in Greys Avenue in the Central City, Auckland.

 

I know you have had various injuries over the years. How did you overcome these challenges?

Be sensible and rest when you are injured!

 

You have completed over 50 Marathons, what motivated you to do this?

Yes, I have completed 52 Marathons and then walked 2 additional Marathons as a pacer this year. I wanted to get onto the honours board at the Y Marathon Club!

 

You came out of Marathon retirement a few years ago to help and be a pacer for Garth Barfoot in the Rotorua and New York Marathons this year. How did this all start?

I have known Garth for many years at the 10km running series in the Auckland Domain which I had organised for 12 years. A friend told me Garth didn’t finish the New York Marathon in 2023 but was keen to compete again this year., so I offered to help Garth.

My role as a pacer with Garth was to stay with him and provide anything he required such as food or clothes. I carried Garth’s coat during the New York Marathon as the temperature was very cold at the start of the event.

 

I have known you for over 15 years now, what motivates you to keep fit and healthy personally?

Running Marathons has given me the discipline to keep moving. I still walk regularly as part of a healthy lifestyle. It’s been self-motivation

 

Any tips you could give to our viewers about looking after our health and fitness?

The lifestyle you choose is up to the individual! It’s all in the mind, keep active and healthy! Be positive and believe you can do it – 90% willpower and 10% physical!

 

Favourite Food:                       Fusion food

Favourite Music:                     All music but enjoy jazz and light classical.

Hobbies and Sports:              Love watching cricket! Crafts and patch work.

Favourite Movie:                     Enjoying Korean Drama on Netflix

Words of Wisdom:                  The journey of 1000 miles begins with one step – Lao Tzu

          

Lay proudly displaying her 2024 New York Marathon medal!