CF sufferer on right track

RUNNING the hills of New Zealand as part of an ultramarathon team would test the fitness of anyone, but the feat is all the more admirable for young Tasmanian woman Lizzie van Dongen.

The 21-year-old lives with cystic fibrosis, and took up running marathons a year ago to maintain her fitness.

She completed the 23km Great Ocean Road half marathon last May, the 42km Queenstown International Marathon in November and flew out yesterday for an ultramarathon in New Zealand.

Ms van Dongen said running was the best way for her to keep healthy because she loved it — so much so that even the Queenstown marathon in New Zealand was enjoyable.

“It was so beautiful, I didn’t feel like I was doing it tough.”

Ms van Dongen, who grew up in Hobart but has moved to Newcastle to study physiotherapy, said it was important to keep fit because of her CF.

“I got into running because, when you are dealing with a chronic disease, you want to deal with it in the most sustainable and enjoyable way,” she said.

Her next challenge is the New Zealand Great Lake Relay, a team ultra-marathon event which starts at 2am today.

Cystic Fibrosis Tasmania president Scott Lancaster, who will be part of the ultra-marathon team, said the condition clogged up airways and damages lungs — making even everyday tasks harder for sufferers.

But maintaining fitness was also crucial for people with CF because it helped reduce buildup in lungs, Mr Lancaster said.

“It’s all about maximising your lung function,” he said.

“Exercises such as running can help clear lungs, the simple act of breathing deeply means that you are opening up parts of your lungs.”

Lizzie will be running 15km as part of a team of five representing Cystic Fibrosis Tasmania, called “Run for the Roses”, which will run a combined 67.5km.

The marathon will go around the hilly terrain of Lake Taupo in New Zealand.

“Lizzie is proof that having CF need not be a barrier to leading a full life and it’s wonderful to see Lizzie being a great role model to other young people who live with the condition,” Mr Lancaster said.

The running team has a goal of raising $7500 for Cystic Fibrosis Tasmania.

The link to the team’s fundraising page is https:// hub. benojo. com/ campaigns/ nz- great- l ake- r el ay- t eamultra-marathon