Raisa conquers the world
LOCAL Chinese Medicine Practitioner and Acupuncturist Raisa Kolesnikova has claimed her place in world running history.
On Sunday the 64-year-old, who only started running about ten years ago, conquered the pinnacle of long distance events – the Six Abbott Major Marathons.
“I am so thrilled and feel amazing after my London Marathon run. Very happy with the result of finally finishing the Abbott World Marathon Majors,” Raisa messaged me at 3am Tuesday morning AEST.
“I can proudly say I am the first person in Dubbo and the NSW regional area to achieve the Abbot Majors Medal. I am also the first female in my age category for Australia,” she continued with pride in her amazing accomplishment.
Raisa has become “addicted” after starting with “a few laps of the South Dubbo Oval” while her kids were at sports training. It grew into a lap around the block and before long the then mid-50s enthusiast fell in love with the sport and was soon up to 10kms.
“Then came half-marathons and finally a full marathon in Canberra,” she bubbled.
Raisa is now a true believer in the power of long distance races.
“Running brings us together for friendship, fitness, encouragement, support and inspiration!
It is a great hobby I picked up eight years ago. I have never looked back.”
Raisa was full of praise for her running buddies, the Dubbo community. Team Penman – athletics coach and mentor Mark Penman – and Body Options “who have encouraged me on my journey to enhance sustainable, healthy, lifestyle choices”.
Three years ago her husband, Dubbo Chiropractor Adam Carter, suffered a heart attack when the couple were preparing for one of Raisa’s major goals.
“That was the scariest time in my whole life. Instead of warming up for the marathon I was putting into practice my respiratory recovery training. I thought I had lost my husband but thankfully I was able to keep his heart beating until medical help arrived.”
The incident cemented an already strong partnership. Raisa says that Adam is “last but certainly not least” on her list of thank-yous.
“My dear husband Adam Carter for his support, his effort in planning my trips, checking my running track and locating my start and finish line! He also tracks me during my race so he is able to take some photos. Adam usually runs a half marathon by the time I’ve finished my full marathon,” Raisa laughed.
In the world of mountain climbing they speak of the Seven Summits, the highest mountains on each continent as the holy grail for climbers; in running it is the big six major World Marathons – Berlin, Chicago, Boston, New York City, Tokyo and London.
Now Raisa has conquered them all... and some!