The turning-point for Ms Landry was slipping and fracturing her ankle when chasing her two-year-old boy down the driveway soon after the birth of her fourth child four years ago.

Ms Landry had to learn to walk again, with physiotherapy.

As bones healed and Ms Landry felt stronger and started to set small running goals, gradually building to a lap of the lake.

In one month’s time, Ms Landry will run the Great Ocean Road half-marathon, which is a 23-kilometre stretch from Kennett River to Apollo Bay.

“This is something I never thought possible,” Ms Landry said.

“When I broke my ankle, I was forced to rest because everything was difficult. Exercise and fitness is something I want in my lifestyle for life.

“I want my kids to see how activity can fit into your lifestyle – not only the benefits of exercise, but enjoying exercise.”

Ms Landry said her motivation was the experience of feeling better and happier for having exercised.

When Ms Landry broke her ankle, she had four children aged under six. She lost her independence, still carried post-baby weight and felt miserable. And it still took time to rebuild after her plaster was cut off.

Ms Landry makes time to move, even if it means putting her children on bicycles.

Every Tuesday night, Ms Landry joins in the free running club at The Athlete’s Foot, which has introduced her to new running places, tracks and trails. This has also given Ms Landry the chance to take up a distance running program with Evolution Runners coach Louelle Blanchard.

On Saturday mornings, you can find Ms Landry in Victoria Park joining in the free five-kilometre Park Run.

The Loreto College physical education and health teacher also opens up a run club for girls of all abilities on Friday lunchtimes. Ms Landry said it was about encouraging active lifestyles to be more than just a physical education class.

“If I can do it (run), anyone can,” Ms Landry said. “It does take a lot to turn up to free events. People think you have to be a runner to go along, but these are about training for your own goals if you’ve got the courage and motivation to become part of it.

“I appreciate running because there was a time when I was not able to do it. I run because I can.”

Great Ocean Road Running Festival features a variety of distances, from a 1.5-kilometre children’s run up to a 60km ultramarathon on May 19-20.

For more details, visit www.greatoceanroadrunfest.com.au