Building Community, One Run at a Time
I’m Kathy Johnsun – a personal trainer, running coach, community-builder and lifelong believer in the power of simply showing up. Since 2007, I’ve dedicated my life to helping people move with confidence, joy and purpose.
But the real beginning of my journey started long before my career.
On May 4th, 1991, my world changed forever. I lost my sister, Elaine, in a tragic car accident. She was only 18. I was 19, and our youngest sister was just 17. Losing the middle sister of our trio broke our hearts in ways that are hard to put into words.
The year before Elaine passed, I’d already been through depression. My family feared this loss would pull me back into the darkness, but somehow, it did the opposite. In the midst of unimaginable grief, something sparked inside me. It was like a light switch. I realised, deeply and suddenly, that every day is a gift, and that being alive is a privilege.
From that moment, I knew I wanted to live with intention, gratitude and service. I understood that we are here to lift each other up, to help one another grow, and to make the most of the time we’re given. That belief became my compass, and it has guided every step of my journey since.
A Career Built on Purpose, Connection & Grit
My professional life began at Fitness First St Leonards, where I spent 13 years as a Level 3 Personal Trainer. In 2007, I received the Energizer Award from the Australian Institute of Fitness, recognising the heart and energy I bring to every session.
In 2014, I was honoured with the Group Fitness Instructor of the Year Award for using my Zumba platform to raise funds for victims of the Philippines Typhoon – a reminder that fitness can be a powerful force for good.
When Covid hit, I refused to let isolation break the sense of community I’d spent years building. I created my own timetable and taught 36 online classes every week, supporting both local and global communities who needed connection and structure during a challenging time.
Afterwards, I chose a more personal path – leaving Fitness First to grow my own PT business, training clients outdoors and in my home gym. Along the way, I expanded my knowledge, earning my Institute for Integrative Nutrition Health Coach Certificate in 2022 and becoming a certified NSW Running Coach in 2023.
On June 18th, 2024, I founded Belrose Run Crew – a small group with a big heart. We started with just five people. Today, we’re a thriving community of 45 runners who show up every week to move, grow and support one another. Training together for Half Marathons, Full Marathons and Ultra Marathons have not only deepened our connection with each other, but we are making lifelong memories, sharing the fun, the laughter, the struggles and everything in between. Watching this crew flourish has been one of the most rewarding and meaningful parts of my life.
I’m also proud to be part of some of Sydney’s most inspiring run communities — Sydney Striders, Midnight Runners, Harbour View Runners, NRG, Pace Athletic and the Sydney Marathon Run Club. These crews shaped me as a runner and reinforced my belief in belonging and connection.
My philosophy is simple:
Keep showing up. Keep hammering. Keep growing.
I’ve lived through darkness and learned to choose light. I’ve seen how movement can heal, empower and transform. And every day, I try to honour my sister by living the way she never got the chance to — fully, bravely and with purpose.
Whether I’m coaching clients, leading Belrose Run Crew or running alongside the communities I love, my mission is to inspire consistency, confidence and joy — one run and one rep at a time.
Movement changed my life. Now I’m here to help it change yours