Movement for Change.

Kieran Ryan, Director of Partnerships and New Business at Movember, shares his connection to the cause and the important role running has played in his life.

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This year, Movember and Major Partner lululemon proudly unite for the fourth year to help change the face of men’s health.

We spoke with Kieran Ryan, Director of Partnerships and New Business at Movember – to learn more about how he first got involved with the global charity and why he’s joined the Movement for Change. A fifteen-year Mo Bro, Kieran shares his passion for running and how it has helped him create real, lasting change in the community.

lululemon: How did you first get involved with Movember?

Kieran: My journey with Movember started when I was 18, when a group of mates and I decided to grow moustaches as a bit of fun. A few years later, our connection to cause hit close to home when we lost two of our best mates to suicide.

Losing Marc and Liam led me on a journey to run my first 100km run from Dunkeld to Stawell. Running 100km was no easy feat, but it gave me and my mates an opportunity to raise awareness and start a conversation about men’s health. The news spread quickly, and I soon had a whole community rallying behind me to reach the finish line. Together, we raised over $26,000 for Movember and kickstarted a movement far beyond what I could’ve ever imagined when I first set myself the challenge.

Fast forward to today, and I am celebrating 15 years as a Mo Bro and almost nine years working at Movember.

lululemon: What does Movement for Change mean to you?

Kieran: Growing up, I always loved running. I run when I’m happy, when I’m sad, when I need to work through things that are happening in my life – running keeps me grounded. As a kid, I ran competitively and was fortunate to win a few races along the way. After years of running, I appreciate the beauty of movement and the importance it has on my physical, mental and social wellbeing. .

Some of the biggest opportunities and change that I’ve experienced in life have been through running. I’ve experienced my own battles, and one of the key things I’ve learnt is that you can’t achieve great things without a support network around you. If I didn’t ask my mates to help me on my first 100km run, I doubt I would’ve finished it.

When I run, I’m a better person for myself, my friends, my family, my partner and my community.

lululemon: What does community mean to you?

Kieran: Community is everything. Finding your community can be a platform to share your voice, a safe space to grow, to learn, to be supported and to be challenged in. Growing up in a small town, I saw firsthand the importance of community, and this has really fueled my ambition to create opportunities for others to find theirs.

lululemon: What tips would you share with the community to start a conversation with a friend, loved one or colleague?

Often people look at asking for help like it’s climbing Mt Everest, but once you break it down – asking for help is as simple as running, just one foot in front of the other. That doesn’t mean it’s easy, but like running – it’s always worth it. One of the greatest gifts you can give someone is time to listen. Often people aren’t looking for an answer, they're just looking for a set of ears.

lululemon: As a long-time Mo Bro, how are you participating in Movember this year?

Kieran: This year I’ll be running The Point to Pinnacle, the world’s toughest half marathon, growing my moustache and taking part in the Flanno 5km.

This year, you can join us in the Movement for Change. Learn more about how you can contribute to this year’s campaign by visiting our Movember Page.

The topics we are discussing may trigger feelings and thoughts that may or may not be expected. If you’re concerned about your mental health, or a mate’s mental health, Movember recommends encouraging them to see a doctor, or to call Lifeline on 13 11 14.