“I started running as a teenager to lose weight and never stopped… although the reasons for running are so vastly different now. Now it’s just a part of who I am. I can’t imagine my life without it.
Two of my main life goals are to live a long and healthy life, and to enjoy myself as much as possible, and running ticks both those boxes for me. Running has given me so much – mental and physical well being, fitness, challenge, friendship, confidence, stress release, fresh air, time out, adventures, beautiful scenery, routine, endorphins, and so many sunrises.
I ran my first half marathon in 2006 and that somehow led to two marathons in 2007. I quickly realised long distances weren’t my thing and settled on the half marathon instead. It’s enough of a challenge but fits in with my main passion, which is surfing – plus there’s time for the gym, being a mum to three young kids, work, housework…
I love the process of training for an event though – the challenge of trying to beat yourself, striving towards a goal, of pushing the physical and mental limits of your comfort zone to be better than you were yesterday.
In the last few years I’ve found trail running and it’s like a whole new world has opened up. I especially love being above the bush line on the mountain, flying along technical single track with those epic breath-taking views, and that special quiet that’s not quite silent – just the birds, insects and rustle of the wind.
So why do I run? Because it makes me happy.”
Kate @fitzroybeachchick
(New Plymouth)
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Portraits of Runners + their stories
@RunnersNZ
