“I was incredibly homesick after relocating to New Zealand in 2008. At home with a toddler and pretty much in tears from loneliness and isolation most days, I joined a running club. I was pretty active and ran around 3 x 5k per week, but I was in for the shock of my life… club runners are fast!
Even though I may have always been last or near to last in those fast short club cross country events, I gained massively in friendships – especially from the other masters women in that club. From the club I also gained a running coach, and from there I’ve gone on to do many events, far beyond what I felt I could have ever achieved. With the help, support and nurturing of others I’ve learned to fuel and pace. I’ve learned to turn around disasters and I feel so lucky to be immersed in the amazing eclectic whānau that is the running community.
It was at one of the first meets of the Harriet club where I heard 2 people talking about running 85k at an event. I thought “I’d never be able to do that”. However soon after, when I’d managed a half marathon without being sick, I started dipping my toe in the water – first as part of a relay team, then my first 42km trail run, then a 50, then the 85. But the wheels fell off in that event and I was 15 mins too slow for the final cut off. I dried my tears, eliminated all the negative thoughts, and as soon as I got home, I entered another event. And last year I did my first 100k!!
The best thing about that 100 was having a friend pace me for the last 24. She’s a beautiful soul and I was so grateful to have her by my side. Everyday I feel so grateful to all the people who have made this possible for me and especially to the lady who said “just believe”.
Running is magic. It’s everything to me and I truly believe anyone can do it. If I can, anyone can.”
Julie
(Porirua)
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Portraits of Runners + their stories
@RunnersNZ
