“I never thought I would be a runner, although I always liked the idea of being a runner.
I am a busy mum of three and I started running when my youngest (now two) was 4 months old. I had previously suffered from post natal depression, so running became a preventative measure to help keep my mental health in check.
I’ve always been a super active person and I just keep coming back to running. Even though so many people around me have suggested it’s not worth it and it’s to hard on my body. Most of my early running was with my little girl in her pram. I would meet a friend every Thursday and we would run and chat – and our girls would sleep.
I ran my first half Marathon 6 months later at the Rotorua Running Festival. I’ve run in a couple of 10km events since then, but I have ongoing shin splints so I’m currently unable to run as much as I would like too. Lots of strength work in action and learning that not every run needs to be “fast”. Hopefully I will be at the start line of another half in the not too distant future.
Why I keep running? I think it’s the time in the forest that I love so much. Those runs by yourself where you can just forget any worries, be free and run. I’m the best version of me and a better mum when I run. Plus a wee break from the kids is also pretty good!”
Annie @anniestarling_
(Rotorua)
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Portraits of Runners + their stories
@RunnersNZ
