“Running has been a part of my fitness plan one way or another over the years, but I never really saw myself as a “runner”. It was something to supplement my training but not the key focus. In my final couple years of Uni, I had a go at a half marathon. It was enjoyable but it was just a goal, something else to tick off and I didn’t keep it up. I didn’t think I had the build/frame to be a runner.
Fast forward 10 years to 2020, I decided I would give a half marathon another crack. The law firm where I work has some good internal competition and banter amongst the staff being full of type A personalities. This was spearheaded by the elder statesman of the firm Lachlan Ross. Lachlan was a seasoned runner, well known for it and loved the competition. I don’t do anything by halves, ever, and knowing myself all too well I knew this would be great motivation. Sadly Lachlan passed away in early 2020, then COVID hit and canned most of the events. I decided I wanted to run any event that year as a shout out to Lachlan and when the Queenstown half date was locked in, I made sure I was registered.
Through a mate, I found someone who could give me a running plan and after that I found I appreciated running again. After the Queenstown half, I didn’t want to let my foot off the gas, feeling like I could stay on track to do more events. That’s when I discovered trail running. I started looking at trails and tracks around Dunedin and just started going out and getting lost pretty much every weekend. Having Enzo able to come along off lead on the shorter trails is awesome, he just cruises next to me or close behind. He’s a great pacer on the hills and loves any excuse for an adventure.
Once I found the trails, I really connected with my running and started to see myself as a “runner”. I found my why. It was a combination of being outside, the different terrain, the uncertainty of what was coming next and the challenge of a climb or a descent. The buzz I got at the top of a climb, looking out over what I had achieved was more rewarding than anything I had got from road running or going to the gym. That was me sold. I signed up to 3 events in one go and can’t help but keep an eye out for more, always looking to do something bigger and more challenging.
My job can be pretty demanding and stressful so finding any kind of balance has been a mission. Exercise has always been a big part of how I manage my mental health. Running and trail running in particular, has given me balance (and what balance looks like is different for everyone), keeps me in the present and helps me to be a better person for everyone in my life. It allows me to process, disconnect and reconnect all at the same time.”
Alex @boock.alex
(Dunedin)
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