“Coming from a swimming background, I despised running. Then, through a friend, we entered a small women’s Triathlon in Palmerston North… and from there I thought maybe this running thing isn’t so bad.
In 2012 when I was living in London, another friend got me out and running a bit more. I decided to sign up for my first half marathon as extra motivation. I will never forget that euphoric feeling of crossing that finish line – tears of joy, I couldn’t believe that I finished it!
I kept running and along the way have managed to lose a total of 30kgs since high school.
9 years on, and lots of events later, I was training for the full Ironman in 2021. Due to the new postponement date from covid, I couldn’t do the full, as I had a wedding to go to the same day – I couldn’t miss it. Luckily I was able to change to the 70.3 (my third Half Ironman), did that, and then attended the wedding in the afternoon. Even managed to get a sub 2 hour run!
I run and enter events to give me the motivation and accountability to keep on going. I love the overwhelming feeling after finishing an event, to know what I can accomplish; to push my body and mind further.
Running gives me the clarity I need and an escape from the reality of life. I’m so competitive with myself internally, I always want to be a better me. I want to inspire people that anything is possible!”
Gen @gensta.nz
(Lower Hutt)
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Portraits of Runners + their stories
@RunnersNZ
