“I have to be honest and say running is simply something I’ve always been good at. It’s a natural talent for me; I would show up to the start line for cross country at school with the intent to ‘cruise’ with my mates but as soon as that gun went off I couldn’t help myself but to go, and go hard. I wouldn’t always win but I’d do well. My parents would be pretty chuffed and I would get some good praise which gave me a good sense of achievement. I guess this good feeling at an early age programmed my subconscious to like running.
Later on down the track I developed a passion for the army, so I got serious about fitness and got consistent with running, but once I left the army things did start to go downhill. I lost the passion and slipped into the comfort zone.
Years later, and after having my daughter, my value systems and vision for life started to change. I wanted to become the best role model I can be for my wife and daughter. To show them I could lose the ‘dad bod’, kick bad habits, like drinking and smoking, and show them that daddy’s still got that edge he developed in the military. So I got back into running and started small, building myself into 5km and then 10km, and then into half marathons and ultras. Be warned achievement is addictive! It literally releases the feel good chemicals in your brain like dopamine making you want to do it again and again. It’s the best natural drug on the market and all you need is a good pair of shoes!
Running for something bigger than yourself is a ‘Nek level’ motivator! In the 100km Blue Lake Challenge, myself and three other good mates raised over 6K to the Waipuna Hospice in 2020. And this year I ran a half marathon in the relay for life for my in-laws battling cancer and raised 2k as a team effort.
These days I run for quality time with my daughter; to lead by example and inspire others, to just wave and smile at people to brighten their day, to meet good quality and like-minded people for the positive association and to ‘sharpen the saw’. Running is such a high leverage production capability activity! You develop more energy and drive and you are actually more productive with the remaining hours of your days. What better way to set yourself up to win in all areas of your life!”
Cameron @h00p3r
(New Plymouth)
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Portraits of Runners + their stories
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