“Why do I run? What is my Why? When asked this I thought – easy! But the more I thought about it, the deeper it got. I could always run; school cross-country, some athletics… High School saw me run for netball training. Then I joined the NZ Army. Running is a staple activity in the Forces. We get tested every year on how fast we can run, amongst other things. I discovered that, as a female, being really fit, helped in a male dominated workplace. So I got fitter. Running was an easy go to.
Over my 25yrs service I have realised that respect was not predicated on how fast or far I could run, and I have gone through many iterations of being a runner.
Post childbirth it helped me feel ‘back to my old self’ and provided ‘me’ time. As a Mother, I think it provides a good example. And after years of saying I would NEVER do a full Ironman, marathon or ultra I have recently somehow found my way into that scene. With a number of long and ultra distance events now under my belt, and some personal accomplishments achieved, I can now happily answer the question of my Why.
I run because I love to be fit. It is ingrained and is absolutely part of who I am. I love the community. I love making my own adventures. I love to challenge myself with my own personal goals. I run to have time alone. I am privileged to be able to run for leisure and I am extremely mindful and thankful for that.”
Mel @trichildsplay
(Lower Hutt)
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Portraits of Runners + their stories
@RunnersNZ
