“Why do I run? Now for a very different reason than the reason I started… I played netball and swam for most of my childhood, and at around 16 things changed. I no longer enjoyed netball because it was competitive and NOT fun, and I had to give up swimming because of recurrent infections. I didn’t really know what to do next, then I got grounded – I vividly remember the day I went for my first ever run, I got my awesome yellow sports Walkman and said I was going for a run. Dad laughed – he was right to, I complained about walking usually. I remember how hot my face was that day and the burning in my throat, but it was an excuse to get out!!
Why do I run now? I had twins 12 years ago and sort of lost myself in the process. I couldn’t quite figure out why, but I lost music, alone time and endorphins.
I started slowly figuring out that walking, music in your ears, nature, and fresh air fixes a multitude of things. Then it got too easy and I ran out of time… so running made a reemergence. Then it became the thing that kept me sane and gave me some space.
I will categorically deny that I am “a runner”. Apparently using your legs to run makes you a runner, but I’m not convinced.
I go just about every day at the crack of dawn, to remind myself I can do hard things, that not everything in life is pleasant but you’ll still get through it, to move it so I don’t lose it, and because of how you feel when you’ve finished. Either you run the day or the day runs you… so I may as well start it by running.
Disclaimer – this non runner walks up hills, runs better if someone (or lots of people) are watching and fights the voices in her head saying “no one is watching – you could stop – they won’t know”. I’ve recently found out ‘that’s just running’ and that running friends actually watch your stats on Garmin, so they will know….
My late adopted Grandma also used to say “remember overachiever, you don’t have to be good at f***ing everything, you just have to show up and have fun” (an avid fan of profanities). That’s my mantra for most things now, and you’ll hear me whispering to myself “you don’t have to be good at f***ing everything” most when I’m attempting to run.”
Natalie @natalie4224
(Lower Hutt)
Photo taken in Te Anau
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