“I never imagined I’d end up running. Growing up in Romania, running wasn’t really a thing. Sports like gymnastics, swimming, and tennis were popular, but running never seemed to be something people did for fun. In fact, I kind of hated it as a kid. I wasn’t the athletic type at all. My childhood was spent with a violin in my hands. I practiced for hours every day—sometimes 6 to 8 hours—and while everyone else was outside playing, I was inside practicing my scales. The closest I got to outdoor activities were the summer hikes I’d do with my family and even then, I wasn’t exactly running up those hills.
Fast forward to a few years ago and running entered my life by accident. I went on a summer hike through Abel Tasman and something about the landscape captivated me. I remember thinking that one day I’d like to explore the other half of the trail. That thought stayed with me and before long, I came across the 32km Abel Tasman Coastal Trail race. I saw this as the perfect opportunity to experience the other half of the trail, so I signed up. But there was a catch: the race had a half marathon time requirement. So, I figured, why not sign up for a half marathon as well to make sure I could meet that requirement?
Long story short, with 10 months to prepare, I found a coach, joined a running group, and honestly, I ended up falling in love with running. At first, it was about the race, but as I started running more, it evolved beyond that into something deeper. I found a community in running—a group of people who understood what it meant to push yourself, to struggle, to celebrate the small wins. And I started realising just how far I could push my body. I never thought I could run that much, but I was doing it. It was amazing, and it felt like I was discovering a whole new side of myself.
And that’s what keeps me running today. There’s still so much I want to learn about myself. There are places I want to explore, new people I want to meet. Running has become a way for me to connect with the world in a way I never expected. But it hasn’t always been easy. Earlier this year, I suffered a significant injury that forced me to take a six-month break from running. Those months were incredibly difficult—both physically and mentally. I felt like I had lost a part of myself. Coming back after such a long break has been a struggle too. I’ve lost fitness and gained weight, and I haven’t quite gotten back to the level I was at before the injury. It’s been frustrating, and at times discouraging. There were days when I wanted to give up. Through all of this, the thing that has kept me going was the support of my running mates. When I doubted myself, they were there, lifting me up. It’s moments like these that remind me why I run. It’s not just about personal goals or races; it’s about pushing through tough times, finding strength when you feel weak, and knowing that you don’t have to do it alone. Running is a journey—one that’s as much about the people you meet along the way as it is about the miles you log. And as tough as it’s been at times, I know I’ll keep running, because there’s still so much more to discover, both on the road and within myself. I don’t know if I would have appreciated running the same way if I started early on and it was something I always did… but as they say… better late than never. So here I am. And if I can do it, I’m confident anyone can!”
AJ @aj64
(Wellington)
Photo taken in Te Anau
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