“I was never into sports, especially running, in my school days. I would make any excuse possible to avoid participating in gym class or going outside. Once I got to university, other students would go out for a run, and I thought that was a little weird, but thought I’d join them to try something different and see what it was all about. I started running as a way to get fit, however running and spending time outside quickly became a way to blow off stress and help me focus. It became a weekly staple in my life and also led me to start playing Ultimate Frisbee, which I don’t think I would have had the confidence to try before starting running.
I discovered running groups after moving back to my hometown after travelling for a couple years. It started with a learn to run beginner group which led to those members suggesting other evening run groups they were part of. I’d go along to that one, and be introduced to another, and suddenly my week was filled with different running groups – intervals, long runs, social runs.These groups hugely expanded my social circle and possibilities in running. A few years later I started competing in different running races and events. I started with road races – from 5km building up to a marathon. I had always dreamed of running the Boston Marathon and suddenly a qualifying time actually seemed within reach. Once I reached that goal I felt a little lost with what to strive for next until a friend suggested we try a new local trail 50km racing event which led me to discover a love of running on trails, the trail running community and how fun ultramarathons can be!
The best part of running for me is friendships and community. The first time I laced up my shoes to go for a run around the block, I never could have imagined all the places running would take me and all the wonderful people I would meet along the way.
I’ve got some fantastic running communities at home in Canada (Northend Runners & Saint John Trail Running) and have connected with some wonderful groups here in New Zealand while living in Queenstown (MondayRunday) and during my time in Mount Maunganui (Public Runners).
Running, for me, is not only good for my mental health, but also has also played an integral part in helping me explore new places, see some incredible sights and meet some incredible people and make some wonderful memories along the way.”
Corinne @rinnyrinnyrinny
(Queenstown)
Photo taken in Fiordland
–
Portraits of Runners + their stories
@runnersnz
