“There are so many reasons why I started back in 2012 (after my first small human came along) but I’d say the main reason was Dad. He has inspired me for YEARS with his running and although he would hate me saying this, I see him as somewhat of a legend and inspiration, to not only me but so many. I’ve spent years watching him run, complete marathons and thinking he might be slightly crazy, but also incredibly strong – body and mind. He is always the first to offer support on any crazy event or idea I have in mind; crew chief or entering running events with me, endless advice for us all, running stories from back in the day. To this day he can still outrun me and I will forever be “Tony’s Daughter” – it’s an honour.
Put simply…the reason I still run is that for me, I LOVE a good long run and running is whatever I need it to be or want it to be. Every time I lace up my shoes and hit the road or trail there is a different reason as to ‘why’ – how rad is that?
It’s isolating and completely solo when I want to be alone, and its company of the best kind when I need it. It’s free therapy. Going for a run with those who know you better than most is the BEST kind of therapy. Oh, the conversations we have had over the years. And anything said on a run, stays on the run.
I can solve the world’s problems and clear my head, yet sometimes come back with more going on in there than when I left the house.
It’s challenging both mentally and physically, and sometimes can be a constant battle, but the only person I’m out there to beat is myself. I’m forever searching for that limit. The point where I can’t take it anymore. It’s almost like I love the pain.
It’s motivating and inspiring to see others around me achieving what they’ve set out to do too, irrelevant of how far or how long or what their goal is. At the end of the day, if you don’t try, you’ll never know!”
Erin @erinvaughan7
(Taranaki)
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Portraits of Runners + their stories
@RunnersNZ
