“I run because it makes me happy. I love the connection with people and nature; it just brings me so much joy.
I’ve run since I was a kid. When I was younger I worked my way up to a road half marathons, and training generally meant plodding the same flat road route on my own, plugged into my iPod. It wasn’t until I joined a running group that I discovered the social aspect of running – and how much fun hitting the trails can be.
At my first session I got a hell of a shock when the trainer told us to run up Mt Victoria. I couldn’t believe it – you don’t run UP hills! That’s for crazy people! But run up that hill I did, puffing and protesting all the way…and secretly loving it. Then they took me on my first trail run. We spent several delightful hours exploring in the bush, chatting as we ran and stopping for photos, then went for coffee afterwards. I was hooked. This was way more fun than pounding pavements on my own!
That was about seven years ago. Since then, running has grown into a full-blown obsession. I’ve made great friendships and met inspiring people, run in some jaw-droppingly beautiful places, challenged myself to do things I never thought I could, and learnt to appreciate the heck out of a good view. I’ve found my ‘tribe’ – they’re the ones who know that celebrating in style after you’ve crossed the finish line of a big race is almost as important as the race itself (and champagne is essential).
I also love sharing the trails with Astro. We have the best time adventuring together. Like me, he’s built for endurance not speed, and while his herding instincts and floofy butt can work against him, he just radiates happiness.”
Heather @heatherwgtn
(Wellington)
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Portraits of Runners + their stories
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