“I was a rat-bag, a sports mad kid, and I loved the outdoors, so running happened naturally from a young age. Though, as a hyperactive, mischievous young fella growing up in Stokes Valley, I was usually running away from something rather than towards it.
I frothed on the school cross country and tried out track running in the 1500m, which I enjoyed but didn’t fall in love with. My passion burned brightest when I found trail running and adventure racing in my teens. I’m grateful for the training I received on the track as it did help me develop some running fundamentals, like form and the understanding that the majority of my runs are gonna suck, which have served me well.
Day-to-day I work as a mental health and addictions clinician, and operate my own personal training business in my free time. I truly believe in the benefits of physical activity as a supplement to other traditional treatments like therapy and medication, helping you be the best version of you you can be.
My reasons for running have changed over time and I need to practise what I preach. I no longer run from things, but toward them.
I run toward my own wellbeing or te whare tapa whā. Running for me is a spiritually, physically, mentally and socially rewarding experience. The connection with nature, the physical health benefits, having space to process difficult thoughts and feelings, and the social connection of running all strengthen the pillars of wellbeing. I also love being in competition with myself, seeing what I can accomplish and striving to be the best me that I can.
I run toward community and connection. I share my activities in the hope that people might see my efforts and be encouraged, motivated, or inspired to take on their own challenge, to show themselves how strong and capable a person they are and to keep going when things are tough. If I can support just one person to do this, then I am a happy man.
A highlight of running for me would have to be the Pigs Backyard Ultra I competed in this year in Dunedin. In this busy world of competitive point to point and races, individuals smash goals and break records, the Pig’s Backyard brought things back to basics. Seeing the connection between athletes, supporting and cheering each other on, as well as the quirky format were a huge part of it.
I had to be in the present, and find my ‘flow’ in a situation where the most important lap was simply the one I was running. I also had to be there for others, supporting and encouraging them as it got tougher.
Participating in the Pig’s Backyard reinforced my reasons for running, and epitomised the importance of being mindful and building community in achieving great things. I was also reminded of my favourite proverb “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”.
Jason @jasonhodge07 @flow.health.and.fitness
(Invercargill)
Photo taken on the Routeburn Track, Fiordland
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