“I grew up dancing until I was 22 in Australia. I moved overseas, first to Canada then here to New Zealand and couldn’t do ballet anymore, so I decided to swap the ballet shoes for Asics and give running a go!
I started off with a 5k that was more of a walking struggle than a run – I hated it!! I found it sooo hard! But, I also found myself out the door days later, trying again. I found satisfaction in pushing myself to see what I could do and soon realised spending time outside on my feet was my free therapy. It truly just made time stop in my brain and gave me an outlet to escape and focus on my surroundings. I started with a goal of getting a sub 30 minute 5km and was thrilled when I achieved that one day at the Queenstown parkrun. Now I’ve managed to get my 5k down to sub 22… progress is cool! I think one of my other favourite things about getting into running is the people I’ve met and continue to meet. The community of runners is something else; the humour, the joy we share with others, and hitting goals and celebrating with one another is amazing.
In October of 2020 I was in a very very bad head space, dealing with crippling anxiety, depression and an eating disorder. I stopped running and doing the things that made me happy. Then I had a realisation one day after listening to a podcast with Courtney Dauwalter that I’m the only one that can pull myself out of this dark place and find my passion and purpose. I started running again that same day… one km at a time. I also decided I wanted a goal to focus on, something I didn’t even know if I was capable of achieving – a marathon!
I’m now 47 days out of my first marathon ever! Finding a running coach that knows how to push and nurture me and my own personal goals, and sticking to a plan, has taught me so much. I am so much stronger mentally and physically. And I’ve enjoyed the training so much. I’ve learnt how powerful our brains and bodies are, and how to never give up.
When I think I can’t do something, I dig deep; and instead of coming up with a reason why I can’t do something, I come up with a list of how I will do it! Where there is a will, there is a way. Slow down. Listen to your body. Set yourself boundaries and always be present in the moment! Be patient and always trust the process.
Running has saved me and I couldn’t imagine my world without it.”
Jayde @jaydekruger_
(Queenstown)
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Portraits of Runners + their stories
@RunnersNZ
