“Running has always been a part of my life, off and on, from representing my school in cross country and orienteering to biking alongside my parents while they ran. However, as I grew older, other sports and life responsibilities took precedence, and running fell by the wayside.
In my teenage years, I focused more on participating in various sports, and running took a back seat. As I entered my late teens and early twenties, study and work consumed my time, leaving little room for running.
In 2019, my dad encouraged my husband and me to enter the Tarawera Ultra 21km in February 2020. We accepted the challenge and signed up for a coaching plan with Squadrun. Despite inconsistent training, we completed our first half marathon together, which was an incredible experience. This race made us realize our love for trail running and the amazing community that comes with it.
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted many aspects of life, including my running consistency. I participated in a 12km local event with Manawatū Striders towards the end of 2020 and ran another half marathon at the Villa Maria Women’s Half in January 2021 and Tarawera Ultra 21km again in February. However, with events being cancelled and goals shifting, I turned to HIIT workouts, and running – once again – took a back seat.
At the beginning of 2024, I found myself reflecting on how much I missed trail running. My fitness was at an all-time low, and I had convinced myself that I couldn’t run due to a bad ankle tendon injury. Watching my dad and husband complete the Tarawera 100km in February 2024 was a turning point. Their determination and passion, which I had seen time and time again, inspired me to give running another shot.
I decided to enter the Ultra Trail Australia 11km race in May 2024, despite feeling daunted by the challenge. We were going to be there anyway because hubby was running the 100km. But I knew I needed help, so I reached out to Fleur at LFS Run Coaching. Fleur’s support was phenomenal. She met me where I was and, through a structured program, helped me go from barely being able to run 100 meters to running 5 kilometres without walking. Her weekly check-ins and tailored training plan were crucial in my preparation.
Crossing the finish line at Ultra Trail Australia was an incredible feeling. It wasn’t just about completing the race; it was about proving to myself that I could overcome my self-doubt and physical limitations.
After returning from Australia, I faced another setback with a knee injury in June 2024. This injury could have derailed my progress, but I focused on rehabilitation and slowly got back into running by August. In October, I participated in the Taupō Ultra 24km. Although I struggled due to a lack of consistent training, I finished the race, which was a testament to my resilience.
In November, I ran the Coastal 5 in Taranaki, achieving my fastest 21km time. December brought the toughest challenge yet: the 27km Luxmore Grunt in Te Anau. The race was gruelling, with a mammoth climb, but I pushed through and finished, even if it was within the last 10 participants. The pride and support from my family and coach made it all worthwhile.
Since the beginning of 2025, I’ve found my stride with consistent training, running at least 25km a week. I’ve already run over 100km this month, a personal record. My coach continues to support me, and we’ve set ambitious goals for the year. The friendships and community I’ve built through trail running and Achilles Manawatū are invaluable.
Running has taught me perseverance, resilience, and the importance of showing up for myself. I may not be the fastest runner, often finishing among the last groups, but I am out there, accomplishing my goals and setting an example for my son. I don’t fit the typical runner’s mould, and finding trail running gear that fits can be a challenge. But I am proving that runners come in all shapes and sizes.
The trail running community has been incredibly supportive, and the friendships I’ve made are second to none. My husband Brad and I share a passion for running, and it’s something we enjoy together. Our son sees us running and is getting into it too, entering kids’ races and striving to be his best.
Being out in the trails is breathtaking, offering peace and tranquillity. It reminds me of how grateful I am to be able to run. While road sessions can be mentally challenging, I get them done. I want to show people that running is about breaking self-limiting beliefs and overcoming obstacles. It’s about being your best, no matter what. It’s about being your impossible.”
Katie @be_your_impossible
(Palmerston North)
Photo taken in Te Anau
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