“I’ve always run, but I’ve very rarely considered myself a ‘runner’! It’s something that I’ve gravitated towards my whole life, locking in road races, halves and off-road marathons to motivate me to commit to training, but remains the constant that I continue to return to regularly. Over the years, I’ve come to realise that it’s not just about exercise, but a necessary part of who I am and what I need to feel good.
Growing up in the country, my energy levels were probably a true test of my parents’ patience. I’d often be sent off to run around the farm, which became my ultimate escape. Every adventure was an opportunity to explore and imagine, discovering new things and seeing familiar sights in a different light. Later, running allowed me to push myself beyond what I thought was possible and gave me a sense of confidence that I could do anything I set my mind to.
Running is still all about the adventure for me. The treasure hunt of where you might get to, what you might see, and new people you encounter along the way. I’ve never been able to just walk anywhere! There’s nothing quite like travelling and going for a run around an unfamiliar area to help get your bearings and a sense of the local vibe. Running allows me to see some spectacular terrain that I’m far too lazy to spend days walking or carrying a pack full of heavy gear.
Backcountry trails with open tops will always have my heart. I’ve never been put off by the prospect of a long run to get me to where I want to go. If the body can hold together for 10km, then it just becomes a battle of will to run 20km or 30km. It’s amazing what the mind will let the body achieve when you give it the chance. The reward of the view from the top after you’ve found the grit to keep pushing yourself up that hill, cursing on the inside why you’re doing this to yourself, is always worth it! I’m sure there’s a metaphor for life in there about encountering hills and obstacles along the way, but with patience, kindness to ourselves and a bit of determination, we can overcome them and keep moving forward. And, I do love a good charge downhill to put a big smile on my face! Whether I’m out running on a busy lakefront walkway or remote trail, running always seems to make me feel more connected to the world around me, less isolated, and like being a part of something.
There are probably not many life decisions that I haven’t analysed, pondered or schemed up whilst being out on a run. For a mind that doesn’t seem to stop, running allows me a chance to gain clarity and perspective, to set goals and plan out the future. It’s a way to momentarily step-out from everyday life and be recharged by the movement. My kids and husband have become well-attuned to my need to go for a run and they push me out the door whenever they sense that I need to clear my head.
Sometimes the best runs are the ones where you really don’t feel like getting out there in the first place. You force yourself out the door and everything falls into place. The playlist hits all-the-right tracks and you feel like your legs could just carry you forward forever. They’re the big grin days!
Recently I’ve come to the stage in running where you simply let go of expectations and just enjoy the moment instead of focusing on pace, or distance. Now, seeing my kids on their own find running, has brought about a whole new family experience. Children really are little sponges and hanging around finish lines waiting for mum has obviously had some influence on them. Completing the 8.5km Sawpit Gully run last year with my 11-year-old son was a true full-circle moment. We may have entered for the jet planes and jaffas, but the opportunity to connect with him while out training and the chance to show him some of my old Arrowtown running haunts (where he out-ran me on the hills) was an unforgettable bonding experience together.
It will always be about seeking out the adventure that will keep me lacing up my shoes and hitting the pavement. You never know what experiences lie out there. If you see me out and about I’ll be the one cranking the tunes while I run, with a smile and “Hi” for those I see along the way, and looking for any excuse to pause to take a photo or have a quick chat, so I can stop and catch my breath!”
Kim @kimydawson
(Te Anau)
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Portraits of Runners + their stories
@RunnersNZ
