“I’m very new to running and would have never imagined calling myself a runner ever in my life! I was given a challenge after the birth of my last child 4 years ago that the three of us girls from our business would get fit and healthy and run the Queenstown half marathon. I really didn’t believe in myself, that I could run 21km, even saying it out loud seemed like such a long way for me.
I started by running lamp post to lamp post and would only catch my breath after a minute of heaving. It was a slow build up from 1 to 2 to 3 to 5 km. And then I ended up really injuring myself as I just didn’t know anything about load and distance. Unfortunately I was unable to run that year in the Queenstown half Marathon, which made me even more determined the next year! So I got help from a running coach and loved every minute of the training. And I had someone that I had to be accountable to, which is what I needed at that point. I will never forget that feeling after crossing my first half marathon…and in typical me fashion, I made a friend at the 3km mark and talked the entire 18km to the end.
Running makes me a better mum and wife and I do get a little titchy if I don’t get out every couple of days, which can be a juggle, but it’s my happy. I run for mental clarity, I run for fitness, but most of all I run for myself. I’d put my shoes on and head out the door, forgetting about everything except for the podcast I’m listening to, and the fresh air I’m getting – this is me time. I love having events to train for and seeing how much I can push myself distance wise. Those endorphins that I get from running I had never felt with any other form of exercise before.
Growing up on Stewart Island, I never enjoyed running or sports, except the odd game of Rugby here and there. I would have never have dreamed that one day I would be able to run the Rakiura Track over there, the one place that makes my heart sing and puts me in my happy place. I went back home to the Island in January this year, I wanted to run the Rakiura track and knew I could do this if I set my mind to it. I set out one Friday morning and took it all in as I was running; the scenery, smells, memories and mud!!. I have never felt so happy while running! It took me back to my childhood of school trips tramping to Port William. This run made me want to run more trails, growing my love for running in the bush and beach. I love that running has shown me different parts of the South Island, exploring some of the most remote places and atop of big mountains that I would have never have thought that I could get up. It’s taught me a lot about discipline as well.
Lastly, the people that I have met while sharing my love for running has been amazing and everyone is always so welcoming. It’s been great making new running friends – we all have that one wee thing in common.
When I’m out on the trail, it’s one foot in front of the other, and the happiness I’m feeling right then and there.”
Lea @lmelrose84
(Invercargill)
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Portraits of Runners + their stories
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