“The reason I run is for adventure in the outdoors. The place I love to be the most, is in the mountains and hills, as far away from civilisation as one can get within one day. And running covers ground quicker than walking.
I haven’t always been a runner, but for all of my life, I have loved to physically challenge myself with all kinds of biking, running, adventure racing and tramping. At the moment, mostly, it’s running. I started running as part of my training for mountain bike racing, mostly short sporadic runs. I would go through phases of a few months doing a bit more running, maybe building up to an event, but I wouldn’t stick at it; usually getting injured from doing too much too soon. I’m not the best at following a program or anything, I prefer to see what the weather is like and go from there. Road running isn’t my favourite, I find it monotonous and much prefer off road or trail running for the variation, the unexpected challenges and isolation.
I got back into running and hills a few years back after a tough couple of years. I needed a way to get back out into the hills again, clear my head and enjoy the adventure. I started walking, then doing longer and faster walks, always knowing I would end up running them again. I enjoy the rough and steep terrain around Wellington. Then getting a PLB opened up the opportunity for solo trips deep into the Orongorongo and Tararua ranges. My current thing is exploring old tracks and tram lines in the Akatarawas.
Last year I joined the Life in Motion Run Club for exercises to help with injury prevention. Joining has helped in a few ways; no injuries, meeting other people on the group runs, and getting balance in my exercise, as it’s not all just running.”
Nic
(Wellington)
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All Runners. All Stories.
@RunnersNZ
