“I don’t consider myself a natural runner, more of a plodder. I started running about 10 years ago as a way of setting myself a new challenge. I was struggling with motivation to get and stay fit, and also health issues associated with my Crohn’s disease, which I don’t think were helped by sitting at a work desk all day. I started with short walk/runs and built from there. I thought entering a half marathon would be a great goal to aim for and by paying and entering I put the fear of failure into me which forced me to run! After successfully completing my first half I was hooked and entered several more events (mainly trail) over the next few years.
As often happens, work got demanding and the running slowly dropped off and then completely stopped when I had a child. By my son’s 3rd birthday I finally realised I needed to prioritise making time for myself and running again, as it made me a much happier person and happier mum. I also run for the future me – I want to still be having fun and crazy adventures when I’m an old lady, and for that to happen I need to be fit and able now!
So along with a fabulous friend, who was also getting back into running, we started off together again, slow yet accountable to one another… and again putting the fear of failure into ourselves by entering a 10km race.
I’ve finished three 10km events in the past year which have given me a bigger sense of accomplishment than any previous half marathons as I’m now having to juggle work and motherhood amongst running.
I love the way that running gives me the chance to be in nature, to process thoughts and emotions, to clear my head, or to just listen to banging 80’s tunes as I plod along the trail. I like that you are really only competing against yourself, which is a good thing as I’m not that quick. I also find running with a friend makes it far more enjoyable and less of a struggle!”
Rose @roha13
(Te Anau)
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Portraits of Runners + their stories
@RunnersNZ
