“I first got into running when I was self-employed and working from home. Sounds great in theory, but the reality was that my social circle was shrinking and I was becoming increasingly isolated. My friend Nick suggested that he coach me up to a 10k – an interesting project for him and a good challenge for me!
His training method was unorthodox and one that you won’t find in any book or online. My ‘long run’ at the end of the first week was 500 metres. The next week was 750 metres, and so on. And for every week that I didn’t meet the required mileage, I had to pay him $10, which he donated to a cause he knew I didn’t like. So after a few political parties and dubious charities started getting my hard-earned cash, I started running – and six months later I bashed out that first 10k on a mid-winter morning at the Christchurch marathon.
I’m currently training with a bunch of friends for the 102km at the Tarawera Ultramarathon. Interestingly, I no longer run because of my coaches, the Strava kudos or the threat of a $10 donation. I run because it brings rigour and discipline into a life that’s busy and chaotic. It keeps me distracted from the fact that I work in Wellington but have a house, a husband and a cat in Christchurch who I miss desperately. It gives me an outlet for the frustration and intrigue and politicking that comes with my day job and my non-profit advocacy work. It provides the perfect excuse to explore so many different places around New Zealand with just a pair of shoes and a bottle of electrolytes. Running has made me into a happier, more resilient person with a wide social circle.
Somewhat amazingly, Nick and I are still mates and still run together occasionally – although I’m faster than him now!
Tania @tania_runs_trails
(Wellington)
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