“Running isn’t who I am, it’s something I do where I can just be me. It’s also a gift of time, friendships and experiences. I have needed to ‘run’ for work regularly, to maintain a level of fitness; it was a requirement, a drain, and a chore. In 2014 I really found my passion for running as a means to manage my every day. What I didn’t appreciate prior to this, though I was kind of aware of, is that I don’t deal with change well. How does that work when you are in a vocation that can go from calm to crazy in a moment or when you have a busy household with life’s ups and downs? I needed to proactively figure out a way to manage stress and instil structure for me as a person.
I run for both mental and physical health, it has allowed me to be more mindful, live in the moment, and appreciate relationships. I keep trying to ‘win the morning’, working to maintain a routine, particularly with exercise, to get the endorphins going. Running or working out (on the bike trainer or in the gym) in the morning allows me to frame my day, let my subconscious mind work while reflecting on what I know is coming and prepare for the unknown. It gives me time to develop a blueprint for the day, which will evolve, but I have at least got an idea about how things may play out which is a great way to reduce stress.
Until last year most of my running had been on the road. I was pretty fixated on distance and speed, trying to improve and driving myself. It wasn’t until I found trail running that I realised that running (or exercise of any kind) is a gift. It was really cemented for me when I was fortunate to head to grad school in the US in mid 2019. Geographically close to the Appalachian Trail I was introduced to an amazing group of people. I did not realise that when I first appeared at their runs, the people that I met would change my perspective, they introduced me to a whole different ‘why’ for running. The kind that challenged me, tested me and that I have really embraced. I also didn’t really appreciate that these fine folks and my gym buddies would become such firm friends. Through shared experience adversity and Covid craziness, they have shaped me, giving me an entirely different outlook. They taught me the rules that I now use and live by;
1. DO NOT DIE (it may feel like it on the hill but it isn’t worth it!);
2. finish the race (if it means slowing down, then so be it… one foot after the other and finish); and finally, once the first two are done;
3. Then worry about the placing, time, or what you would have done differently.
These rules have, and continue to, serve me well. To be fair, they also taught me about post race ‘shower beers’ and pickle juice… both of which I was unconvinced about until I tried them!
I have needed to learn to step back from comparison with others, be comfortable in my own skin and really understand humility. There will always be those who are faster, stronger, fitter and while it is good to celebrate their successes, everyone has their own insecurities and challenges. As you look to those you aspire to emulate, don’t forget to be positive as you may well be that person someone else is looking to. We come in all shapes and sizes, the most inspirational runners I know have the determination to stick it, regardless of how much they are hurting. I have seen and now know that you should never be too proud to ask for help, accept it when given and ALWAYS look for opportunities to pay it forward. It takes a village.”
Terry @kiwi_in_pa
(Wellington)
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