What made you start running, do you have a specific moment?
Running was definitely not my thing, a few years ago, you wouldn’t have caught me running for anything. But funnily enough, it was my ex-boyfriend who got me into it. He was super into running, so I tagged along a few times… and somehow that turned into me signing up for my first half marathon in 2023. Safe to say, I got the running bug and haven’t stopped since!
What’s been the biggest lesson running has taught you so far?
That I can do hard things, even when I really don’t feel like it. Running’s kind of like free therapy with a side of sweat. It’s taught me to back myself, push through the tough moments, and show up, not just in training, but in life too. Who knew jogging around the block could be so deep?
How important is your strength and conditioning training and how does it look?
It’s crucial. When I first started running, I had no strength base and ended up with IT Band Syndrome, which meant I couldn’t run without awful knee pain. My physio drilled into me how important strength training was, especially working on those small stabiliser muscles, and I haven’t stopped since. These days, I do strength and conditioning at least three times a week. Running pain-free is the goal!
What’s one thing you wish someone told you before you started marathon training?
How taxing the training can be. The marathon itself is just the final celebration, it’s the months of long runs, fatigue, and recovery that are the real challenge. I wish I’d known from the start how important it is to build strength and mobility work into the training programme before anything starts to hurt.
Any mental tricks you use to keep going when it gets really hard?
Remember your ‘why’. Everyone starts running for different reasons, and it’s easy to forget yours when things get tough. For me, it was about proving to myself that I could do hard things, so reminding myself of that mid-run helps keep me going.
If you had 30 seconds to motivate someone who just signed up for their first marathon or race, what would you say?
You’ve already done the hardest part, you signed up! Now it’s about showing up for yourself, one run at a time. Find a training plan that suits you, get some friends on board to keep things fun, and trust the process. Stay consistent, back yourself, and come race day, you’ll be ready to enjoy every moment.
How do you deal with the days when you really don’t want to lace up?
Community is everything. Find people who love what you do, whether that’s running, gym, or anything active. Knowing someone’s waiting for you at 6am makes it so much easier to get out of bed. And honestly, it's just way more fun with friends.
What’s your go-to running fuel: banana, gel, or “absolutely nothing”?
Food is fuel, especially before cardio! My go-to will always be a bagel with banana and honey. It’s the perfect balance of carbs and deliciousness.
Favourite type of run: long and slow, fast and short, or hill sprints (if you’re feeling wild)?
Nothing beats a Saturday morning long run with the girls, followed by a mandatory coffee. That said, our weekly track sessions are also a highlight, there’s something weirdly fun about running in circles with your mates.
Best gear investment you’ve made so far?
My Garmin watch, hands down. As a once-loyal Apple Watch girlie, I’ve fully converted and I’m not looking back. My Garmin actually lasts more than a day (iconic), makes workout planning a breeze, and even has a built-in Garmin Coach that gives you customised training plans.
Funniest thing that’s happened to you mid-run?
Let’s just say the lack of toilets in certain parts of Auckland is a very real runner’s struggle…
What song gets you way too hyped on a run?
Gold Dust – Radio Edit by DJ Fresh. I had it on repeat during a long run that really tested me, might sound mad, but it carried me through (and in a surprisingly good mood too!).
If you could run a race anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Easy, the New York Marathon. It’s been at the top of my bucket list and I'm hoping to tick it off sometime in the near future!