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A Beautiful Start Our very first mums who trail run happened over the weekend and we were so grateful for the amazing weather in Riverhead Forest first up considering Auckland’s ever-changing climate. It felt amazing to finally launch and hit the trails together. Splitting Into Groups Of the 8 of us who came along, we split into two groups. Runners and walkers. The runners had a nice steady run doing a forest loop twice, while the walkers enjoyed a more relaxed loop. Along the way, we had a few stops to catch our breath and chat. Trail running gear and of course, stories about kids were all part of the conversation.  Fun For The Kids Too A big thank you to my mum for helping set up the kids picnic area at the start/finish. This is a concept we thought could break some barriers to running and the kids get to watch their mums doing epic things. While we were out on the trails, the little ones had a safe and fun space to play, which made the run so much more relaxed for all of us and having cheerleaders on the sidelines is always nice.  A Great Morning Together Overall it was such a fun and rewarding morning. Getting out in nature, moving our bodies, and spending time together felt so good. Everyone did really well, and it was lovely to share the experience with other mums who get the joys and challenges of juggling running and family life. Looking Ahead This first run was just the beginning! We’re excited for the next one and can’t wait to welcome more mums to join us on the trails. Whether you’re running, walking, or just want to hang out in the kids area, there’s a place for everyone in our trail run community.

Danielle was one of the first friendly faces I met at the Helensville Run Club. Very down to earth and always so supportive of everyone no matter where they are at in their journey. Danielle has had some awesome goals this year which she has absolutely smashed! One of the things I have enjoyed most in running groups as you get to know people, is watching them grow and getting to witness their journey. It's a pretty special feeling to be honest. I sure many can relate. Danielle is our South African gem who brings nothing but good energy to the trails.     How long have you been trail running for? I started exploring running during New Zealand’s first lockdown in 2020. I  remember taking my kids to our local park and deciding, almost on a whim, to try running a single 700m loop. It was a rude awakening, I couldn’t make it around without feeling like my lungs were about to explode. For so many years, I’d told myself that running was only for people who were naturally athletic or had the “right” runner’s body. Funny the stories we create in our own heads and how tightly we hold onto them. But by 2023, something shifted. I found myself drawn more and more to the trails, craving the quiet, the space, and the sense of freedom that came with them. What got you into trail running? As someone who didn’t grow up loving running and actually started quite late in life, this topic feels incredibly personal. I know so many mums will relate. Let’s be honest, why do so many of us start exercising more after having kids? Often it’s because we’re desperate to feel like ourselves again, or we’re hoping to lose weight. We think about joining a gym, but walking into one can feel intimidating as hell. And then there’s the reality of working, caring for kids, and trying to find even a sliver of time for ourselves. For me, it began with weight loss. I’ve had a complicated relationship with my body for as long as I can remember, so at first my only focus was, how much weight can I lose? I genuinely believed I had to be skinny to be a runner. Spoiler alert, I was very wrong.One Sunday, a new now special friend invited me for a run in Riverhead Forest, and that single run changed everything. I discovered not only how incredible it feels to move through the trees, but also how powerful it is to connect with another mum who just gets it. That day taught me that running isn’t a sport for weight loss, it’s medicine for the mind. I realised the trails never judge. They don’t care whether you’re wearing the latest gear, or whether you’re huffing and puffing your way up a hill. They don’t care how fast you go or how messy life feels. The trails hold your secrets. Everything you talk about stays among the trees (and trust me, we cover everything out there). Most of all, the trails let you show up exactly as you are. They let you be you. What has trail running done for you? I will never forget my first race, family waiting at the finish line, cheering their hearts out. And my then eight-year-old son telling me at the finish line “I know why you run Mum… you run for me." That moment is carved into my memory forever. Running to be the healthiest, happiest version of myself for my kids has been my biggest motivation. So what has trail running given me? It helped me outrun the voice in my head, the one that insisted I wasn’t a runner, that people would laugh, that my body wasn’t built for this. I left that version of myself behind on the trails. Trail running also opened the door to friendships with incredible women. Women who lift each other up, who understand the juggle, and who create a safe space where you can be completely, unapologetically yourself. The trails have shaped me, challenged me, healed me, and connected me. How many kids do you have? My beautiful daughter Zoey, 16 and my son Marcus, 12. Highlights in your trail running journey so far? In 2023, I ran my very first trail half marathon, the Red Stag Timber Half Marathon in Rotorua. I’ll never forget rounding that final corner and seeing my daughter waiting there for me, to run the final few meters with me and telling me, “You can do this!” Then this year on my birthday I ran my first trail full marathon - The Waihi Trail Trilogy. Something I never thought I would be able to do . What's next on your radar in the trail running space? Riverhead Backyard Relaps Ultra - Participants run one 6.71km lap per hour (starting on the hour) through a mix of commercial pine forest in Riverhead Forest. You basically run as many laps as you can. I am hoping to run at least 8 laps(53.6km) Where is your favourite place to run? I am very fortunate to have Riverhead Forest very close to my home. Riverhead is where it all started for me. What is your best piece of advice to share with mums hitting the trails? Start small, start gently, but most importantly, start for you. Don’t wait until you feel “fit enough” or “skinny enough” or “like a real runner.” None of that matters. You don’t have to look a certain way or run a certain pace to belong out there. Running isn’t about perfection, it’s about giving yourself space to breathe, to think, to feel like you again. The trails don’t judge. They don’t care what you look like, how fast you go, or how often you stop to walk. They simply welcome you. Find a friend who lifts you up, or join a group where mums support each other. Connection makes the journey lighter and so much more meaningful. And remember, your kids don’t care about your pace or your finish time, they care about seeing a mum who is joyful, strong, and showing up for herself. Let them be your cheerleaders, not your pressure. Start where you are, with what you have, and let the rest unfold. The hardest part is lacing up, everything after that is a gift.

I had the pleasure of meeting Jenny very early on in my trail running journey. Being so new to the sport, I was given some great advice that I should link up with a "Running Mum" ( I didn't get what that meant at the time) but it was someone who has been running for a long time, was experienced, wise and could look out for me so I don't get ahead of myself (best advice ever). Because when you first begin, it can be overwhelming, you don't really know where to start, how far to go, and what gear you need. So I was introduced to Jenny and soon enough I was out on the trails with her. She was a wealth of knowledge. This is the great thing about trail running and run clubs, is the people you meet. Everyone is so awesome so happy to share information and learnings with you. Jenny is another well known and friendly face in the trail running community. If you see her out on the trails say hello, she is a great person to run with AND she has very impressive cadence!   How long have you been trail running for?  I have been trail running for nearly 20 years!  What got you into trail running? The first trail event I did was the Total Sport Coastal Challenge back in 2006, rock hopping down all the beaches from Long Bay to Devonport.  It was so much more fun than road running, so I signed up for the Xterra trail Series the next year, also run by Total Sport. That was the start of many great adventures!  My husband also runs trails so it has been a shared passion for many years. What has trail running done for you? Trail running has given me a huge appreciation for the outdoors, has made me braver and more adventurous (and I can say this has spilled over into other aspects of my life), has provided some great friendships over the years, and obviously been a huge boost to my physical and mental health. How many kids do you have? I have two grown-up kids, a son aged 34 and a daughter aged 26, they both have lovely partners, and I have a 2.5-year-old granddaughter.  My 26-year-old daughter also runs, she completed her first marathon last year – I am yet to convert her to trails! Biggest highlight in running so far? It is hard to pick biggest highlight so far, however one that is (relatively) recent is a 60km run I did last year to celebrate my 60th birthday.  It was a run I mapped around the North Shore of Auckland, linking about 12 bush reserves and 9 beaches. I was joined by about 50 people over the course of the day, including 3 others who ran the whole distance. My kids and granddaughter were part of the support crew. It was also a fundraiser for the Mental Health Foundation, in memory of my father who died aged 60.  We raised over $8400 and had a big party at the end!  Such a fun day! What's next on your radar in the trail running space? The very big thing on my radar at present is the 100-mile event at the Tarawera Ultra, which I am currently training for. The other thing I am about to take on is a Run Director role at my local parkrun. Parkruns are great for getting families into running, such a great free community-based event.  Volunteering at events is something I enjoy almost as much as running them! Favourite place to run? Naming one favourite place to run is tricky. I have many depending on where I am.  The North Shore trails in Auckland are a go-to. There are some beautiful forests and bush reserves that are relatively unknown and can be linked up for a very decent run.  In the city, the Auckland Domain has some great trails just a short jog from my office. Also I am lucky enough to live near the beach. Love a good low-tide run/rockhopping mission, followed by a swim in summer. Elsewhere in Aotearoa, any of the Wellington trails near the city, so accessible and great views! South Island, too many locations to list! What is your best piece of advice to share with mums hitting the trails? It is so helpful if there is someone in your life who understands and supports you to find the time or to accompany you, whether that is a spouse or partner, or a mate who will join you or share childcare. I was/am very lucky to have a husband who totally gets it and we take it in turns to crew and pace each other for big events, and sometimes even do them together :)  Also find a good tribe to join, a run club or gather a group of mates to hit the trails together.  You can learn so much, from hanging out with others who are doing similar stuff, much as you do when you become a mum and join a parent's group.

If you have spent any time on the trails, chances are you have crossed paths with today's featured mum. She is one of the friendliest, most familiar faces in our trail running community. Someone who is passionate about the sport and is just an awesome person to be around. You also may have heard her over on the Dirt Church Radio podcast talking all things trail.  How long have you been running for? I first had the joy of trail running when I was a teenager, and got back into it properly about 13 years ago.  What got you into trail running? I have always loved the outdoors and adventuring/exploring. It became a fun way to experience new places and made me want to keep going further and seeing new things.  What has trail running done for you? Ahh gosh, that is a big question, it's become my job for the past decade coaching runners. I am on the commentary team at lots of neat events. It's given me a way to explore my body and mind and to push both of their limits but also to fill them with joy, adventure and friendship too. It's helped me see some of the most beautiful sights. It's been a catalyst for some of the best and strongest friendships. It's given me a layer of self belief and resilience that I didn't know I had beforehand.  How many kids do you have? One beautiful boy and two entertaining teenage step daughters.  Biggest highlight in trail running so far? I actually can't even answer it. There are so many highlights for different reasons.  What's next on your radar in the trail running space? I am off to Australia this weekend to MC Ultra Trail Kosciuszko and then on to Whakatu/Nelson to MC at The Spectacle.  Favourite place to run? Everywhere! There are too many beautiful places to name just one.  What is your best piece of advice to share with mums hitting the trails? To remember what the real value of running is, and to avoid getting caught up in negative self talk because of pace/speed. Enjoy those moments for you and engage in our sport in a fun and healthy way. Running can be very black and white, but the thing I love about trail running is that usually people ask you if you had fun or saw that beautiful thing rather than just ask you what time it took you to do it. So remember to have fun and soak up the scenery. 

At mums who trail, we love shining a light on the incredible women in our community. Each mum has her own journey, her own reasons for running, and her own story worth sharing. First up, we have our inspiring trail mum Monique Abercrombie.    How long have you been trail running for? I started running in general in the middle of 2025 as I’d reached the point where I needed something for me that was physical. I had tried structured gym classes but found they weren’t exciting me or motivating me to continue. I often felt left behind fitness wise as it’s fast paced and moving from one activity to the next and my body didn’t agree.  What got you into trail running? I had always loved walking and living in a beautiful part of the city, always saw people running. I thought I’d buy a treadmill to start me off and give me some flexibility being a solo mum with young kids so there was no excuses to start out. After linking up with another mum just starting out, I was brave enough to branch out to running trails with a buddy and fell in love with how it made me feel. Being in nature, appreciating all the little bits of beauty in the bush really motivated me and made me feel peace and energised me in ways I find hard to describe.  What has trail running done for you? Trail running has given me an outlet to recharge my batteries when juggling all the demands of parenthood and life. It helps give me clarity in my thoughts and forces you to sit with yourself and work through hard things. It’s humbling, challenging and rewarding all at once. I’ve never had so much gratitude for this body than I have when I’ve achieved a nice run. As a mum with children with additional needs, you naturally forget to look after yourself and your own mental health so trail running has been so important for me. How many kids do you have? I have 3 children. My youngest son just turned 6, my daughter is 7, and my oldest son is 9. I feel really lucky to co-parent my children in a positive way that allows me to make space for my goals because parenthood is a wild ride and it’s often so hard to juggle all the demands and still find time for yourself.  Biggest highlight in trail running so far? My first trail half at the inaugural Muriwai Half Marathon. Such a stunning course and so proud of myself for doing that. It’s daunting to put yourself out there and try new things but I had so much fun and support and loved it.  What’s next on your radar in the trail running space? Finding like minded people in running, especially mums who just ‘get it’, has given me the courage to back myself and my running bestie and I have committed to doing the Tarawera Ultra in Feb 2026. It was a lofty goal for us, having never really ran at all and we are slowly working towards it. It’s been a wonderful journey of self discovery and I’m excited to push myself in 2026! Favourite place to run? Waitākere! Love the trails in west Auckland as I grew up there and they feel like home. I never knew there were even trails out there so close to your front door but a stunning day in the bush you can’t beat.

I love hearing the stories behind mums who run. This blog series "Inspiration from the trails" has been created to get to know some of our mums in the community. To connect and inspire all trail runners. Today I kick it off on where my journey all started.    How long have you been trail running for? I started trail running in August 2025. My journey was a bit of a slow start, starting with an achilles injury from playing netball. It really was a blessing in disguise, highlighting some weak areas in my body after having children that I really needed to strengthen. It's really important the work you do away from the trails that will show you where you need improving to make you a better runner.  What got you into trail running? I work in conservation and our organisation decided to run a half marathon event to raise funds for kiwi. I have watched my partner trail run for the past 5 years and never felt called to do it. When this came up, it felt like a no brainer to support the important work we are doing and to get out and run in nature for fun. Once I started training for it, I loved it and have never really looked back. That event created a purpose for me to do it and I am glad it did as I am not sure I would be running otherwise. Everyone has their "why" and that was mine. After playing sports for many years before having kids, trail running became the new challenge I didn't know I needed.  What has trail running done for you? One of the biggest things for me is having a stronger purpose to get out and train again. If I am not training for something, training becomes a bit inconsistent with family life. Trail running has connected me with amazing humans, amazing mums and it really has been that energy release of juggling all the things mums do on a day to day basis. Finding active restorative time away from the busyness I'd been craving. It really has brought balance back into my daily routines.   How many kids do you have? I have 2 girls named Willow and Winter. My eldest is almost 5 and my youngest is 3 years old. They both love running and are my biggest fans.  Biggest highlight in trail running so far? My biggest highlight was actually in training. A friend and I who is also a mum decided we would go out to do a 21k run. We'd never run that far before, we'd run 15k once. It was kind of a let's just give it a go and see how we go kind of thing without any expectation (listening to our bodies of course). We'd only be running for about a month and it seemed a little out of this world at the time to be doing something like that. We are 100% planners so we had it all planned out, planned out fuelling etc and soon enough it was over before we knew it. We loved it, it was such a moment, such a sense of accomplishment. There was definitely a wave of emotion that came up being a mum and doing something like that. Life is so busy, there never feels like much time to invest in yourself, chase some goals, train etc. It was a proud moment for sure, in that moment knowing and feeling that we are capable of anything. It was good to feel that feeling again. A timely reminder.  What is next on your radar in the trail running space?  My next event is the Ridge Runner on the Coromandel in preparation for my first 50k ultra at Tarawera next year which I am really looking forward to. My intention with mums who trail will be fully focused on supporting mums and creating opportunities for them in the trail running space. It really inspires me seeing other mums trail running as the challenges to get there are just next level.   Favourite place to run? New Zealand is full of beautiful places to run but I would have to say the Redwood Forest in Rotorua. There is something special about being in the presence of trees hundreds of years older than you, listening to bird song and being under forest canopy. Being deep in nature is very grounding for me.