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.