I’m originally from the UK, but I’ve lived in Fiji for 20 years. Fiji is definitely home! I don’t think of myself as a runner.
I’ve always enjoyed being on the move and used to look forward to playing wing for my soccer team.
Now I have quite a few more grey hairs, running is the way I keep fit, but it’s also a great way to explore new places and see things from a different perspective.
The Namosi Challenge has become an iconic event in Fiji’s running calendar.
The chance to get in amongst Namosi’s dramatic landscape and share that experience with hundreds of other runners is really special as well as the welcome we get from all of the communities we pass through.
My favourite memory of every run isn’t the run, but sitting with my feet in the cool river, a bu in hand, and soaking in the post-race vibes of all these amazing people buzzing from their achievement.
I’m not a proper long distance runner and I’m wary of Namosi’s hills!
So, I’m more than happy with the challenge of the Namosi 10km.
I try and run 3-5km, 2 to 3 times a week, so preparation for me means upping one of those runs to an 8-10km, just to make sure I’ve got the distance in my legs.
I love the outdoors, and I love hiking. My motivation for running is simply so that I can stay fit and explore the world around us for as long as possible!
My longest official race has been the Tikitapu 21km event near Rotorua.
But, my toughest runs, have been here in Fiji. I’ve been lucky to be able to scope (and get lost along the way) a number of trails here on Viti Levu.
But, the heat and humidity can make them brutal. I remember a 20+ km test route we did over the shoulder of the Nakauvadra range and across the Yaqara cattle ranch. I wasn’t happy.
But, as soon as you finish, those endorphins kick in and you want to do it all over again.
Starting running is hard—even after a short break, it feels uncomfortable.
But once you crest that initial hump and can enjoy a stunning sunrise or flock of kula birds overhead, you’re hooked.
There are some great Couche to 5k programmes out there that new runners can follow.
I’m really looking forward to Namosi this year. One of my oldest friends is bringing his family over to Fiji from the US for a holiday and we’ve formed a team for the 10k.
I can’t wait to see him and his eldest son marvel at Namosi’s wonders!
