A question I'm often asked...
How my hobbies fuel my running
The prompting of this article actually came from a question that I’ve been asked many many times… Are strict are you with nutrition? Or, do you have a special diet? I always reply with the same statement, “ahh not really. I just eat enough food and try eat half decent food”. But, what I’ve realised lately is that I actually am very fortunate with the food that makes up a big part of my diet and it is special.
Trail running is more than just a sport—it’s an instinct, a passion, and now, for me, a full-on career. When your passion becomes your profession, it can easily become all-encompassing. But for me, the long hours spent on the trails have always been balanced by other outdoor pursuits. This article explores how these activities not only provide valuable cross-training but also fuel my endurance endeavours.
We’re incredibly lucky in New Zealand to have access to some of the best diving, fishing, and hunting in the world. Not only that, but we can enjoy these pursuits with relatively few restrictions. For me, these activities aren’t just hobbies or recreational pastimes—they provide direct access to high-quality protein that supports my recovery and performance. Here’s how each of them plays a role in my journey as an ultra-runner.
Diving: Harvesting from the Ocean
Freediving allows me to source my own seafood, whether it’s spearfishing or diving for crayfish and pāua. There’s something incredibly rewarding about catching my own food—it makes me appreciate every meal and understand the effort required to bring food to the table.
Being underwater is a completely foreign environment, especially for someone like me who considers himself an average swimmer. It takes a lot of practice just to become comfortable in the water, let alone develop the skills to dive, hunt, and successfully bring something home. Beyond the satisfaction of harvesting my own meals, seafood provides great fuel for recovery and sustained energy. The time spent diving also builds lung capacity and mental clarity—both of which translate well to running, especially when carrying gear and the day’s catch over rugged shorelines.
Fishing: A Rich Source of Recovery Fuel
Fishing isn’t just about the catch—it’s also about the time spent outdoors, unwinding and enjoying nature. Unlike diving, which can be physically demanding, fishing offers a more relaxed way to reset mentally while still engaging with the elements.
Beyond its nutritional benefits, fishing provides a mental reset. Time spent on the water offers a welcome break from the intensity of training. Unlike diving, which demands full focus and effort, fishing is more relaxed and social—you can actually chat with friends while waiting for a bite. I still love getting out there, enjoying the process, and appreciating the time in nature.
Hunting: High-Quality Protein for Endurance
Hunting is perhaps more controversial than diving or fishing, but in New Zealand, it’s a necessity. I grew up hunting, helping with pest control (possums, stoats, rats, etc.), and joining my dad, who was a goat culler for a while. Over time, I came to appreciate hunting not just as a responsibility but as a means of obtaining some of the most nutrient-dense, high-quality meat available.
Venison, in particular, is a lean source of protein and iron, both of which support muscle recovery and endurance. Unlike store-bought meat, wild game is free from additives and processing. With a newly purchased chest freezer, we can now rely on a successful hunting trip to provide us with months’ worth of high-quality food.
Hunting is also physically demanding, requiring endurance, patience, and resilience—much like ultra-running. The long treks through rugged terrain mimic the challenges I face in races, making it a natural extension of my training. I vividly remember one particularly grueling hunt where I butchered two animals and carried a 45kg pack out of the Tararua Range on a 10-hour hike—all under a time crunch to make it back for a wedding reception that evening. We got it done.
The Bigger Picture
These hobbies aren’t just about recreation—they play a crucial role in how I fuel my body for performance. Diving, fishing, and hunting give me access to high-quality protein sources that aid in recovery, reduce inflammation, and keep me performing at my best.
As much as I love running, I know that what I put into my body is just as important as the miles I log. Having direct access to fresh, natural food means I’m fuelling with quality ingredients that support both my training and long-term health. And, to be honest, I just love gathering and sharing this amazing food with friends—knowing exactly where it comes from makes it even more special.
With that said, I’m off to enjoy one last meal of fresh fish tonight. And who knows—maybe tomorrow we’ll treat ourselves with some Thai for a bit of a date night as we support the Warriors in their second round match vs Manly. Probably, while I throw some last-minute things together before I head to Europe on Saturday.
If you’ve got any hobbies that help sustain or balance your endurance journey, let me know in the comments.
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Appreciate the support!
Super fun seeing this passion in person and diving for fish together! I love your awareness of the energy cycle - you expend energy collecting energy in a meaningful and more sustainable way, and in return you get the physiological and psychological benefits from collecting and eating the energy.
This is awesome! I love ALL parts of the outdoors. I'm just getting into endurance running, but fish. dive, surf, hunt! I think somehow its all deeply connected!