Is running the new golf?

Queenstown Missions

Don’t miss the AMA session tonight (Thursday 26th @ 7:30pm NZT). We’ll be discussing race, training and rest strategies in the lead-up to the Queenstown Marathon and Kepler. Plus any other questions you have to help with your running

Queenstown, Cramp, Rolled Ankles and Beers

Last week I had the pleasure of doing what I do most days (run) but this time it was in the beautiful setting of Queenstown and with a bunch of runners who were in town for the NZ Private Capital conference.

You’ve probably read that and aside from the jealousy of a weekday run in Queenstown, nothing really stands out. But bear with me!

This was the first time I’d encountered running being included as a networking opportunity around a conference. You hear so much about golf being the sport for business and networking (and I don’t doubt that’s true) but getting the chance to link up with people with a like-minded interest and to share stories and struggles over a long run (and obligatory debrief at the bar afterward) was a really cool experience.

I really like the fact that I needed to include the word struggle, as this is probably the one word that made the run such a valuable experience.

Within the group, there were a range of fitness levels and experience, but there was a shared understanding that we would stick together and enjoy the run in these incredible surroundings. After setting off together, the group split in two so that some could summit Ben Lomond and the “runners” could run along Moonlight track through to Arthurs Point and back to Queenstown. A 24km loop.

Getting to the crest of Ben Lomond isn’t the easiest warm-up so the likelihood of everyone finding the run comfortable was always going to be slim. Not long after we got our trot on, cramp claimed its first victim. The cramp was probably bearable, but combined with a rolled ankle, the group’s pace really slowed down. This is where the value of the word “struggle” comes to the fore. When a group needs to rally around its members, you get the chance to strengthen ties with everyone. Spirits need to be kept high, considerations of others made and this ability to band together gives you a great chance to connect with everyone in the group.

For me, that meant discovering that in my role at Sharesies I had been emailing regularly with a lawyer who was on the run and that a co-founder of a kiwi start-up that I had started initial partnership discussions with was in the group. A small place NZ!

By sharing this 3 hour + experience on the trails meant we could get stuck into some really good conversations over some beers in the evening. Some of the tales from the trails became a bit exaggerated but the over-riding feeling was that this was a valuable experience for all involved. It definitely got me thinking on the way home. Could running be the new golf? Could it be the place where knowledge is shared, introductions are made and business opportunities arise?

I certainly got that feeling from my time down in Queenstown. Maybe something to consider for your next conference?

Thanks to Paul Carman from Private Capital Group for getting me involved in this initiative and his kind words.

“We had the chance to take some friends and clients on a little mission up to Ben Lomond and around Bowen Peak. The usual collection of weekend warriors and grizzled multi-sport types. It was a real treat to have Dan put us through our paces and support us all when we most needed it. The tips and tricks Dan helped us with were awesome and the feedback we received from the group was outstanding. Definitely a day to add to our annual calendar at the very least”

I’ll definitely be available for the next one!

Don’t miss the AMA session tonight. We’ll be discussing race, training and rest strategies in the lead-up to the Queenstown Marathon and Kepler. Plus any other questions you have to help with your running