One last event before the chance to have a kiwi summer

The pull of friends, family & home is real.

While I’ve been enjoying my time in Cape Town and training for this race, there’s been another challenge running in parallel: being away from home and from New Zealand for most of this year. It’s been an incredible season, filled with races, new trails, and unforgettable experiences. From Tarawera and Canyons, Western States to CCC, and most recently, Cappadocia and the Dryland Traverse. I’ve been fortunate to compete, travel, and grow in ways that remind me why I love this sport. Reflecting on this I feel extremely privileged to have had these opportunities.

Yet, even when you’re doing what you love, it’s okay to feel that pull toward home. Over half the year spent abroad means plenty of time to miss the simple things—familiar trails, hobbies and most importantly, my people back home. For sure, being away from Michelle has been hard and is far from ideal. I’m very lucky to have her support on this journey, but looking forward, we are hoping we will have the opportunity to travel a bit more together.

So, as much as I’m ready to race this weekend, I also know it’s time to return to New Zealand. The thought of getting back for the turn of summer (fingers crossed), running the flowy trails (in preparation for next year), and reuniting with Michelle has been a constant source of motivation. You can enjoy the moment you’re in while also being ready to move forward.

Racing is as much about balance as it is about speed, endurance, or strategy. Finding that balance isn’t always easy. For me, UTCT 35 km is the perfect opportunity to give my all on race day while appreciating everything the journey has brought me. And when it’s done, the next step, after a quick campaign shoot, will be getting on that plane for one last shift of long-haul travel for the year.

For anyone else out there racing this weekend or preparing for their own adventure. Whether that is traveling for work, racing or embarking on other endeavours, I hope you find your own balance—the push and pull between challenge and reward, between the trail ahead and the quiet pull of home. It’s a reminder that you can be fully present in the moment while also knowing when it’s time to return to your roots. That’s the real lesson of the long run.

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