From Run Club To Race Day, A Kiwi’s Journey To The London Marathon

The clock's ticked over and it’s 4:45am. Are you in bed fast asleep, in the Uber home with fries, or are you warming up for the first run of the rest of your life? That's exactly what 445 run crews in Auckland, Hamilton and Wellington are doing every Friday morning. Run clubs are experiencing an absolute boom and for good reason. Fitspo is dead—and real, authentic, cool breeze, crisp air, blood pumping, good-for-you activity is in. 

Travis Ovalsen is one of the 445 Run Club Auckland leads, taking walk the talk to new heights. On the 21st of April, our mates over at New Balance are giving him a priceless experience: to run the London Marathon. In less than two years, Travis has gone from tying his first laces to jumping on board one of the world's biggest running events. This everyday Kiwi is living proof that if you run, you're a runner. 

We chatted with Travis during his pre-marathon training on how he got into running, staying motivated and how important it is for both body and mind. Here’s the low down: 

Let’s go right to the beginning, can you tell us a bit about yourself and why you got into running?

I began running just under 2 years ago. How or why did it come about in my life? One of my best friends had died by suicide and I was at a pretty dark point. Running gave me a sense that I could do more with my life, and that I could inspire and help others through running for their mental health.

Can you explain the relationship running and mental health have for you? 

Running helps my mental health. It sets me free. It’s a form of therapy where I can drop everything I’m doing and just clear my mind. There’s a sense that I can push myself to the very limit of my capabilities and achieve amazing things, helping me create the life that I want.

What keeps you motivated and how can people find their motivation?

You gotta find your purpose, your ‘why’, and if it’s strong enough, you shouldn’t need any further motivation. In practice, motivation runs out but if you have a ‘why’ you do something, a purpose that is strong enough, you’ll keep doing your thing. For me, I strive to be better than what I was and help inspire those around me to move their bodies, and improve their physical and mental health.

Must-haves in your running playlist?

You have to have Fred again..! It's literally my go-to that gets me moving and grooving haha. 

What advice would you give to someone who is just starting on their running journey?

Set yourself a goal of what you want to achieve and then find people you can run with, it makes achieving them so much easier.

What are your top 3 running goodies you couldn’t hit the road without? 

1. My New Balance 1080’s v13.

2. My racer sunglasses—they give me plus 5 speed haha. 

3. And of course, an attitude that I’m grateful that I get to move my body today.

Can you tell me about the 445 Club and what the running community in Aotearoa is like?

The NZ 445 Run Club is a truly special place for me and where I call home. We’re a community that meets at 4:45am and gets moving at 5:00am every Friday—rain, hail, or shine. There are no excuses, we show up and get it done! 20 minutes one way, 20 minutes back, whether you’re running, walking or jogging, it’s just about showing up for you and moving.

Then we share gratitude, have ocean swims and have real chats over good coffee. The club is a safe space to get uncomfortable, meet like-minded humans and push yourself to do something new.

What does being able to run in the London Marathon mean to you?

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, a dream come true! I’m truly grateful, it shows me that you don’t have to be an elite runner to get given these opportunities. It shows me that New Balance is so much more than just a brand trying to generate business, they care about people, they care about the community and what I stand for—uplifting people to get up and move their bodies. For a normal person like myself to be able to do amazing things, I hope it inspires others to get up and out there doing their own amazing things.

How have you been training for the London marathon and has it differed from your previous marathons? 

I’m on a 16-week training programme. To help me for the London Marathon, I’ve incorporated a lot of cross-training like cycling and swimming. 

What has helped you reach that next level of performance? 

Learning that rest and sleep are very important to your training too.

Travis’ Top Tips On Preparing For A Marathon: 

1. Get your nutrition right.

2. Rest and recover well (sleep).

3. Make your easy days easy and your hard days hard.

4. Have balance in your life, it’s okay to have a rest day and catch up with friends, you’re not an elite athlete.

5. Organise your weeks and include meal prep, training, work, and meetings with friends and family, this will relieve so much stress. 

You can follow Travis’ training journey on his Instagram here. And while you're at it, check out 445 Run Club to find your nearest crew. 

Has Travis inspired you to give running a go? Us too. Get prepped to hit the pavement with New Balance and their full range here. All the kit you need to run your way, taking you from run club to race day. 

Editor's note: This article is sponsored by New Balance and proudly endorsed by Urban List. Thank you for supporting the sponsors who make Urban List possible. Click here for more information on our editorial policy.

Image Credit: New Balance