Ariane Nicholson is not only a Commonwealth Games athlete and an elite pro boxer but also a newly enthusiastic half marathon runner. We had the pleasure of sitting down with Ariane to chat about her journey.
Can you share your journey into running and what initially sparked your passion to enter a half marathon?
Tbh running has been my arch enemy for as long as I can recall…! Boxing is my primary sport but with that running plays a very crucial roll! Running is required to maintain a high level of fitness so it’s not always been an enjoyable experience. My (boxing) coach doesn’t really like when I run more than about 8kms so a half marathon was definitely not in the program lol But has been on my bucket list for so long!
If you know my journey? You know I started from a ‘darker’ place! I was extremely over weight, with very unhealthy habits and deep in depression. One day something inside me snapped!!! I’d had enough of living this way! Every night after work I would hīkoi about 5kms loop, slowly that turned into hīkoi/jogging, then eventually I could run my whole ol’ country road. Thats when I decided to enter into my local City to surf running event in Mt Maunganui… 5kms was a HUGE freaking deal!!! It seemed so unachievable at the time but I craved the goal so there I was… entered ready or not!
Having competed for New Zealand at the Commonwealth Games in boxing, how did your training for that event differ from your training for this race?
It was completely different. Running is literally just running! (for me atm anyway lol) That may sound totally outrageous or perhaps a lot naive to running as a sport, but at any point if you so choose you can just stop running! Boxing on the other hand… if you drop your hand you get punched in the face!
What lessons from your experience in boxing have you applied to running, and how can these insights encourage someone to take on a new sport or challenge?
DISCIPLINE! They both require it! I saw a post the other day that said ‘no one starts at the top remember that’ – Glenn Azar
How did you balance intense training with recovery to ensure you’re fully prepared for race day?
Eeerm, honestly I wasn’t prepared at all! My friend talked me into entering literally the day before! So I just carb loaded HARD not well might add.
During training, what are the signs that tell you whether you’re pushing too hard or not enough?
Being in-tune with your own body is super important, even just for everyday life. In regards to fatigue or injury… if it’s persistent or ongoing that is when I seek professional advice. You really need to be honest with yourself, sometimes the mind gives up long before the body actually does.
What role does nutrition play in your training regimen, and how do you adjust your diet to ensure peak performance?
Nutrition! That’s a biggie. It’s something that I really struggle with. Fuelling my body right is so very important and I am definitely still working on it. I learnt that I have disordered eating habits I’m not quite sure why I didn’t realise this on my own but whilst in therapy it was discovered that my thoughts around food and habits weren’t ‘normal’ healthy ones.
I truly believe that my involvement in sports has helped me navigate my way through this and with the unconditional support from my incredible partner who takes on the responsibility of the weekly grocery and cooking of meals is helping me to overcome this.
How do you adapt your training plan if you’re dealing with an injury or setback?
Again listen to your body.
If you are injured… that’s really tough. You have to take on the advice of the professionals but if it’s a setback you really need to quit the mind! And re-establish what your goals are and what you really want.
Can you walk us through your pre-race routine and how it helps you feel ready and confident?
Pre race routine = It’s 100% normal to feel nervous when you’re about to do something out of the ordinary or out of your comfort zone.
My very first international fights I was SO NERVOUS!! I was literally in tears. My coach for that tournament (Craig) said to me…“you know the feelings of being nervous and the feeling of being excited are the same thing!” And that has stuck with me forever.
What are your essential pieces of running gear, and how do they contribute to your preparation and performance?
CLIQUE in every form!
No BS though, I have tried a plethora of different athletic/athleisure wears and I always gravitate back to my OG cliques. I literally have all the kinds…. Ima black and white girlie at heart
In regards to running specific items. Shoes are Hoka Bondi 8, (LOVE!) Running vest (borrowed from a friend) Patagonia slop runner vest (slaps) SIS nutrition gels, (lifesavers) Sunnies Tekkers eyewear, headphones from the warehouse, Spotify playlist of choice, a MUST
What advice would you give to new runners about assessing their progress and knowing when they’re ready for their first race?
I think for most people. You will never feel ready, You will never fell fit enough, You will never feel like you’ve banked enough kms ETC! So just feel the fear and do it anyway! The beginning is different for everyone, you just have to make the decision to start.
How do you handle competition/race-day jitters, and what techniques do you use to stay calm and focused?
It really depends on the sport… with boxing the start time is soooo much later eg 9pm at the very earliest most of my Pro fights have been after 11pm so my moto is Naps & Snacks. Running is a different beast… who actually has the brain power to think at that time of the AM?! definitely not me!!! I just RUN!
What advice would you give to someone looking to step out of their comfort zone and try something new, like entering their first race?
WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? Honestly though… what’s the worst thing that could happen? You might prove yourself right! Better yet, You might inspire someone!!
I have a tattoo on my calf… BE BRAVE! It has paved my way many times
Where can people follow your journey and find more insights into your fitness and experiences?
I mostly share on Instagram @ariane_nicholson_ and sometimes TikTok @ariane_nicholson.
