Tanya Bottomley is an ultra-adventure athlete, coach and storyteller based in Wanaka, New Zealand. We had the pleasure of sitting down with Tanya to talk all things running, layering and persistence – and we got so much more.
I started running 17 years ago at a pretty low point in my life. My sister suggested running a marathon – which I thought was crazy as I had never run before! But, I had nothing to lose and decided to give it a go. I ran the Auckland marathon 3 months later, completing the half marathon distance and have been running ever since. My running started as a way to escape my life, these days it’s a celebration of my life, and I love it more everyday.
I mainly run on trails and enjoy ultra distance events, though I love a good easy run just taking in the views and enjoying the act of running whatever the distance.
What drives you to get out of your comfort zone?
Initially it was to build confidence and self worth, and I still see each physical challenge as a chance to thrive in a new area of growth for me. The physical challenge of running is very much linked with my personal development journey. I was and also remain very much driven to push outside my comfort zone as a means to show other people that if I can do it, then so can they.
These days, I have pushed outside my comfort zone so many times and seen the amazing growth that comes from achieving things you never thought possible for yourself that it’s become somewhat of a game for me, it’s fun to see just what else is possible!
Can you give some advice to people who want to start running, but may not know where to begin?
Just start, it doesn’t have to be a long distance! Go – slowly and gently build up the distance. Approach it with curiosity and a sense of play – because it can be! Oh, and if it feels really hard and uncomfortable – just slow it down a little bit, start at a level where you can breathe freely even if that’s not much more than a walk – training is not a race.
Do you use a running clothing layering system and if so, how and why do you use layers to your advantage?
Yes! I live in an alpine town – and I hate being cold! Ha! So layers are my best friend. I have my running crop, then often a singlet or t-shirt, and then more layers depending on where I’m at! At lake level it’s usually a short sleeve, jacket and gloves, up high in the mountains there can be three more layers, windbreaker, puffy and thermal – then there’s buffs and hats when it’s really cold!
Can you share a piece of advice that has stuck with you?
It was on a podcast where the idea of running from a place of love rather than pain was first presented to me and it’s been the focus of my work and running since then. It totally changes the feel of the activity from running away from the person you are to running towards the person you can be. It’s about thinking about who get to be through the process and being focused on thinking and behaving like her.
Do you have a favourite source of information, and can you please share it to help the person reading this with their journey?
When I first started I found the Wild Things New Zealand website and trail guide really helpful in planning my running, they also have a great community on Facebook where you can go and ask questions.
Where can the community find you?
Im on IG and FB @runliketanya and I’m online at www.tanyabottomley.co.nz I have a free community I am launching soon to provide information tips and tricks for people looking to achieve their running goals from a place of possibility, hope and joy – building confidence and experiencing personal transformation along the way
