get to know your clubbie - 2km's with vance hetariki

​What’s your favourite way to spend a weekend?
My favourite way to the start my weekend is volunteering at my local Parkrun. I so enjoy hanging out with people with the same passion and positive attitudes, it really does set my mindset for the weekend.
 
What type of music are you into while running, if any?
When I do run with music I use Spotify and find electronic/dance party tracks get my into my running rhythm.

What was the best running vacation you ever took and why?
In 2016 I traveled through Tuscany, Italian region, one of my favourite places to stay was Montepulciano town which was on a hill, the views were amazing and the open sparse country roads was so awesome to run. The wine from this region is sought after worldwide. Florence was my next best place for running, so much history.
 
Where’s the next place on your running travel bucket list and why?
My next trip will be back in Europe, I’m planning to go to Italy and Greece 2020. I love the Italian culture and the people are so open, caring and authentic, I have never been to Greece so will be tagged onto the Italy trip.
 
How did you get into running?
Growing up in Wellington, New Zealand had fantastic opportunities to run in our beautiful and open trails in my neighborhood. At school I was involved in track and field, and of course played rugby, so running was a natural thing that we did.
 
What was the last race you’ve done?
This year I competed in the Australia/New Zealand Spartan age group Sprint series [5-7km distance and 20 obstacles], had a blast and learnt so much about myself and my abilities to push through things I didn’t think I could do.
 
Would you say you’re more of an extrovert or an introvert, and how does it relate to your running?
Depending on the context I can be either, I think I’m more of an extrovert at work and social environments. When it comes to running I tend to be introvert as I'm thinking about how my body is responding to the running.
 
What’s your favourite thing about running?
What I so enjoy about running is I feel centered, in that I feel so in tune with what’s happening in my life, I seem to solve problems and come up with amazing ideas about work situations and life in general.
 
What annoys you most?
People at the gym hogging weight machines, they are looking at their phone’s or discussing world issues with their mates, I guess they maybe looking for motivation or something!
 
What’s the running highlight you’re most proud of?
I have lots of recent highlights as I believe they are who I am now, but in saying that my most proud moment that I can remember was my track and field sprint race at a school sport carnival, my mum and dad were their to see me do so well.
 
Do you think you’ll stay at your current distance awhile? Why or why not? I generally run up to 10k competitions/events as it seems to suit my personality. 2020 I will attempt the Spartan Super series which is 10km and 30 obstacles. Adding the obstacles will bring new challenges with the event now longer in duration.
 
What race is next for you?
2020 Australian/New Zealand Spartan Super series.
 
Are you more of a “run to relax” or a “run to get it done with” type of person?
Both, most of the time run to relax.
 
How much time do you spend running in a week?
I try and run about 40-50 km’s a week, I have learnt variety is the key for me, so I enjoy different terrain, distances and intensity.
 
What is your favourite regular course and why?
At the moment Mt-Cootha, why? because the openness, peacefulness and varying terrain and it’s a Sunday fun day run so easy day!
 
Were you running growing up?
Yes, growing up in the weekends we had running races with our neighbor's and at school lunchtime was the best time out on the playground field.
 
What is your definition of a perfect run?
I’m not sure, I don’t think I have experienced the perfect run yet!
 
What (running related) are you most proud of in the last year?
Spartan series, it is so related to life, each day we face obstacles, physical/emotional and it requires a response, you either overcome the obstacle or it beats you. The ultimate outcome is you learn from the obstacle experience and become a stronger better person.
 
What runs makes you feel most accomplished?
400’s workout, because they are the toughest to stay focused and when the session is  done feel so pumped.
 
Who (running related) do you admire most in the world?
Peter Snell, I found so much information from his book, No bugles no drums
 
If you were to win a race price money, what would you do with it?
Buy a pair of running shoes and look at planning the next running race.
 
What race or run do you regret not doing in the last year?
Last year Queenstown half marathon.
 
What race or run is on your bucket list?
I would like to do a half marathon some where in Italy
 
If you see a puddle on the ground, do you run around it, over it or get straight into it? 
I would run around, if I was a school no question, straight into it.
 
If you could have a super power, what would it be?
Superman, flying 
 
If you could go back to anytime in history, where would you go?
Roaring 20s’ New York
 
If you got to name a new race, how would you decide what to call it?
I would name the run after the community and its people
 
What would be the title of your running book?
Express yourself and be you
 
Do you have a favourite, book, blog or running resource you use?
Goggins #canthurtme and Lionel Sanders #nolimits