Running alone is something Sue Hunter is used to. While it can be lonely, she's in her happy place – grateful to be out in nature and, quite frankly, above ground.
Hunter said for a big chunk of her life, health and fitness was non-existent.
"No one told me at any stage how close to death I was – and that was when I was in hospital with blood clots on my lungs."
The 43-year-old mother of three was a heavy smoker and drinker with a poor diet.
"I would drive to the opposite side of the block for a pack of cigarettes and drive back again. I'd park in the closest carpark to any door. If it actually required me walking around I wouldn't do it."
Hunter turned her life around 12 years ago. After meeting her husband Steve, she discovered running.
"I did my first event, the Tough Guy, back in 2012 and then just got the bug, the finish line bug," she said.
"I was training and coaching from my husband back then. It was increasing my finish line distance. We went from 6km to 12km, straight to a half [marathon] then into a full. And it's just been a case of challenging myself ever since."
Now a personal trainer and runner, Hunter's representing New Zealand at next weekend's gruelling 24-Hour Asia and Oceania Championships in Canberra.
It's her fourth 24-hour event and second time wearing the Kiwi uniform.
When asked how it feels to wear the silver fern, Hunter said she's still waiting for someone to say they've made a mistake and sent the wrong suit.
"It still doesn't feel real although it's the second time wearing it now. It's complete pride, utter amazement."
While completing the long race is the top priority, she's chasing higher honours, pushing to qualify for next year's 24-hour world championships.
"I want to make it to the world's team for next year. I know it's cliché but trying to make my kids happy, late teenagers, so impressing them is pretty hard.
"You've got to run a set distance. I think last time it was 150km and then there's certain placings that you need as well."
It may seem daunting, but Hunter will be tackling the race head-on with a smile on her face.
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