Why We Run – Alex Murphy
Why We Run – Alex Murphy
Why We Run is a new series from Like the Wind magazine that explores the personal reasons people lace up and head out. Read on to hear from runners around the world.
ALEX MURPHY
QUICK BIO
📍 Where you run
Brisbane, Australia
👟 How often you run
4-5 days a week (more if I’m training for a race, less if I’m not!)
🎶 What you’re listening to on a run
Nature
📸 Favourite running photo of yourself, or view from a run
LtW editor Alex Roddie captured a great photo of me crossing the line at UTMB. Kneeling on the blue carpet, he was the first person to welcome me ‘home’ from the loop.
How often and where do you run?
Most days, I love to run the trails of the D’Aguilar NP and Mount Coot-tha Forest park, just behind my house. The trail network near me in Brisbane is fantastic and you can go for 5–100kms from my front door.
What first got you into running?
A non-running friend told me that she was going to run a half-marathon, so we trained and did it together. I promised my wife I would never do a half-marathon ever again. And I never have… though I now run ultras!
Why do you keep running now?
I run to be with my mates. I run for headspace. I run to explore new places. I run to challenge myself physically and mentally. And it keeps me balanced and my showering regular!
Do you run with others or solo?
Mostly alone but will join group training runs and always the Friday coffee Loopy.
Any rituals, gear, or quirks?
Body glide for anything over 15kms. A tub of ice cream after anything over 80kms!
Is there a specific run or running moment that stands out to you?
The first time I ran the Snowdon Horseshoe. A really good friend took me up to north Wales and we had the clearest day. Running along Crib Goch was unforgettable with the view of the mountains ahead, punctuated by the 800m drop either side of me!
How does running fit into the rest of your life?
Running is a huge part of my life. I often run at 5am to get it in around work and family life but I’ll skip going to the pub or staying out late if I have a good long run in the morning.
What runner would you love to hear answer this series next?
David Roche!
If you’d like to take part in the Why We Run series, we’d love to hear from you. It’s as easy as completing this form.