Running sorts out dad's life

Murray Pimm and his son Kairon are entering this year's Hawke's Bay Today Country 2 Coast. PHOTO / FILE

Two years ago Murray Pimm did no exercise.

He did enjoy sport, he says, but from the couch, in front of the TV.

Now, he runs, cycles, swims, has completed his first IronMan event and will line up with his wife Rachelle, son Kairon, 11, and daughter India, 8, to take part in the Hawke's Bay Today Country2Coast run/walk on Sunday, April 26.

It all started when Murray decided to "sort myself out for the kids".

"I wanted to spend more time with them, doing more than just sitting on the couch watching movies".

Initially, Murray started running but found he kept getting injured, so he started swimming instead, at the Onekawa pools. Then he started cycling and shortly after started running as well.

"My running is still coming along slowly, but I am getting there."

Last year he won a family entry into the Country2Coast and not only ran the 15km section with Kairon, but the pair of them also ran home afterwards.

"Kairon used to play football and rugby but since we've been running he's really taken off.
"He's a good runner and he's become my inspiration - I can't keep up with him.

"Kairon doesn't have a PlayStation and he's saved his pocket money for things like a heart-rate-monitor watch and a wetsuit, so he can do triathlons. The four of us bike ride every weekend, Kairon and I go off to do some speed work, then we meet up with Rachelle and India for an ice cream."

Both children are now keen triathletes, competing in the HB Kids' Triathlon series and Kairon has ambitions to one day compete in an IronMan event.

What started out with Murray wanting to get fitter and healthier for the kids has led to more than he expected. He has lost 30kg in 18 months and he says his life has completely changed.

"It's a whole new world. I have a whole new life. I just had to make a decision to change - and do it. Once I got past that barrier, and some initial injuries, I get more stressed now if I don't do some exercise. And if I can do it with the kids - that's cool."

The family is looking forward to taking part in the Hawke's Bay Today Country2Coast.
"It's a really social event, a lot of fun. We're having a family day out. Kairon and I will run the 15km section, India and Rachelle will do the 8km and we'll have a picnic at the end.
"Then - depending on how much we've eaten, Kairon and I might run home again."

The Hawke's Bay Today Country2Coast is on Sunday April 26. There are distances of 8km, 15km and 20km. Enter at www.country2coast.co.nz