Initially, she took part as a walker. She enjoyed it enough to go back.
"They told us that any beginner who did seven out of the nine Trout Flys could win a free membership with the club, so that was my goal."
Next the club started talking about the running clinics and her Nana introduced her to the convenor.
Aitchison wondered if she could aim for a 10km event. But on the first trial run, her pace placed her in Kerris Browne's group, who were all aiming for either a half or full marathon.
"I remember my first long Sunday run, we went forever out the back of the Redwoods down the Wash Rd. It took us one-and-a-half hours and then I learned we had done 12km already. I was really freaked out and buzzing."
Not long after, she gave the quarter marathon a go.
"I have learned to start out really slow and just gradually speed up as your body gets going. In March that year, I did the Kingsgate quarter marathon. I went slow for so long, just spotting people in front and slowly catching them. Then the last 3km I boosted it and sprinted the last 300m to the finish.
"I was really puffed but I did it in one hour exactly, so I was really surprised and happy."
Aitchison won her free membership with the club that year.
There is still time to join the 10km, half marathon or full marathon clinics at the Lake City Athletic Club, if you have been doing some running. For more information contact Jodie on (021) 970 482 or email lakecitymarathonclinic@gmail.com.