Multisports: Mike's motivation comes from being a good dad

They say that when you have your first child, life will never be the same again.

That's the case for Mike Buckley, one of the runners in the 3D Rotorua Multisport Festival next weekend.

The 41-year-old teacher, whose wife had their daughter Kara in February, is running to be fit for her future.

"Before we got pregnant, I was gaining weight - I became over 107kg. Forty, fat and unfit was a bad mix," he said.

"I suffer from depression and a sedentary lifestyle certainly adds to mental health issues. When I found out I was going to be a dad I suddenly got a sense of responsibility. I was going to have to provide for her and her mum, be there for her, walk her down the aisle at her wedding.

"I didn't want to be one of the parents I see too often. I wanted to live life with her to the full."

Buckley has lost 16kg to now weigh 91kg, and he wants to lose another 6kg.

He has run two half-marathons in the past month and has 10 more events planned this year, including his first marathon, Round Taupo Bike Race and first triathlon. His ultimate goal is to do an Ironman in 2014.

"I have a reason to keep running ... because Kara needs a dad."

Buckley said having their first child has been wonderful, terrifying, tiring and exciting.

He credits his "understanding and supportive" wife for helping him keep to his training routine.

He has no real goal for the Rotorua festival but can't wait to get involved.

"I just want to have a good time and get muddy," he said.

"This is a fun event for me. It doesn't mean I'm relaxed, I'll get competitive, but only with myself. I just want to see how well I can do."