Miller-Clendon has a fierce attitude to those who quaver at living the best life they can. "Beating the odds has made me question life's complainers and those who say, 'I'd like to but I can't because ...' - They can't see how lucky they are."
She has no intention of letting the NYC Marathon be a swansong. "Achieving my initial goal has only given me a greater appreciation of what I have gained. I don't want to look back and wish that I had continued fighting rather than rested on my laurels. I have to keep running until I can't run anymore. I've already got five marathons and a few half marathons lined up for 2016. Every time I stand on the start line I am raising a middle finger to MS and saying, 'You haven't got the better of me'."
July 2015: Ocean swim helps endure dark days
Taunting and bullying characterised the best part of Nic McCloy's life for 30 years: unsurprisingly, she entered adulthood suffering anxiety and depression. A fragile exterior belied the author's resilience: deep down, McCloy knew she had the power to change her life and in 2012 she quietly set about doing that. She returned to a childhood passion - swimming - and began training for long-distance open water events. This year, McCloy attended her fourth Samoa Swim Series. She's normally one of the last out of the water and sometimes has a DNF (Did Not Finish) recorded against her name, but was delighted to complete all three swims mid-pack.
The joy of giving away the "wooden spoon" pales in comparison to the advances McCloy has made in her personal journey of discovery. "The series really has been life-changing for me. Now, I'm much more confident both in the water and on land. Along with the confidence has come a new sense of resilience. Things that would have really upset me in the past don't faze me anymore.
"As an introvert, the solitary nature of swimming has always been a big draw for me. Now I have got confidence to swim with other people and am gathering a wee group of training buddies, which I love."
McCloy is firmly in the driver's seat - she knows who she is, and what makes her happy. "A long, hot summer of swimming is ahead! I've just done the Auckland Harbour Crossing, and have entered the remaining five events in the Ocean Swim Series. I'm especially looking forward to swimming with friends in Wellington and Christchurch, new events for me. My other favourite event is the Hamilton Five Bridges swim - 7km of Waikato River magic. And, of course, my fifth Samoa Swim Series in August. This time I'm planning to change things up with a long course or two. A few years ago that would have been completely unthinkable for me. I love that now I don't have to think twice about saying I'll do it."
June 2015: Running to celebrate end of the cruelty
Sophia Walker set herself a formidable goal: to run 150km out-and-back along Auckland's Hillary Trail in the depths of winter. The tiny 34-year-old ran to raise funds and awareness for Women's Refuge NZ after her own dream marriage collapsed in a nightmare of emotional abuse and confusion. Rather than viewing the run as an ordeal, she saw it as a celebration.
"It was a celebration of leaving a relationship that was hurtful and disempowering. The guts, determination and humility it took to complete that beast of a run were nothing compared to what it took to end my marriage and start a new life."
Walker counsels anyone in an abusive relationship to seek support, stating: "You cannot do this alone."
She draws parallels to her epic traverse: "The trail-running community helped me get through the run and were a pivotal part in raising funds and awareness for Women's Refuge. Thanks to them, we opened a dialogue about a very difficult subject.
"Breaking the silence and reaching out for support is an essential part of ending domestic abuse and healing from the trauma it causes. I'm grateful that I've been able to play a part in helping women do that - it made all the blood, sweat, tears (and snot) left on the Double Hillary worth it!"
Walker continues to run, climb and seek adventure: for now, she is excited about a pending move to Nelson, where she will be closer to her beloved mountains.
"Running the Double Hillary fundamentally changed the way I relate to myself. I'd stopped trusting my gut instinct. It's a bit like learning to walk again - awkward and scary at first, but it starts to feel more natural and exciting over time. The best part of this journey has been the feeling of genuinely connecting with people and being myself again - it's such a joy and a relief."
Coming up
Today
Run and Obstacle
King and Queen of the Mount; 4.5k, 3k - Mount Maunganui
Tomorrow
Multisport and Triathlon
Lake Hayes Tri; NZ's oldest surviving triathlon - Lake Hayes, Queenstown
Run and Obstacle
Quest Summer 2015; 21k, 10k, 5k - Cromwell, Central Otago
Wednesday 30th December
Cycle and mountain bike
Bannockburn MTB Classic; 35k, 22k, 10k - Bannockburn, Queenstown