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A group of Coasties, all from the construction industry, regularly run together.
One of them, Michael Goudie, says it’s more than just an opportunity to exercise, it’s a chance to connect, talk, check-in, and support each other.
“We all work in the construction sector, and the pressures of our jobs can be overwhelming at times,” he says.
Recently, they decided to take on the American motivator Dave Goggins’ 4 x 4 x 48 challenge. It involves running four miles (6.5 km) every four hours for 48 hours straight (78km in total).
As well as a personal challenge, the group wanted to raise awareness and money for Mates in Construction NZ –an organisation that focuses on mental health and suicide prevention in the sector. It has a programme called The Mates that helps people in construction support each other and provide an environment that encourages positive wellbeing.
Michael says all the runners are well aware of poor mental health in their industry – construction has the highest rate of suicide in NZ, losing the equivalent of nearly one person every week to suicide, 98 percent of them men.
Between May 5-7, the five core group members – Michael, Craig and Max Goudie, Blair Price and Ryan Thomas – were joined many supporters.
At times more than 25 people were running or cycling with them, building morale, and pushing them to complete the challenge.
Michael says the midnight and 4am runs on the second night were the toughest.
“Our legs felt like bricks, acid reflux was real, and our energy levels were at an all-time low. But we kept pushing through, knowing that the breaking sunlight meant there were only two more sections left.”
He says the high point was completing the final leg, by Ōrewa Estuary.
“Walking back to camp with everyone who had supported us along the way was an incredible feeling. Reflecting on the hundreds of messages of support and the cause we were doing it for made it hugely satisfying. The cherry on top was raising almost double our goal amount. We couldn’t have done it without the support of the people and organisations around us. We hope that our journey can inspire others to challenge themselves and seek support when they need it.”
The team’s Givealittle page, https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/building-hope-the-4x4x48-challenge-for-suicide has raised just over $9000. It is open until May 18 – and the runners say it would be great to tip that amount over $10,000.
