Introducing our August runner profile, Narchi Finnila!
Narchi is a mum of two and is a bit of a local legend amongst the Berrinba Runners. I had the privilege of meeting the lovely Narchi at the start line of a Parkrun in 2018 where we spent the whole 5kms chit chatting and have been great friends ever since. Thank you Parkrun!
This year she went on to train impeccably for her first BYU at Clint Eastwood where she took the female win with 34 yards.
Let’s hear what Narchi has to say…
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How long have you been running and why did you start?
I have been running for 5 years. I was at my local gym when the manager invited me to do Bridge to Brisbane with a few other members. I thought it would take us half a day to run 10km. She said we’d go out for brunch after, how could I refuse. We ran/walked, took photos and to my surprise it only took just over an hour to finish. From there I was hooked, how fast could I run 10km if we didn’t stop for photos and walk breaks. I did a bit of research and found there was a whole world of running out there.
What draws you to the backyard ultra format?
After focusing on the marathon for a few years and failing due to injuries, I decided to have a year off speed work and just focus on base building. Three years ago, I had seen Nicole Jukes do her first BYU at Clint Eastwood and immediately thought it would be fun to do one, but because of my marathon focus I left it to “one day I’ll do that”. I am an all-in type of person. In everything I do I like to find my limit. I have discovered that my body does not like speed work (limit found). The backyard ultra format suits me both mentally and physically.
What is your greatest running moment to date?
This year’s Clint Eastwood LOS. 😉
What is your next race?
It has been suggested that I should do an ultra. I need to get more continuous hours in my legs so when I do my next BYU I won’t doubt my physical ability.
What advice would you give to a new runner thinking about doing a backyard ultra?
Go for it! They are so much fun and the ultra-community is so friendly and willing to give you advice. You don’t have to carry all your nutrition for hours and if you forget something it’s ok you can get it on the next lap. You’re not stuck in the middle of the bush without what you need. Also, if you’re directionally challenged like me, you can’t get lost. Lol.
How do you balance your running and training with your competing priorities?
I have two handsome boys, 13 and 15 and they are doing their schooling online at home. I am blessed that they are old enough to get up in the morning, get themselves ready and if I am not home by 8:30/9:00 they start their school day. My husband leaves home early so most mornings we enjoy our morning coffees together then I go for my run. Sundays can be challenging. Max the older of the two has been playing Rugby League for a few years now. It is not uncommon for me to start my long run at 4am so I can be home on time to get to the games. My husband is very supportive; however, I don’t see him crewing me anytime soon. He understands this is my hobby and he has his own hobby (old cars). We all make sacrifices for each other and at the end of the day it all come out in the wash.
Outside of running I enjoy camping, fishing, watching the boys on their dirt bikes and spending as much family time as possible. The boys won’t want to hang around with us for much longer, so we are making the most of that time while we have the opportunity.
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Thanks for sharing with us Narchi! You are the ultimate super mum. You are certainly one to watch in this format and we look forward to seeing what you do next.
