Hi, I’m Jessica, or Jess if that’s easier to get out when the heart rate is escalated.  I was born and bred in western Canada but have called New Zealand home for 11 years (thanks to finding an amazing kiwi guy, Aaron, whom I now call my husband) and am now a proud dual citizen.  For as long as I can remember I have enjoyed running.  I have vague memories of early cross-country and some track though was more into team sports as a child.  Running became more of a way to keep fit at home and when travelling but was always still there in some form.  I would run on the road or local trails back in Canada but didn’t realise that “trail running” was a thing until I came to NZ.  For some reason I decided to run the Miner’s Trail race in 2018 and was hooked.  My friend then introduced me to ultras when I paced her for 50km of her 100km Ultra Easy race in 2019.  Since then, I have run 2 100km races myself including the Ultra Trail Cape Town.  However, I love running and racing all distances from local cross-country to longer self-made adventures.  Anything that gets me out in nature and exploring in the hills and mountains, especially if my husband and 2 dogs can join me!  I was introduced to Live 2 Run while volunteering at the 2021 Valley Ultra, following which Aaron and I decided to attend a Thursday session and have loved joining the crew most Thursdays since.  It is such a welcoming and dynamic group and I love being able to spread my love of the trails with others.  See you on Thursdays!