Why Do Kiwis Run? -- Research By Adidas

Why Do Kiwis Run?

Vanity plays a large part in kiwis' motivations to run, as revealed by research recently conducted by adidas.

More than eight percent of the more than 1200 runners subscribed to adidas' adirun.co.nz fitness and nutrition portal, said they run to lose weight, look good or to stay in shape. One respondent stated that they run to become a 'foxy moron.'

Some other quirky user motivations included 'my body sings good songs,' and 'the bus costs too much.'

The majority of New Zealanders run for fitness or health benefits though, with more than 30 percent stating that they run to keep fit or stay fit. 15 percent said they run simply because they enjoy it and it makes them feel good.

A number of respondents also said they run because others don't believe they can do it, a sentiment echoed by elite triathlete Bevan Docherty.

"A lot of people motivate me - family, sponsors, friends and people who don't think that I can do it," Docherty said.

"I also set a lot of goals to motivate myself - daily, yearly and for my career. What gives me the biggest buzz is achieving my goals and making others hurt during a race."

The release of the research comes as adidas relaunches adiRun.co.nz, which now has improved nutritional programmes, various levels of user access, and some great new features.

adidas New Zealand managing director Greig Bramwell said the redeveloped site will give even more New Zealanders access to a personalised and professional 12-week fitness and nutritional programme that will help them to meet their unique fitness goals.

Fitness advice is provided by fitness guru Jon Ackland, and nutrition advice is provided Sports Nutritionist and Dietician Caryn Zinn, and the 12 week nutrition and exercise is valued at $660.

"Given New Zealand's current battle with an obesity epidemic, we also see adiRun.co.nz as potentially giving Kiwis the tools they need to address health and fitness challenges - both now and into the future," Greig said.

"It's widely recognises that people need to be constantly motivated to achieve a fitness goal - adiRun.co.nz is the motivation people need to keep on running.

"The portal regularly sends email and text reminders to users, and also features a message board allowing users to share advice and motivate each other, and even meet up to go running."

Greig said the site also now features a new stopwatch function, which allows users to either log their run upon their return by sending a text to a special adidas NZ number, or use their mobile phone as a stopwatch and get adiRun.co.nz to do the timing for them. An automatic reply text informs members of their average speed, and both functions will automatically populate the training log online.

"Members can also add their favourite runs to their profiles, and track their progress against their personalised programme - just like a personal trainer would.

"It's a great way for runners to track and keep on top of their training."

To see how adiRun.co.nz can help you to achieve your goal, visit www.adiRun.co.nz . To gain full access to the site purchase any footwear or apparel from the adiStar, Supernova, Response, Nordic Fitness or adizero running/walking ranges excluding socks and caps.

QUIRKY USER MOTIVATIONS

- It feels so good when I stop.
- I want to be a 'foxy moron.'
- I am going to beat my brother.
- It was a good idea at the time
- I want fabulous legs.
- It makes my bum look good.
- My body sings good songs.
- I want to beat my husband.
- It's necessary for my sanity.
- I've run out of excuses.
- The bus costs too much.
- Girls love it.

ENDS

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