Athletics: Loss of daughter spurs runner to keep going

Aspiring ultra- distance runner Gidion de Haan plans to bike to Colville in the Coromandel before tackling the half- marathon.

Next Saturday will be an emotional day for Gidion de Haan and his family. The 38-year-old from Auckland has signed up for his first half-marathon at the Colville Connection.

He has been inspired to take on new challenges since he lost daughter Veronica four years ago. She's been with him on all of his training runs and will be at the front of his mind as he nears the Coromandel finish line.

But the journey won't stop there. His loss has also inspired him to run an ultra-marathon in Death Valley, a desert valley in California.

What has inspired you to run the half-marathon of the Colville Connection?

My main inspiration is the loss of my daughter Veronica, and her surviving twin, Jazz. They keep me mentally honest. This is the first year I really put myself into a challenge and as such I will be running in their names. Previously the runs have been more casual and of a shorter distance. Mal Law [who plans this year to climb 50 mountain peaks and run 50 off-road marathons in 50 days] runs for the Mental Health Foundation and I can only gain inspiration from what he stands for. Losing a child really shakes you up and exercise does help, not only to put it in perspective but also to feel good when you accomplish a challenge.

How proud would your daughter be to see you running in this?

I believe she would be very proud. Both she and her twin would truly enjoy it. Trail-running brings you close to nature while also providing the opportunity to discover the beautiful New Zealand countryside. She would have loved it for sure.

How much has she been a part of your preparation for this event?

She is always with me and it really motivates me to keep going, especially during difficult times. It reminds you what is important and it reminds you that no matter what is on your path, you can prevail. It also reminds you that good and bad things do happen and that, no matter what, you have a choice to accept it.

Why did you choose this event?

Total Sports creates some great events and adding the magic of the Coromandel makes it even more special. The Colville Connection will be my first half-marathon of the year and my plan is to run 12 long-distance runs through the year - four of them 42km or longer. Every event has its challenges. I bike to all my events. I am slightly losing sleep over the fact the Colville Connection is at the other end of the Coromandel. I might need to start biking two days in advance or break my habit and hitch a ride.

You have set the goal to take on Death Valley this year - how are you going to prepare?

My preparation is mainly the beautiful backyard I live in [laughs]. The Hillary Trail in the Waitakere Ranges starts near my house so I use that as my stomping ground. I plan to do one marathon a month, and I will also complete the Hillary Ultra at the end of March. On a whole I wanted to have the final marathon of the year be the toughest out there. Death Valley is in December which should give me a year of preparation.

Have you always run or have you been inspired to run by this loss?

I never really cared about running and still hate it on the road. I was more of a board rider, surfer, BMX and skater. But the loss and urge to keep mentally fit drove me to run the Xterra. I did not realise off-road running was so mind-cleansing and rewarding, so I decided to increase the workload and for this year I will commit to the biggest challenge I have set myself in a long time, if not ever. On my running calendar are: Colville Connection, the Dual, the Hillary, T42, Xterra, Waihi, the Taniwha, West Coaster and finally Death Valley.