Passion for running helps Iron Mike turn his life around one day at a time

Mike Stowers aims to "run for a year and then see how I feel". Photo / Supplied

"Iron Mike" Stowers has a simple goal for the year ahead. "Run for a year and then see how I feel." Since April 1, the 48-year-old chartered accountant has been running for 150 days without a day off.

Stowers, a former prop for Marist Saints Rugby League Club, has turned his life around one step at a time with his passion for running.

The proud Samoan has completed nine ironman events since his debut in the event in 2007 and 25 marathons all over New Zealand. He prides himself on never giving up.

Stowers was 124kg when he ran the Auckland Marathon last year. It was one of four marathons where he finished last and was dubbed one of "the winning losers" who featured on Seven Sharp. "My motto is 'finishing is winning'," he said. Stowers has the goal to finish three more marathons this year. He'll start with the North Shore Marathon next weekend, then The Legend and Auckland Marathon.

The big fella with a big heart hopes his running efforts inspire other Islanders to follow in his footsteps.

You have been running for 150 days straight now - how is the body holding up?

Run streak is where you complete at least 1 mile or 1.6km run in a 24-hour period. I started my run streak on April 1. The body is pretty good, and majority of my running is between 4 to 6km, so generally about 25 to 35 minutes each day at an easy pace. Occasionally I put in a 10km time trial, half marathon, or a marathon. I haven't had a sick day since I started this run streak.

What has inspired this non-stop running effort?

I decided to work on my run as this year I ran my slowest marathon at the Ironman in Taupo in 7hrs 24mins. I recalled that last year a Masters student, Esther Quinn, was conducting an obesity study that I was a participant in. She did the run streak and completed it for the whole year in 2013 she did 366 days.

Are you running for a cause?

I choose life. I'd like to be role model for the Pacific Island people and anyone else who wants to live a longer life.

How many kilometres have you run in those 150 days?

Where have you been?A total of 1018km, 126 hours running time. I have done two marathons - Rotorua and Wellington - two half marathons - Huntly and Orewa - and two Olympic distance triathlons. I have lost 12kg doing my run streak and have got quite a good level of base fitness. I have dropped two suit sizes and there are no more notches left on my belt buckles. I am waiting until I get to below 100kg before I buy a new wardrobe.

What has been the hardest part of this running journey so far?

Developing the habit for the first 21 days of running daily was the hardest part. Running at all hours to complete the minimum distance of 1.6km in each 24-hour period has also been tough.

What do you enjoy about running?

You can do it anytime, anywhere, in any conditions, and I can run off the stresses of the day and you always feel better when you finish the run. I have my own chartered accountancy practice in St Heliers. The running is my outlet to the big hours I may be working during peak times. It helps to de-stress me.

How important is the support of your family in this running mission?

It's massive. I am married and well supported by my own "Queen Elizabeth" and my four princesses [daughters] Ruth, Grace, Hannah and Esther, all play sport.

What are you looking forward to in the North Shore Marathon?

In 2011 I did the inaugural North Shore Marathon on my old Island training programme, so no training, just show up and then have KFC after. I was last in 7hr 15mins and I finished just as they started prize-giving and got loud applause as I crossed the finish line. It will be good to see how much I have improved since that first marathon.

What advice do you offer to people?

Make the decision to choose life, get some decent running shoes and build up slowly each week.

Iron Mike Stowers
• Bestowed a Samoan chief matai title - "Tagaloa" in 2009 from Salelavalu Savaii.
• Member of the YMCA Marathon Club and has completed 25 marathons (includes eight marathons in the iron distance races).
• National Council member on the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants.
• Board member of the Northern Health School.
• Completed in eight Ironman NZ races and one Challenge Wanaka.
• Participant in the annual Big Sleepout Fundraiser for Lifewise to raise funds for the homeless.
• No1-ranked Samoan in Ironman NZ 2007 to 2013. (Four other Samoans competed this year).