I'M TANYA
1. ATHLETE
“I Wasn’t Born A Natural Athlete”
Don’t let my current status as a 40-something pro ultra-runner and dare-to-defy-the-impossible junkie fool you – I wasn’t born a natural athlete. Just a few years ago, I was at rock bottom, finding the very idea of an early morning run totally insane.
It all started with an unexpected question:
“Why don’t you run a marathon?”
At the time, I was a heavy smoker stuck in an abusive relationship, with no job and zero motivation. The suggestion seemed ridiculous, but it planted a seed that would eventually change everything.
In 2007, after three months of some pretty grueling training, I completed my first race – the Auckland Half Marathon. It’s safe to say, from there, I was hooked.
Running became my lifeline, sparking motivation, confidence, and hope during my darkest times.
Beyond My Boundaries
As I racked up more races, I became fascinated with testing my limits. It wasn’t about speed or podiums; I simply wanted to see what was possible with a bit of grit and a lot of gumption. This curiosity led me to trail running, where I found my true calling. The joy of running through wild terrains and the peace found in nature was transformative – truly.
Just like my curiosity, my progression was fast moving. Within a year, I went from my first 30km trail race to an 80km ultra. Each new distance conquered was a battle against self-doubt, transforming both body and mind.
30KM
first trail race
80KM
ultra trail race
30KM
first trail race
80KM
ultra trail race
The Ultimate Challenge
In 2019, I faced my ultimate dream: running 100 miles. I chose a 160km race through the forests of Hanmer, New Zealand, as my signature birthday challenge. As I stood at the starting line, butterflies in my stomach and passion in my veins, I had no idea how profoundly this race would change my life.
This journey from a reluctant beginner to an ultra-runner taught me that with the right mindset and perseverance, we’re capable of far more than we imagine.
It’s this belief that now fuels my passion for helping others discover their own potential, both on and off the trails.
2. STORYTELLER
Sharing More Than Just Victories
My journey isn’t just about the miles run or the medals earned. It’s about the transformative power of pushing beyond your perceived limits. That’s why I’ve become passionate about sharing my story—not just the highlights, but the raw, unfiltered truth of what it takes to change your life.
Through my blog, short films, public speaking engagements, and social media (where I’m humbled to have a growing community of over 11,000 followers), I aim to add value to real people in the real world.
My stories aren’t polished narratives of easy-peasy triumph.
They’re vulnerable, authentic accounts of the nitty-gritty of everyday life—the struggles, the doubts, the small victories that add up to big changes.
I talk about the tough stuff because that’s where true growth happens. Whether it’s overcoming addiction, escaping toxic relationships, or battling self-doubt, I believe in the power of shared experiences to inspire, uplift and conquer – beyond what we think is possible. .
Book Tanya for your next event.
Download Media Kit
Book Tanya for your next event.
Download Media Kit
3. COACH
Empowering Others to Find Their Ultra
My journey has taught me that everyone has an ‘ultra’ within them—a goal that seems impossibly out of reach until you take that first step towards it. As a coach, my mission is to help you find your ultra, whatever that may be.
I work with people from all walks of life—busy parents, career professionals, fitness newcomers who are unfit and out of breath from walking, let alone running —guiding them to unapologetically be authentic, climb that mountain, and have the courage to pursue their wildest dreams. My approach isn’t just about running techniques or training plans (though those are always nifty). It’s about providing the mindset tools and a strong dose of inspiration to help you set unimaginable goals and have the bravery to crush them.
Whether your goal is to run your first 5k, tackle an ultra-marathon, or make a life-changing decision that completely terrifies you, I’m here to support you every step of the way. Because I’ve been there—at rock bottom, thinking change was impossible—and I know the incredible heights you can reach when you believe in yourself and have the right people who believe in you, too.
Your Journey Starts Now
Remember, you don’t have to be a natural-born athlete to start.
You don’t need to be fit, or an early bird, or have it all figured out. You can be busy, out of breath, nervous, and still take that first step towards transformation.
Are you ready to lace up your shoes, both literally and metaphorically? Are you prepared to test your limits, stretch past your comfort zone, and discover what you’re truly made of? Whether it’s on the trail or in life, I’m here to run alongside you, sharing the lessons I’ve learned, the stories that inspire, and the unwavering belief that you are capable of extraordinary things.