I'M TANYA
1. ATHLETE
the body as the teacher
I wasn’t born a natural athlete.
Once, even the idea of a morning run felt impossible – the kind of thing “other people” did.
At the time, I was at rock bottom, unsure of who I was or how to find my way back to myself.
It all started with an unexpected question:
“Why don’t you run a marathon?”
At the time, I was a heavy smoker, caught in an abusive relationship, with no job and no sense of direction. The suggestion to run a marathon seemed absurd – but it planted a seed.
In 2007, after three months of hesitant, exhausting training, I crossed the finish line of my first race – the Auckland Half Marathon.
Running became more than exercise. It became a lifeline, a way to reconnect with my body, to find breath when life felt suffocating, and to remember that change, however small, was possible.
Beyond My Boundaries
As I began to find my feet, running became something more than survival – it became curiosity.
I wanted to see what was possible, not in a competitive sense, but in the quiet question of how far can I really go, who could I be, and what was I capable of?
Trail running opened that door. The grit, the solitude, the way my world expanded as I moved through it. For the first time in a long time it felt like anything was possible.
Within a year, I’d gone from my first 30km trail race to an 80km ultra. Each distance stretched me – not just physically, but mentally, emotionally. Every race asked me to meet myself differently.
30KM
first trail race
80KM
ultra trail race
The Ultimate Challenge
In 2019, I set out to run 100 miles – 160 kilometres through the forests of Hanmer Springs, as a birthday challenge.
From that first step, I went on to achieve a lot of firsts, each one pushing me further and further in search of my bravery, strength, and power, only to discover it had been there all along.
The ultimate challenge wasn’t the distance, though I’m proud of it. It was learning to be with myself – with the hard emotions I once thought I could outrun if I just achieved the next thing.
The miles taught me endurance, but presence taught me peace — and that’s what I hope to help others find in themselves.
2. STORYTELLER
Sharing More Than Just Victories
My story isn’t really about the miles or the medals.
It’s about what happens when you move beyond what you thought you were capable of – and meet yourself on the other side.
Sharing my story became a way to make sense of that process. Not just the highlights, but the raw, unfiltered truth of what it takes to change your life and to keep showing up when it gets hard.
I share my experiences through writing, film, and conversation – the places where story meets real life.
My stories aren’t polished narratives of triumph.
They’re honest accounts of the everyday work of being human: the doubts, the small wins, the moments that quietly reshape us.
I talk about the hard stuff because that’s where real growth happens.
The times we feel lost, uncertain, or undone are often the same moments that open us to change.
My hope is that by sharing what’s real, others might recognise a little of themselves and remember that they’re never alone in the process of finding their way.
If you’d like to collaborate, feature my story, or explore speaking opportunities, you can find my media kit below.
Download Media Kit
Book Tanya for your next event.
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3. COACH
Empowering Others to Find Their Ultra
Over the years, I’ve learned that everyone has an ultra within them. Not always a race, but something that feels too far, too much, too hard – until you take that first step toward it.
My work now is about helping women find their way through those thresholds – the places where fear meets possibility, and where growth begins.
Whether that means navigating change, finding steadiness in uncertainty, or rediscovering a sense of peace and joy after life has knocked you off course, I bring a blend of evidence-based psychology, somatic awareness, and real-world experience to support that process.
Because the goal isn’t to push harder. It’s to meet yourself where you are, with presence, courage, and gentleness – and to experience growth, joy, and transformation not as destinations, but as practices that shape the way you live.
Your Journey Starts Now
Remember, You don’t have to have it all figured out to begin.
You don’t need to feel ready, or certain, or fearless.
You can arrive exactly as you are – tired, hopeful, curious, or unsure – and still take the next step toward yourself.
This isn’t about fixing or striving. It’s about slowing down enough to listen, to notice what’s asking for attention, and to move gently toward the life that’s waiting to unfold.
I’m here to walk beside you – to hold space, to ask the right questions, and to help you find your way back to peace, joy, and the quiet courage to keep becoming.