Japanese ultramarathon runner shares her passions of trail running and teaching

Originally from Japan, Azumi has competed in races around the world and says New Zealand offers some “marvellous opportunities” to stoke her trail running passion.

In her most recent race traversing the Swiss Alps in a demanding 140km trail, crossing mountains and glaciers, Azumi placed in the top 4 female competitors.

“I would say I have a good balance between my studies and trail running. I get up before dawn every day and go out for a run, and after the teaching practice in my home centre, I train again in the evening.”

She says NZTC’s flexible workplace learning has enabled her to pursue both her passions of early childhood education and trail running.

“It’s attractive that NZTC has such a flexible mode of learning along with practical learning experience. Because of this, I believe I will not only be able to become a professional early childhood teacher but also improve my expertise and skills to pursue further opportunities in the field of early childhood education.”

Konoka traverses the Swiss Alps

Before even moving to New Zealand, Azumi says she first heard about Te Whāriki, New Zealand’s early childhood curriculum, during her Japanese university studies in education.

“I got the awesome chance to learn about New Zealand’s early childhood curriculum, which has been universally acknowledged. Since then, I have always been curious and interested in Te Whāriki.”

Strongly aware of the many benefits movement and exercise has in young tamariki, she is keen to incorporate this into her teaching practice.

“I am convinced that playing sports has great benefits for young children, not only physically but also mentally.

“Things like grabbing, bouncing and running help enhance their physical skills. It helps prevent injuries and results in building a healthy body. More importantly, sports also play a pivotal role in mental development.”