The Runner Chronicles

We’re back with the Chronicles, and this time, we’re diving into the realms of creativity, new experiences, and yes—a beautiful place, Japan. Nick Phipps, a talented runner and photographer from New Zealand, takes us through his unique journey and the valuable lessons he’s learned along the way. Nick’s adventures have taken him all over the world, and just after completing the Speed Project (one of the most insane and challenging races out there), he still maintains a calm, reflective perspective on the many facets of running.

In this edition, Nick opens up about how running has not only shaped his mental well-being but also sparked his creativity. He’ll share insights into the importance of letting go, allowing space for both physical and mental clarity, and how running has expanded his creative horizon in ways he hadn’t imagined. Plus, he offers his perspective on the evolution of running crews and the growing sense of community they foster.

There’s so much to unpack, and we really enjoyed every minute of it. Thanks Nick! Dive into the mind of a runner who brings fresh and thought-provoking insights to the table (and even if you’re not a runner, there’s still something to learn here). Here’s a little clue to get you started: don’t take life too seriously! So, sit back and enjoy the read.

Nick, let’s start with the introduction.

It’s always hard trying to talk about yourself. But my name’s Nick. I’m 30 years old, born and raised in New Zealand, but I currently live in Melbourne, Australia, where I’ve been for the last two years. I work in the fashion industry, which I’ve been part of since I was about 23—currently for a brand called Jungles Jungles. I shoot photos and run. I ran cross country and athletics in high school and played field hockey at a somewhat decent level. I’ve always dabbled in creativity and exercise through different mediums and sports for as long as I can remember. This year will bring me two ends of the running spectrum: running in the unsanctioned, no-rules race called The Speed Project with the Grave Runners crew from New Zealand, and completing my first major marathon in Sydney, Australia.

You are a runner, but you can also be found behind the lens.

Taking photos has always been an outlet for me—creatively, mentally, physically. Much like running, it’s a way to explore a new place or country; a tool that can take you somewhere else and let you see an area through a different lens. I’ve had a camera in my hand for almost half of my life, thanks to my mum and her encouragement to take a photography class when I was 15 in high school. That sparked an eagerness to capture still moments and emotion.

Shooting movement and running has been a more recent endeavour since moving to Melbourne—a new challenge for me. It’s been about combining two of my outlets into one.

All time favorite picture?

One of my all-time favorite recent photos is of Mt. Yotei in Niseko, Japan. I spent a winter season living in the small town of Kutchan, in Hokkaido, and my bedroom window looked out onto the glorious Mt. Yotei. For most of the winter, it was covered in cloud, but as the spring days started to shine through, Mt. Yotei began to peel out from behind the mist. One evening, my friend Elliott and I were just sitting in my room, watching the red of the sunset take over the snow on the peak, and I shot these two photos.

*Image by: Nick Phipps*
*Instagram: @nickphipps_*

Tell us more about AM:PM.RC.

AM:PM is a Melbourne-based run crew that’s been around for the last ten years. Started by Ben Clement and Matt Willocks, it focuses on a creatively led running culture and community—pushing each other through curiosity, openness, growth, and vulnerability. It’s always been more than just running. I was lucky to find AM:PM through some mutual friends when I moved to Melbourne. Moving to a new city as an adult can be tough—it’s hard to meet people and make friends without drinking, partying, or going out to clubs.

What does running bring to you besides physical well-being?

It’s a mental outlet—a way to clear my head, whether I’m solo, with a friend, or in a crew. You never regret a run, and the way it clears your mind honestly needs to be studied—it’s phenomenal. I’ve definitely walked a fine line with exercise, where if I can’t run or ride my bike, I get gutted, and it almost backfires on me. So I’ve learned to accept that I might not be able to run every day, and that I have other ways to support my well-being.

As mentioned above, running gave me a way to meet new people in a new city. I absolutely hate the term ‘run clubs are the new dating apps’—I think it’s a bad portrayal of run crews and clubs. People should feel safe and welcomed when they show up to a run club, not feel like they’re going to get hit on. For me, turning up to AM:PM was such an incredible way to be social and meet like-minded people. Running gives me a way to discover new people in this world.

What's your all-time favorite place you've been to?

My time spent living in Japan holds a special place in my heart—running or not. It’s a beautiful country, filled with amazing humans, wild landscapes, and ridiculously photogenic surroundings. I was there for a winter, so I swapped running for snowboarding while the footpaths were buried under metre-high snow walls. But running in a new country is a lot like having your camera—it’s an excuse to explore. Pick a spot on your map and just run there and back, zigzagging down any alleyway or side road that catches your eye.

You just ran The Speed Project.

A bucket list item turned reality, one of the craziest, wildest, and hardest things I’ve ever done. An amazing crew assembled by Grave Runners. Runners Sam, Annabelle, Lorna, Josh, Connor, and myself. And our killer crew of Ursula, Ash, Georgie, Billy, and Kayle. An RV, a jeep, endless Pure Sports Nutrition, Coffee Supreme, New Balance shoes, Arc’teryx gear, and Knog head torches. Chip sandwiches, Dirtbag bars, bagels, cold pasta, and bananas. Countless laughs, tears, miles, and beers (afterwards). I’d do it all again in a heartbeat.

I really wanted to test myself, and to lay it all out there on each segment. It’s amazing what the body and mind can do on minimal sleep. You almost go into autopilot and forget what you are even doing. One morning at 2:30am, I think I’d been asleep for about 25 minutes. My alarm went off, and within five minutes I had my gear on, smashed a gel, high-fived Connor as he came through, and I took off for 10kms. And it was one of the smoothest, nicest runs I’ve ever done. Every kilometre just ticked by like a metronome and I just stared at my head torch light on the white line of the road for 44 minutes. I couldn’t have done it without the crew. And if Grave Runners can’t do it next year, someone sign me to your team! Haha.

What is one thing you’ve learned on your runs that you will carry with you taking with you on your journey?

To slow down, enjoy life, and take in your surroundings. It’s cliché, but life can move by quite fast—sometimes you just have to slow down and enjoy it. Don’t take yourself or others too seriously, and remember we’re all going through life for the first time. Compassion and patience can get you a long way in life—much like it can in running. Be patient with your running.

Lastly, what does running to your creativity?

Creativity, for me, is expression—in any form or medium. Photography, music, art, design, fashion, or running. However you portray it. Find your unique voice or view, and let the world know about it. Running helped open more doors in my creativity—whether that was through shooting photos or deciding what colour socks I wanted to buy.

I touched on it a little before, but don’t take life too seriously. Just after New Year’s, I completed a 10-day Vipassana meditation retreat in a beautiful forest north of Auckland, New Zealand. It opened my mind to doors I didn’t even know existed. One of those was compassion. If everyone was just a little nicer to each other, the world would be a much better place. Be kind, be nice, and don’t forget who you are. Lean into your passions, and keep your creativity alive—no matter the medium.