Please give us a rundown of who you are and what you do?
I’m Ben, I run an independent creative studio called Untitled Studio. I work on brands, branding, design and photography. I’m also the founder and community lead of a Mount Maunganui Running community Public Runners.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I live a really active and busy life. I’m usually up at around 5:30am and head to the gym. I’ll do an hour of strength and mobility, mainly around stuff that helps my running. Then i’ll head home, shower, coffee and get into my day. My work life looks a little bit different every day. I work on about 5-6 different clients weekly so its a bit of a juggling act around time and scheduling. I have lots of meetings and shoots on location, but I am also parked in front of a computer for a chunk of my week. Around 5pm (all going to plan) i'll lace up my running shoes and get out the door for some ks. Usually with my dog Pippi and or a few running buddies. If theres waves i'll also try sneak a surf in at some point throughout the day.
How do you keep your health a priority in your day-to-day life?
I try and focus on a few key pillars..
Nutrition - I try and eat healthy whole foods, stuff that isn't processed, this can be hard with such a busy schedule but I try my best. Some days I burn so many calories that I just need to get what ever I can in. I'm also known to be a bit of a sweet tooth. This is also where Mitchells comes into play, i'm not a huge supplement taker but the Mitchells products make it easy to get the good stuff in.
Strength and mobility - Running can be pretty tough on the body and I find if i'm slacking on the stretching and strength work I tend to find myself injured. Moving into my 30’s it's become really important. I feel like you get away with a lot in your 20s.
Rest - Listening to my body and knowing when to rest.
What was the inspiration around building a running community?
The benefits of running are huge, Running is so good for us physically and mentally. There was a real gap in Mount Maunganui for a running community as there wasn't much else out there for younger people unless you were an elite runner. I just wanted to bring people together through the platform of running and create a supportive environment for people to show up, have a chat, meet some new friends and clock some ks.
What is something that you have learnt about yourself in the last 6months-1year, as a business owner, community leader & also a partner to your fiance?
In the last year i've really learnt to slow down and be present. I operate at a pretty fast pace and pack a lot into a week. It’s easy to have a lot of things on the go and on the brain at any one time. Being present is really important, whether its with a client, the community, a friend or my partner. Each of those deserves your full attention while you're with them.
What’s your proudest moment in your work and/or life so far & what are you striving for now?
Having gone out on my own in business a couple of years ago has been a really proud moment for me. It wasn't really something i'd planned so to be still standing a couple years later makes me pretty proud. Also starting and growing Public Runners to where it is now. It's pretty good to see sometimes 40-50 people meet up and connect once a week. Also to see new relationships form from this community.
What about challenges and how you have overcome them?
We are constantly facing challenges. A couple of years ago I dealt with a redundancy, a miscarriage and starting a business all within a few months. It was a really tough time mentally. Leaning into running and movement was something that really got me through it.
What’s the best piece of advice you have received that has helped shape who you are today?
Relationships are everything. Business, community, friends and your significant other. Look after your people and they will look after you.
How would you spend a day to yourself with no demands? In other words, what do you love doing and what brings you joy?
There would be some snowboarding, some surfing, some running and lots of good people around to enjoy it with.
What’s your favourite way to have any of our Mitchells Nutrition Products?
In my daily routine there is always Bone Broth Protein, usually in a smoothie with banana, oat milk and ice. Collagen Repair usually at night or post run, that product has so much good stuff in it I wouldn't go without it. Bone Broth, always in our cooking or often enjoyed on its own.
Finally, what’s your favourite adventure spot in New Zealand?
The Southern Alps. Ive spent a bunch of time in those mountains and it never gets old!
Keep up to date with Ben on IG at @benparry, @untitledstudio and @publicrunners
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