Trail Runner's Dream Job | A BEAUTIFUL RUN | Trail running short documentary.
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- čas přidán 5. 01. 2024
- Trail runner and alpine enthusiast Mike Stone, might just have the best job in the world - If you enjoy running the rugged and steep 32km single trail from one side of the majestic Routeburn hiking trail to the other in a day!
The Routeburn Track traverses both Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks in the Southern Alps of New Zealand. It is part of the NZ Great Walk network and on average takes hikers 3 days to complete.
Mike’s company 'Track Hopper' is the original car relocation business on the Routeburn track. He drives the client’s car to the end of the hiking trail, (350kms) parks it and secures their car key, then runs the 32km mountain track home.
We join him on his epic 258th run. It’s the ultimate alpine trail running motivation.
#trailrunning #motivation #running #marathon - Sport
My favourite runs have been in big storms.
Once I ran the track in 4 hours with 170mm rain during those 4 hours. I got a bit wet 🙂
Another was in 170km wind gusting to 220km/h. One gust lifted me off the track and dumped me 2m above the track. I couldn't hear myself think.... which was a little bit weird.
Three times I have been in blizzards with waist deep snow drifts and all but zero visibility.
My normal time of 4 hours took 8 hours.
All of these runs were amazing....just what nature can do sometimes.
Wet or dry, stay warm.
You are a beast !
In New Zealand?
@@ssubhan9003 Thank you :-) but I don't always feel like that
@@therespectedlex9794 Yes I live in Glenorchy near Queenstown, NZ. A small town surrounded by mountains
@@michaelstone2566 Sounds not for the feint hearted.
Love his trail running posture.....especially down hill.....look soooo smooth and chill.
Yeah, he's got a great technique, especially down hill. Thanks for the support!
That guy is a machine! Over 200 times...some days back to back. Wow
He sure is! Thanks for watching!!
I worked with Mike for a couple of yrs, he is full of awesomeness, this short film portrays Mike and Kiomi in a wonderful light, they are both top notch people.
Brilliant filming in our beautiful country.
Keep up the great work
That's awesome to hear. Thanks for watching. Cheers!
They were good days eh R
@@michaelstone2566 they sure as hell were indeed mate... I hope you guys are all good 👍
Driving itself sounds a nice bullying free, loner's sort of job. I don't mean to be rude, but are you on the autistic spectrum? Do you regard yourself as codependent? A lot of people with those problems find employment very difficult.
But it's not a job where you run for a living.
That's an impressive way to turn what you love into a living.
Yep, They have done well. Thanks for watching!!
I love how for Mike it’s about the experience of the run, the incredible natural scenes, and quietly partnering the business with Kiomi - all without trying to draw attention to himself. Evocative and beautiful.
Yeah, they are both super chilled. Im glad you enjoyed the film. Thanks for watching
Kiyomi has run over 250 times as well. She is a bit shy of cameras and the public scene.
Absolutely mind-blowing! Mike Stone's 258th run on the Routeburn Track is pure inspiration. The landscapes are breathtaking, and Mike's passion for trail running shines through. What an incredible way to blend work and adventure! 🏃♂🌄 #TrailRunning #RouteburnTrack #AdventureGoals"
Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it. 🏃♂
Sometimes the weather makes it quite an adventure, especially because I can't choose when to run, I just have to go due to bookings.
Wow, great short film! Having walked this track over three days, it's pretty incredible to imagine doing it in one run. We used Trackhopper to move our rental! Great to see the behind the scenes action ☺️
Thanks Owen! Yeah the track is epic, and Trackhopper do an amazing job. Thanks for watching! 😊
Thank you Owen 🙂
WOW! You guys are amazing! Pure inspiration. Great documentary.
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!
We ran the Routeburn track a few years ago. It was EPIC! The distance of 32km was just the right length to complete in about 9 hours, we stoped a lot along the way to take in the amazing views. We used Trackhopper to relocate our rental to the 'Divide' side of the track which was seamless. I hope to head back some day.
It's a special place!
Complimenti!
Thanks@@chiccorunning
It's a great gig and one of my favourite mtn runs in NZ, I enjoyed doing the same part-time (as a side gig) for another company for a few years, it is long days as just to drive from one end to the other is 325km! and not on a motorway. So living in Queenstown I'd drive to the Routeburn Shelter 70km run or drive to the Divide Shelter then run or drive back to pick up my car, drive home... biggest weeks involved 3 crossings a week, the 32km usually took me @3.5 - 4.5hrs depending on various factors. It has its challenges, no cell phone reception etc so when the weather is really bad, and it can be... wind, rain, snow, yeah interesting! You learn the track, even to the extent as to where to put your feet in certain places, and see how it changes... very cool!
I'm glad you enjoyed this film. It hopefully bought back some good memories of running the Routeburn. Thanks for watching!
This is brilliant! We have a mountain range in my state that often involves car spots… hiking buddies driving the long drive to the mountains separately, then shuttling back and forth between cars before and after their long exhausting hike. This would be an incredible business for someone to start here! Great video, too!
Yeah, it's a great service. Especially if it saves someone from a long drive after an exhausting hike. Im glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching!!
What is your state and the hiking range? I might be interested. Thanks!
I love these kind of short documentaries. The chilled vibe is just so relaxing and feel good. I’d love to be able to run that track one day 🙂
Thanks for watching! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Wow - incredible scenery to run in and what an awesome couple! Love how he talks as if it's no big deal! Superb footage! keep 'em coming.
Thanks Mat! Yeah, he’s pretty chilled about it all.
This is the coolest idea I've come across in a long time. Beautiful film y'all.
Thanks for watching @RemyRuns I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Thank you 🙂
Mike moved our car recently, so we could do a one-way ourselves. We did run into Mike on our trek. Holy smokes was he booking it. Great guy, and in great shape. It's amazing how he was sprinting uphill faster than we were jogging downhill.
Hahaha,That’s awesome. Thanks for watching!
Thank you Dave :-)
One of the coolest ideas for work I have ever seen!
Need any more staff? Absolutely brilliant business and life. Congratulations Mike & Kiyomi.
Yep, they have done well. Thanks for watching.
Wow great video. Eye opener. I watched your whole video in a pretty relaxed mood. Its amazing🤩 great job
Thank you so much 🤗
I'm struggling to pick my jaw up. Wow, just Wow. I don't often get jealous. But I am now. Amazing video.
hahaha. Thanks for watching. Im glad you enjoyed it!!
Weve used car shuttling services when fishing the rivers, but I never considered it could be used for point-to-point trail runs. Brilliant idea, and stunning scenery
Yep, it works well. Thanks for watching!
Kiyomi saw the niche and we have worked hard to get everything working seamlessly.
We still make mistakes but are getting better every year at spotting them and fixing them.
fantastic views. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for watching!
Fantastic video! I can’t wait to run/hike the Routeburn!
Thanks for watching! Yeah it's an amazing part of the world.
respect and a pleasure to ear and see :)
Thanks. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Incredible story and so well told. Thanks for sharing!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Perfect example of doing what you love! 💜 What a view! I hope one day I can visit New Zealand!😍
Yes, he has got a great life style. Thanks for watching!
Absolutely incredible!
Thank you. Im glad you enjoyed it!
Awesome, what a cool business. Well done!
A dream job indeed. Great short film
Thanks. I’m glad you enjoyed it
Didn’t know this short track existed might have to try with some mates some time. Great video!
Thanks!!!!
I’m walking the track later this month. I hope to see you come past me 3 times Mike 😀
Haha been a while since I ran 3 times in 3 days 😆
such stunning scenery! would love to do the track someday
You would love it!
AWESOME!!
Brings back some memories.🏃🏃♀🏔
Awesome! What a fab business model!
Thanks Kat! Yeah, they offer a really good service for runners and hikers on the Routeburn. Thanks for watching!!
Wow, that super inspiring and a thrilling experience.
Thanks.Glad you enjoyed it!
Awesome!!
Thank you! Cheers!
As I consider alternative options of earning income doing something I love, I feel very inspired by them! Amazing way to capture value by helping others and taking care of your own needs. Thanks for sharing this!
Thanks for watching. I’m so glad you liked it.
Absolute Queenstown legend.
Sure is. Thanks for watching!
Haha didn't plan to be one...and don't think I am :-)
Wow - great movie and an inspiring story! Would love to do the one-day tramp/run one of these days
Thanks! You should definitely do it!
Beautiful video. We were in New Zealand in 1981.
Thank you. I appreciate the comment.
I need to find a job like this, great video!
Yeah, It's a pretty awesome job! Thanks for watching!
While I ran it in May 2021 I did the last stretch with a lady that was doing the same job. We had a brief chat while running and I remember her telling me: "This is probably the last time I am doing it for a while". "Why?", I asked. "Well, at this stage of my pregnancy...". Then I noticed that her belly was already a good size...
Awesome. Thanks for watching.
Wow.....
Dream job.
Kia Ora from a Kiwi in Mexico. What a bloody fantastic idea. As a trail / ultra runner this would be my dream job thats for sure, in the most beautiful country in the world. Awesome bro. Question. Do you ever run the track together?
Cheers, Mike and Kiyomi, don't usually run the track together (due to logistics) But, on this run they met up briefly as Kiyomi was running back the other way after dropping the truck at the carpark for us. Thanks for watching!
We have. before, but Kiyomi gets annoyed that I can talk when she is puffing :-)
Sometimes I will give her a 30min head start.
Better for our relationship 🙂
Once we ran Christmas day giving chocolates to all the hikers we met. It is quite hard running with a basket of chocolates.
We run together when it is not work.
absolutely amazing and indeed quiet the dreamjob.
Any case this type of job has 'a name', or is findable in job applications?
Or is this a type of job you have to start your own business in?
Thanks for watching! I guess it would fall under Car Relocation? It would depend on where you live, but most likely it would be a business you would start on your own.
Great video of a fantastic idea put into action.
I wonder if @BeauMiles is aware of this? he is another legend of the trail and story production
Thanks. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Cheers
excellent trail n awesome video. ur running looked effortless. but noticed a strange thing, u drove a different vehicle while returning.
Yes, you are right. it was a car relocation.
Man, I'm going to have to get in good shape to retire to this job...
hahaha. Thanks for watching!
Just run a bit slower, take your time :-)
I did the Routeburn in 2001, then did the Greenstone. Really fab experience 😊😊. It was cheap n easy to book back then.
I'm an ex mountain runner, 2x Snowdon run (Wales) and Bridger Ridge Run (USA) finisher. This is really inspiring 😊😊
Yeah the Routeburn is an awesome track. I have not done the Greenstone...yet. I hear it's amazing. (it's on the list) Thanks for watching!
Best direction for the Grreenstone is from west to east. The westerly wind can be difficult to run into. It took me 1 hour longer to run east to west.
Interesting choice of backpack. Wouldn't a running backpack with some stowage option in front for bars and other stuff be more convenient than just a very basic hydration backpack?
It is a 17 year old camelbak. I have only filled the bladder. twice.
I usually tie my jacket and thermal layers to the outside of the pack.
I carry no water, no gels and no muesli bars etc.
Usually just a marmite sandwich.
I have tried a modern runner pack and didn't like it, so went back to the camelbak.
@@michaelstone2566 Just a marmite sandwich is enough to fuel you through 32km of mountain running? That's amazing.
I reckon that it takes you about 5 to 6 hours to complete the run, so with 200 Cal per hour that would mean about 1000 to 1200 Cal energy need, so I guess a sandwich could provide that.
Old school 😀
🙂once I ran the track 3 times in 3 days and only ate 3 normal size meals. No snacks and no energy drinks. The 3rd day was my fastest of the 3 at 3.5 hours, slowest was 4 hours@@XEinstein
My best time is 3h11m in the Routeburn Classic race.
What an idea! Anybody need their car shuttled to the north end of the PCT?! 😅 Somehow I doubt anybody wants to pay me several months' wages for that, seems there's a sweet spot. Maybe I should be asking if he's hiring...
Yeah, I think you’re right. The drive of 350km is probably the sweet spot for driving (unless you really love driving) Thanks for watching!!
i had absolutely no idea this was an occupation and suddenly i am questioning my life choices
Yep, it's a thing. Thanks for watching!!
We didn't know if we could keep going after the first 2 months :-)
Uh yep, best job ever.
I'm confused who puts his truck in the parking area for him?
Mike's partner Kiyomi, parked the truck then ran across the track to the Divide then drove home again with the car that Mike drove to the track with. We actually met her on the track as she was running back. Thanks for watching!
Normally, there are cars at both ends of the track.
Hi @trailahead If I move a single vehicle, I will drive the 26kms to the start of the track.
Pick up the car to be relocated, drive to the other end.
Then run back across the track to my car/truck and drive home.
Sometimes I will bike the 26kms to and from the track.
Taking applications?😂
It's their busiest time of year. So they could be...
Sometimes, but mostly we employ drivers with a few local runnners
absolutely amazing and indeed quiet the dreamjob.
Any case this type of job has 'a name', or is findable in job applications?
Or is this a type of job you have to start your own business in?
Thanks for watching. Mike and Kyomi started the business themselves. I guess it would fall under car relocation
We make money from driving, not running.
The running part was to keep costs low, so we can compete with the buses.
We employ drivers, not runners although we have a few runners working for us.
Most of the running is still done by us.