From Silver Fern to Ultra Runner: How CurraNZ Supports Paula Griffin’s Journey

Paula Griffin is a former Silver Ferns representative who spent 12 years competing as a professional netballer at the highest level in New Zealand. After her netball career, she stepped into the world of mixed martial arts before later finding a new challenge in trail and ultra running. Now balancing training, family and performance, Paula shares how CurraNZ has become a non-negotiable part of her routine.

'Throughout my athletic career, my body has been asked to do some pretty extreme things. I had spent 12 years as a professional netball player at the highest level here in New Zealand. 

'Following that, my curiosity lead me to pivot into mixed martial arts. Fighting different opponents and getting out of my comfort zone in an individual sporting environment. As I grew older in my athlete career, I started to learn there were elements I had been missing that could really benefit my training and performance. One of them being blueberries/blackcurrants. 

'After having 2 beautiful children, I was searching for my next challenge, one that could fit alongside my new lifestyle. Covid came along and my partner Boyd and a good friend of his Ant Kerr-Taylor (who is an incredible ultra runner) signed up to do the Riverhead Relapse Backyard Ultra. Little did we know this was the start of an epic journey into the world of ultra running for us as a family. I was very early days of postpartum watching this incredible sport, not really sure what to make of it. 

'Fast forward a few years after learning and observing more. I was feeling super inspired by elite women in the trail running space to get out there and give it a go myself. As a naturally competitive person always trying to better myself, I was amazed after completing my first half marathon the instant feedback from my body around what was needed to sustain this type of performance long term. 

'After seeing Ant take CurraNZ it felt like a synchronicity that this blackcurrant topic had come back around for me that I was eager to test it out. Since integrating CurraNZ into my daily routine and around training and events, I was so pumped to physically feel noticeable shifts in my performance and recovery. I was not taking anything else at the time so I knew it was directly linked. 

'What I love about CurraNZ most is how it targets both sides of my training. On long run days taking CurraNZ beforehand, I notice a massive shift in my endurance and stamina. It feels like my muscles are utilising oxygen better allowing me to sustain my pace without hitting fatigue early. 

'On the flip side of that, I am a firm believer that you live and die by how fast you can recover. Taking CurraNZ post training and events, that delayed muscle soreness is significantly reduced. I no longer wake up stiff and heavy after big training blocks which initially was such a moment for me and is now my new norm. 

'CurraNZ has become a non negotiable part of my tool kit giving me the confidence in both trainings and events. Knowing that my body can handle ultra running with guided and science backed support. My energy output entirely depends on how well I support my mind and body and CurraNZ is a huge part of that. '