If you've crossed paths with Jessie Speedy on a trail, you'll know exactly why she's one of the most exciting names in New Zealand trail running right now. Infectious energy, fearless descending, and a love for the sport that started long before she ever pinned on a race bib. We caught up with Jessie to talk trails, rehab, mindset, and her unshakeable allegiance to Pitbull.
What got you into trail running?
Growing up, most mornings of the school holidays I'd go up and down the Mount or Papamoa Hills with my family — that planted the seed, I'd say! I always have fun on the trails, which is a key driver for me. As I've progressed with running, I've wanted to enjoy the process and the races I'm training towards. Plus, making the top of a gnarly summit is pretty rewarding!
What does adventure mean to you?
To have fun, send it, and challenge your limits.
What is it that you love most about trail running?
The feeling of descending down a mountainside feeling like nothing can stop me! Also, the trail running community is incredibly uplifting — it's awesome to be a part of.
What has been your biggest learning during your current rehab process?
The value of true rest, and the importance of staying connected with my friends, family, and support practitioners regularly throughout the process.
How do you shift your training during rehab?
I like to keep a similar routine to when I'm in full training — I'll just swap my run out for aqua jogging. I'm a bit weird in that I actually quite like aqua jogging — it genuinely works for me! My Suunto Aqua headphones and Wing 2s are a key piece of kit for getting through those sessions. Gym work will change depending on where I'm at in the rehab process. In the early stages, I prioritised rest and recovery over intensity to allow the injury to settle.
How do you use your Suunto gear in training and racing?
The Suunto Race 2 has been an absolute game changer for me, especially from a climbing perspective. I've personalised my watch screens to show the data that matters most during a run — when I'm climbing, I want to see total time, current gradient, total elevation, and total distance rather than pace metrics. The screen is also incredibly clear to read, which is great in races for a quick glance to see how much climb is left.
The Wing 2s and Aquas are absolutely awesome — I use my headphones on most runs and all cross training. The bone conduction technology means I can hear my surroundings, and the power bank means I never have to worry about charging them mid-mission.
How do you keep a positive mindset during rehab — and what excites you most about getting back to full capacity?
I've really worked on keeping an optimistic and positive mindset with this injury. I believe everything happens for a reason, and it's allowing me to level up in areas I wouldn't have otherwise. I am extremely excited to be back running for many reasons — mostly, I'm excited to SEND IT again (sensibly!) and enjoy gallivanting through nature!
What's your next big goal or event?
A few TBCs at the moment based on my rehab, but you can definitely expect me to be lining up on start lines in the second half of the year… Stay tuned!
What's your advice for anyone wanting to get into trail running?
Have fun and simply get out there! Take the pressure off yourself — you are allowed to walk, to stop and appreciate the scenery, and to have as many snack breaks as required!
What has been your biggest personal growth through trail running?
Trail running has taught me that I can do hard things, and that anything is possible if you believe in yourself and put yourself outside of your comfort zone.
Favourite running snack or fuel?
I'm a big fan of quick oats or crumpets before my runs. Right now, my favourite gel would have to be the cola flavour from Pure Sports Nutrition. On longer missions I'll pack sour squirms, bananas, OSMs, and stroopwaffles.
Favourite hype song?
Anything Mr Worldwide (Pitbull). 🕺
Follow Jessie's journey back to the trails — and keep an eye on the Suunto NZ Ambassador Series for more athlete stories.
5 Minutes with Suunto Ambassador Jessie Speedy
If you've crossed paths with Jessie Speedy on a trail, you'll know exactly why she's one of the most exciting names in New Zealand trail running right now. Infectious energy, fearless descending, and a love for the sport that started long before she ever pinned on a race bib. We caught up with Jessie to talk trails, rehab, mindset, and her unshakeable allegiance to Pitbull.
What got you into trail running?
Growing up, most mornings of the school holidays I'd go up and down the Mount or Papamoa Hills with my family — that planted the seed, I'd say! I always have fun on the trails, which is a key driver for me. As I've progressed with running, I've wanted to enjoy the process and the races I'm training towards. Plus, making the top of a gnarly summit is pretty rewarding!
What does adventure mean to you?
To have fun, send it, and challenge your limits.
What is it that you love most about trail running?
The feeling of descending down a mountainside feeling like nothing can stop me! Also, the trail running community is incredibly uplifting — it's awesome to be a part of.
What has been your biggest learning during your current rehab process?
The value of true rest, and the importance of staying connected with my friends, family, and support practitioners regularly throughout the process.
How do you shift your training during rehab?
I like to keep a similar routine to when I'm in full training — I'll just swap my run out for aqua jogging. I'm a bit weird in that I actually quite like aqua jogging — it genuinely works for me! My Suunto Aqua headphones and Wing 2s are a key piece of kit for getting through those sessions. Gym work will change depending on where I'm at in the rehab process. In the early stages, I prioritised rest and recovery over intensity to allow the injury to settle.
How do you use your Suunto gear in training and racing?
The Suunto Race 2 has been an absolute game changer for me, especially from a climbing perspective. I've personalised my watch screens to show the data that matters most during a run — when I'm climbing, I want to see total time, current gradient, total elevation, and total distance rather than pace metrics. The screen is also incredibly clear to read, which is great in races for a quick glance to see how much climb is left.
The Wing 2s and Aquas are absolutely awesome — I use my headphones on most runs and all cross training. The bone conduction technology means I can hear my surroundings, and the power bank means I never have to worry about charging them mid-mission.
How do you keep a positive mindset during rehab — and what excites you most about getting back to full capacity?
I've really worked on keeping an optimistic and positive mindset with this injury. I believe everything happens for a reason, and it's allowing me to level up in areas I wouldn't have otherwise. I am extremely excited to be back running for many reasons — mostly, I'm excited to SEND IT again (sensibly!) and enjoy gallivanting through nature!
What's your next big goal or event?
A few TBCs at the moment based on my rehab, but you can definitely expect me to be lining up on start lines in the second half of the year… Stay tuned!
What's your advice for anyone wanting to get into trail running?
Have fun and simply get out there! Take the pressure off yourself — you are allowed to walk, to stop and appreciate the scenery, and to have as many snack breaks as required!
What has been your biggest personal growth through trail running?
Trail running has taught me that I can do hard things, and that anything is possible if you believe in yourself and put yourself outside of your comfort zone.
Favourite running snack or fuel?
I'm a big fan of quick oats or crumpets before my runs. Right now, my favourite gel would have to be the cola flavour from Pure Sports Nutrition. On longer missions I'll pack sour squirms, bananas, OSMs, and stroopwaffles.
Favourite hype song?
Anything Mr Worldwide (Pitbull). 🕺
Follow Jessie's journey back to the trails — and keep an eye on the Suunto NZ Ambassador Series for more athlete stories.