Running the Tarawera 100 mile Ultra Marathon from the back. CHASING POUNAMU. Running Documentary

CHASING POUNAMU is an authentic inspirational story that follows a back-of-the-pack, trail runner running for redemption at the 2019 Tarawera 100-mile Ultramarathon.
A moving and dramatic story of the everyday man, interspersed with insights from the elites of global trail running. Chasing Pounamu will touch anyone that's ever got back up to try something that seemed impossible.
SPECIAL THANKS:
Courtney Dauwalter
Ryan Sandes
Camille Herron
Jeff Browning
Sally McRae
Tim Day
and of course Mr. Adrian Henry (and his family) for sharing his journey!
Thanks for watching! please like, comment & subscribe.😀
#trailrunning #100miles #ultramarathon #taraweraultramarathon #running inspiration #ultrarunning #running #ultra

[@robertrothstein]

What an amazing race director to go out and help 1 person finish. The whole race is his responsibility and he found time to go help him. Amazing achievement.

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Yeah, He's a good guy.

[@matthewfreese1597]

I saw another video where he's personally giving splits to the race leader too. He's everywhere lol

[@ozlich]

Me last week: Really struggling to make it around parkrun without stopping atm.
Me after watching this: Honey, I'm signing up to the Miler next year.

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks Leigh. Thats great to hear.

[@BenzoDJ]

The Running Channel brought me here

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Cool. Thanks for watching!

[@squadrun4397]

Amazing stuff. That was brutal. I cried. Beautiful.

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks guys, Im glad you liked it!

[@tamnz2477]

Thanks heaps Adrian and the rest of the crew in this real film . My wife found this in you tube first and forwarded it to me . This Film triggered my participation in Ultra running . Just did my First TUM 50 last Saturday , 11Feb2023 😎🤘🏽, supernatural achievement upon the finish line . Looking forward for TUM102 next year 2024 🔥🤘🏽

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks for watching Tam NZ! Great to hear you completed the TUM 50. Good luck with the 102 next year!

[@cejay67]

See you there!

[@juliewilson8545]

Wow, just wow. All the emotions, captured perfectly. What an inspiration. Yes I cried watching Adrian strive for the finish within the cutoff time. For someone who is running her first trail race this coming weekend this short film is pure motivation.

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks Julie, Go hard and have fun on your trail run!

[@jeremymachado9311]

Good luck

[@Theboxinglifecoach]

Great post
Hey Julie, how did you do in your trail race?

[@cejay67]

Wasn’t expecting to have a little cry today, but there you go. What an achievement.

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed it!!

[@Mrssuperkitty78]

In tears watching this. Really shows the beauty and heart of running. Kudos to the Race director too. Amazing to see him care so much not only about the race itself but the participants. Last finisher just as important at the first place finisher 🙌🏻

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks! Im glad you enjoyed it.

[@andrewkinney7322]

I have my first 100-miler at Kettle Moraine in Wisconsin in June of 2020. You have captured my exact feelings about how friends and family help us get through the most important challenges we face. Thank you!

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Go well Andrew, and enjoy the journey!

[@FergClarke]

As a keen trail runner, but not super fast, I can relate to this. Well done Adrian! Loved this film so much!! #motivation

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks for watching!!😀👟

[@RJ-iu7ze]

What a brilliant, brilliant, brilliant film.

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thank you! Im glad you enjoyed it!!

[@historyhypehub]

As someone at the tail end of a 6 month training program and facing 128k and 7500m of elevation in a month, expecting to be close to the 30 hour cutoff, I really needed to see this. Amazing video.

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks for watching. Im glad you enjoyed it. Good luck with the ultra!

[@nicholabyrne0404]

What a beautiful man and his family! This was amazing! Now crying my eyes out with delight and inspiration.

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks! Thats great to hear!

[@jwanibrahim550]

This was by far one of the most beautiful documentaries I’ve seen. This mans determination is so inspirational. I hope he continues to keep chasing all his dreams. Tears rolling towards the end lol. God bless and also what a beautiful family! ❤️

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Awesome! Im so glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!!

[@thegallopinghousewife]

This is the best ultra running documentary I've ever seen. As a kiwi living in Scotland, seeing the importance of our unique culture that our Māori have gifted to us and our incredible landscape has cemented a desire to make Tarawera my goal. I've run through the Redwoods and around Tikitapu/Blue Lake in multiple events and my family live in Tauranga so seeing Adrian train and race on these familiar trails that I consider wā kāinga was extra special. Now to wipe my tears and get to work.

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks! I’m so glad you enjoyed the documentary. Yep Tarawera is awesome. Looking forward to February when it kicks off again. Cheers!!

[@Labanditchburn]

Both my fiance and I was lost it watching this. What a fantastic example of humility and grace. Well done Sir

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thank you so much. Im glad you enjoyed it.

[@MrC-ov1ht]

8am in the UK and I’m crying my eyes out you git. Bloody well done mate 👍 There are few people who could do this, I’m not one of them

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks for watching.

[@susanjane4784]

More incredible and emotional than all the other 100s I've watched. In the Tour de France and other grand tours, they have an unofficial award for the rider who manages to survive 2000+km and come in last. But their achievement is nothing like this. Truly beautiful flim and very moving.

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thank you so much for your kind words. Im so glad you enjoyed it.

[@Mookiethedog]

What a great guy...I'm 59 so it's great to see an older dude be epic! Great family and race director too by the looks of things!

[@paulbennison6376]

Wow just wow, flicked it on and watched the whole thing. Family, family so important what an inspiration. The human spirit. I will show this to the kids I teach. Being an ultra runner I know what it is like to be at the back of the field. Hey but you get your money's worth!!

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks, Im glad you enjoyed it. Hope the kids are inspired too.

[@19nelly69]

What a truly humbling man Amazing well done Adrian..

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

I agree. Awesome guy!

[@HuwJones]

Excellent....well done. Absolutely loved watching this!

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks! Im glad you enjoyed it.

[@BushTuckerProduction]

Such a good film. Great build up and super emotional - cant wait to see more films like this!

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks Mr Matthew. Thanks for your help with the maps!! They came out pretty good!!🌰

[@amandachu656]

Love it! So inspiring and motivational.

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks Amanda. He's an inspirational guy.

[@Sanko1960]

Fantastic finish - so inspiring. Thank you!

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks Natasha. Im glad you found it inspiring.

[@scottlong9361]

Amazing! Such a great journey.

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks Scott, so glad you liked it.

[@kellyhunt2910]

So good!! I loved everything about it! Such a great build up I was so worried Adrian wasn’t going to make it and was so proud and inspired when he did. Such a legend! I can’t wait to watch more

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@veramcalves]

Beautiful, just beautiful. And that ending... This'll get anyone inspired to chase bigger goals. Thanks Aaron and thanks Adrian.

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks Vera and THB for helping with this and giving me the nudge to get it filmed x🌰

[@donniehuffman6014]

Fantastic!!! Well done! What a great family you have! Very inspiring!

[@ianthevegantattooedultraru1113]

Well Done, A very enjoyable watch, Forwards always forwards!

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks! Yep, forwards is the way.

[@xXAnthony619Xx]

AMAZING FILM AND STORY! Thank you so much for providing this content and doing such a great job. This is truly motivating for me as an amateur runner!

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks so much! Im glad its helped motivate you!

[@stealthassasin1day291]

They motivated him so hard he came from last place to even pass someone in the end... Def a team effort in the end. Shows you the mind can push the body past its limits.

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Yeah, he had a solid team around him.

[@kellyseed8828]

Thank you for sharing, inspiring. And I still have tears

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks. Im glad it connected with you!

[@briand9597]

This was great. Got me in the feels for sure. Deserve so many more views and subs. Well done!

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks. Im glad you liked it.Yeah, its early days, Im just stoked that people like you are enjoying it.

[@SilverEyeFilmsNZ]

WOW i got sucked into that story. #SUBSCRIBED! Great scene and place setting at the start and then the nitty gritty begins to happen. Defo worth a watch the whole way through

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks Mr Silver Eye. You really broke it down. Glad you enjoyed it

[@clairedelaney4024]

Absolutely amazing! Hit me right in the feels and brought me to tears. Congratulations Adrian! You are an inspiration! Brilliantly filmed and put together.

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks Claire. Im glad you enjoyed it.

[@chrisk9586]

Thank you for telling this story. Great job!

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks.Glad you enjoyed it!

[@NamNgo-nr7bz]

Thank you for sharing your story. It’s an amazing journey.

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks! Im glad you enjoyed it!

[@stephenjaguar69]

Awesome film - thanks for sharing. Adrian, your an inspiration mate. Kia Kaha.

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks mate.

[@shaunmcaloon8278]

So inspirational I love it!
what an awesome man!!

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks! Yep, he's the man!

[@GokuRunner]

GReat job Aaron. I loved the video. Congrats Adrian.

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks mate. I appreciate the feedback.

[@scotteek]

Glad this popped up on the recommended list, really well put together, great watch 🙏👌🏻

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

So am I! I'm new to UA-cam so interested to see how it all works, in regards to suggested video etc. Thanks for watching.

[@gavsta18]

Great story telling in this documentary. Good shots and great editing. Thoroughly enjoyed this.

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@dartmoorlife]

Wow, I thoroughly enjoyed watching that, absolutely fantastic, well done. Also training for my first 100 miler soon. Thank you for a great film 😁

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it! Good luck with the miler!!

[@kierrendon5974]

Hi Sir, your Pounamu story put a very big smile on my face. I was cheering alone when I saw the last 5min cut off time. You inspired me a lot. Now, I am more motivated to run my first Ultramarathon this year. Greetings from a Filipino marathon runner.

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Hi, that's great to hear. Good luck with your first ultra!

[@jak12329]

Seen a lot of films about ultras but this is by far one of the best. Absolutely amazing, thank you so much.

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Hi Jack! Thanks for the kind words, Im so glad you enjoyed it.

[@stevejones1053]

Well done! Such a beautiful doc on a beautiful soul. Gosh I love this sport and community.

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks! I agree, great guy and the community rocks!

[@lisaanslow3307]

Wow! I was literally sitting on the edge of my seat crying and willing Adrian on. Thank you for an inspiring film. Adrians words will be in my head when the going gets tough and I feel like giving up.

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Wow, thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!!

[@braflynn]

omg I'm sobbing. What a great story and film! Beautiful family and support and mountains. Spectacular!!

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

You are so kind! Thanks for watching!!

[@kaiviti81]

What an inspirational clip. I shed a few tears with you at the end.

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks. Im glad you liked it.

[@ScottMoyse]

Very well done to Adrian and whanau! And nice work to the film maker, a stunning story well told.

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Cheers Scott, Glad you enjoyed it.

[@deniselowe-carlus5284]

So moving and inspiring. Congratulations, job well done

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks Denise!

[@TheDanami]

What an inspirational film. Well done on your quest & what an amazing family.....you all should be so proud!

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the film!!

[@PFMTRH]

What an amazing story! This really touches the very core and reason we do what we love.. Appreciate all of the pros and the race director what a class act!! Congratulations finishing your race bud!

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks! Yeah you are right. He's a class act!

[@Guysontherun1]

Loved it, what a journey, you're special man, well done.

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Foxr6]

Wow glued to the screen!

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks for watching!!

[@walterhogie]

Loved this film!

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks Terri.

[@jasonbraley5328]

Very inspiring! Thank you

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks mate. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@chrislucas5441]

Moving story, absolutely awesome. Love this event- can’t wait to run it in a few weeks!

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks Chris. Good luck!

[@heavens6841]

That was beautiful to watch 💖 thank you for gifting us with your story 💖

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks for watching!

[@MissGrace4]

What an incredible ultramarathoner! Congratulations. ❤️ Also, loved the teamwork at the end.

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thank you so much 😀 Glad you enjoyed it!

[@alexbuckley457]

wow just wow, brutally inspirational ..... amazing story - chase those limits

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks Alex! Chase those limits indeed!

[@peterdutoit4928]

Thanks. I needed that. Not quite 58 so still time to do as miler. Thanks for your vulnerability.

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks for watching. I’m glad you enjoyed it

[@paulholland4908]

Inspirational, absolutely loved it! Congratulations Adrian, and thank you to Find Your feet Films.

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

My pleasure! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@usedwigs]

This was beautiful and inspiring. Congrats to Adrian and everyone involved with the film.

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks so much! I’m glad you enjoyed it!!

[@Tamieca.M]

I've intended to watch this for over a month and have finally gotten to it. It was awesome and inspirational and what I needed, when I really needed it. I'll definitely be watching this again and again. Now, if I could just stop my eyes from leaking...

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Fantastic! Im glad it has helped inspire you. Thanks for watching!!

[@hughjaynus4374]

this is what I needed, thank you.

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks for watching!

[@Petermaguire3684]

amazing, thank you for sharing your journey.

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Hi Peter, Im glad you liked it.

[@aaronbrook]

Thank you tremendously for this beautiful film and story. You've created something truly special here, Aaron.

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Wow, thank you! Im glad you enjoyed it!!

[@seanmac80]

What an inspiration! And beautifully shot Aaron, really great job. Makes me want to sign up for 2021 (just don't tell my wife. And coach).

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

That's great! You gotta do it!!

[@scotttrillo5345]

Wow, Adrian's a legend, very inspiring story. Well done Aaron so nicely put together. It makes you realize how lucky we are to have such a amazing back yard.
I look forward to seeing more.

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks Scotty!

[@pandic5712]

Great job Adrian! so impressive!

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Yes he is!

[@francescleoduran3412]

This! Epic! ♥️💕💞👏👏👏

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks. Im glad you enjoyed it!

[@dennisferrell3662]

I have watched dozens of videos about ultra events and this is one of the top ones out there. Fantastic piece of filmmaking, Aaron. You tell a great story. Adrian, you have inspired me on so many levels. At 73 I won’t be running any races, but the lessons learned from your effort apply across the board in our lives. Thank you for this.

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Wow, thank you! Thanks for watching. I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@Pup89]

Epic film! Go Adrian your an inspiration mate! @Find Your Feet Films look forward to the next episode . Ive subscribed!

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks Pup, Adrian is the man.

[@CampbellJM]

What a journey, what a story. This guy is awesome well done!

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks, he's got a lot of grit and determination, and a great support crew too!

[@mikederas8530]

I'm bawling. That RD is amazing.

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks for watching! Yeah, he's a great guy!!

[@THIRTYTWOMEDIA]

what a gentleman, and what an inspirational film. This is why i love the trails and the trail running community. Great work to all involved in the teamwork that made the finish, and the film possible.

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks! Im glad you enjoyed it!!

[@jomunn3162]

Totally inspiring ! This humble guy and his loving whanau sure know how to move a girl to tears!!!

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks Jo, Yeah I agree, totally humble guy, and a great support crew,

[@HitTheTrails]

awesome! loved it.

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks for watching!!

[@trishthorne9044]

Adrian you are my hero. That was such an emotional journey, thank you for sharing this. Wow....

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks! Im glad you enjoyed it!!

[@kimkranz9764]

So inspiring, gave me goosebumps. Amazing.

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Cool. Im glad you enjoyed it.

[@MarkusAliasCmn]

what an inspiration. incredible achievement by adrian and great video.

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks!! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mikeortiz568]

Great story and great man ! Glad you succeeded!😁

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@patoztatoz4400]

Pure emotions here.. Thank you!

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thank you! Im glad you enjoyed it.

[@stuartcamps2205]

so well done, and he's a hero,
thank you :)

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks! Yeah, he's pretty inspirational.

[@t.vandijk2018]

This is great, you rock dude

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@jocelynwilson]

how could anyone dislike this! amazing man - beautiful story. xx

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks! Im glad you enjoyed it!

[@013Bondgirl]

Bloody hell…I teared up. So fantastic. Well done Adrian.

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks for watching!

[@ChrisALindsay]

Powerful stuff! Great film!

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks! Glad you liked it!!

[@kaimanawakid]

Jesus what an inspiring story. Amazing achievement Adrian congratulations, and I loved who you are as a person and how you articulated that. Fantastic film guys, I knew I was on to a good story within the first minute.

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks Ross. Im glad the film connected with you.

[@m_lee02]

Don't you hate it when you're watching UA-cam and someone starts cutting onions...

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

hahaha. Thanks for watching!

[@brijeshagrawal1426]

Amazing achievement👏👏, all the emotions came in front of me during watching this one.

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Cheers!

[@AndrewF58]

Awesome stuff. Saw Adrian doing some volunteer work and helping clear a section of the course in the weekend. He then ran out of the bush with a hedge trimmer across his shoulder, the man.

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Yep, he's committed!

[@franzellecarmon3550]

OMG: What an inspiration. Thank you Adrian.

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thank you.

[@dimanacastanja]

"No man is limited" (Eliud Kipchoge) ...what a amazing and inspiring story! Much respect!

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks!! Im glad you found it inspiring!

[@lorileclair9336]

Beautiful.. thank you for sharing

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks. Im glad you liked it.

[@ausyonline]

One of the best films I have watched ! What an inspirational story

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!!

[@fredcappon1022]

Great story, well told with inspirational people.

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks Fred. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@Iron_Owlz]

Amazingly inspirational, I have been thinking about doing this race but have been doubting my fitness. After seeing you struggle and digging deep to finish I know I can do this, even if I have to grind those gears of mine to powder and survive only on will power alone. And the fact that you worked so hard to earn your pounamu and then gave it to your daughter, well that pushed me over the edge to become a blubbering mess.

[@FindYourFeetFilms]

Thanks! Thats great to hear. You got this!