b'words: Melanie Cooperprole pictures: Sara Ormebreathingit all inBreaking a world record in the New York City marathon is nothing next to the challenge Allison Roe has set herself now.Takapuna beach on Aucklands North Shore is a world away from where Allison won the Boston and New York marathons, but its where shes preparing for a whole new campaign. Last time, it was a largely individual performance; this time, she is part of a much bigger team focused on making New Zealand a world leader in health.The team, which includes medical professionals, a researcher, a strategist and passionate individuals like Allison, is lobbying for an integrative approach to health that considers the bigger picture and takes into account the role of nutrition and environment. Driving a shift in the countrys current approach to health practice is a huge task, but Allison says a successful athletic career has put her in a unique position to be able to help.Clean air is dear to my heart and so isthe ability to get outside and run around.People come to me about all sorts of health problems theyre facing, like the fact theyre breathing in the toxic sprays being released into their environment. Its not something one person can solve, but if I can deal with one small bite of the problem and perhaps raise the prole, then were that much closer. Thinking back to how she won two of the worlds most prestigious running events, Allison says it started with the realisation that all her competitors had the same credentials as hertwo arms and two legs. There was no reason I couldnt do it.Now, she is just as matter-of-fact about creating a healthier place to live.| 87'