Specifics Event Reviews

For those recreational runners who run to enjoy the scenery but want something slightly more than your usual training regime with a touch of competitiveness, 10km or 1/2 marathon fun runs and duathlon events are for you!

There are loads of different running events all season round that cater for the road runner, mountain/cross country runner, cross trainer or the recreational competitor. It is great to have a goal to train for. Your running improves and you can see the results in terms of fitness, toning, weight loss and run times.

Saturday 5 April saw my clients Aaron Burke, Simon Gillespie and Estelle Wilson compete in the Great Forest 1/2 marathon & 10km event in Waiterere. Gym member Dave Pohe also competed as did Di Bassett and Karen Vaughan.

The weather, once again was perfect. Not a drop of rain or a breath of wind. We Wellingtonian's moan bitterly about the Wellington wind but, as crazy as it sounds, it helps us out in the weirdest of ways. Many have strong Quads and huge constitutions with hair that often points in the one direction battling against 200km southerly and northerly blasts. However this was not the case on Saturday (mostly because the race wasn't in Wellington!)

All competitors started their race with pristine hair and were even able to wear peaked caps without the stunningly attractive elasticised chin straps to hold their hats on (that I am sure I have seen Dave & Aaron wearing).

Aaron, Simon, Dave, Di & Karen all started the 1/2 marathon at 8.30am. All first timers to this course. For Aaron and Dave this was their first half. Estelle competed in the 10km run, which began at 10.30am.

Simon, Karen and Di, just for a thrill began their race at the very front of the field, however were very quickly (within the first 20 metres!) enveloped by 200 ultra marathon racing sardines.

Slightly more race savvy having listened loyally and intently to their personal trainer, Aaron and Dave began their race a tad further back in the field. The course consisted of open and pine tree covered four wheel drive tracks, mostly flat with a very occasional undulation.

Simon went out strongly as did Karen, Di, Aaron & Dave. Aaron & Dave ran together and closely watched their splits throughout the race, finishing strongly in a time of 1hr.56.43. An excellent run guys. Awesome for a first attempt. I'll have you running competitively in marathons in no time!

It is reported by our covert race spy that Dave even had the energy to divert into the bushes rumaging around in the pine needles looking for lollies and when none were found began to harangue his fellow competitors. Aaron ran the entire race able to maintain a beaming smile of achievement on his face throughout. I wonder if he had a secret stash of sugar he was reluctant to share.

Di finished strongly and had a great race, despite having a foot injury in a time of 1hr.53.03. Simon, who is training for the Wellington marathon finished in a great time of 1hr.58.07. Karen crossed the finish line in a time of 2hr.00.57. (whoever invented '2hours' needs to be shot!)

Estelle, despite having also injured herself had an excellent 10km race coming in strongly with a time of 1hr.02.23. Well done Estelle.

It is great to see those who I coach using the race tactics I teach during events. Watching your splits, pacing yourself, adequate hydration and negative splitting are all really important factors to keep an eye on during your race. Adequate preparation is also important. Making sure you have the right gear, pre race diet, hydration and warming up.

Well done guys a great run. It is incredibly rewarding and satisfying for me to see everyone enjoying the events they train and prepare so hard for (even if they come in under the elusive 2hr mark by .000001 of a second!)

Real Womens Duathlon

Victoria Smith also competed in her first duathlon in Wellington on Sunday 6 April. Once again, despite adverse weather reports the rain held off for perfect race conditions. Victoria had an awesome race, running 3.5km, cycling 10km and running 1.5km to finish with a beaming smile of success in a time of 1hr.03.30.

Well done Victoria. An awesome effort. This being the first of many events and glowing write ups for you.

With winter looming there are all sorts of different running, cross training and multi sport events coming up. If you are not a swimmer the duathlon season will be perfect for you. The Scorching Bay Duathlons are achievable and great for the first time competitor.

Once again well done to Di, Karen, Estelle, Simon, Victoria, Dave & Aaron for an awesome effort.

Next event: May 08 Cateye Moonride (12hr team mountain bike event)

Contact me if you want to enquire more about the winter race season.

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