Specifics Event Reviews

On Sunday 16th March 2008 two of my top clients, the partner of another client and a 'suedo' client competed in the Kingsgate Half Marathon cross country and 10km run in Rotorua.

Jo Wilmott, Estelle Wilson, Di Bassett and Karen all headed up together to compete in this event. Jo, Di & Karen competed in the 21km cross country event, which attracted male & female competitors of all ages and Estelle competed in the 10km event.

The four began a training schedule months in advance of the event completing several long distance group runs, local cross country runs including the infamous Mt Kaukau, speed and strength work to condition their bodies for the event. Following a gruelling build up there was a very leisurely tapering week immediately before the race and an even more leisurely and relaxing trip up to Rotorua.

These four primed competitors left Wellington for Rotorua two full days before the run to 'acclimatise' themselves. Following a spot of shopping and a relaxing day prior to the event they were ready to go on Sunday morning.

The day dawned fine & clear with no wind. The half marathon got under way at 10am and the 10km run at 10.45am

The event was family orientated and included races for the children over a short part of the course. This certainly bought out the family competitive genes in these kids. It was very entertaining by the sounds of it.

Di finished her 21 kms in a fantastic time of 1hr 56mins. Well done Di. Karen finished 3 minutes behind Di in a time of 2hrs and Jo finished in 2hrs 17mins. Estelle had a good race and completed her 10km's in 1hr 3mins. Good effort guys.

The four reported the course was undulating and very scenic. Not too difficult and took in some single track mountain bike tracks, a few kms of 4WD track, a bit of tarseal and some very lovely native bush.

Overall it was a fun and well organised event and highly recommended by Jo, Di, Karen & Estelle who will all be competing again next year. There are quite a few cross country half marathons around at this time of the year.

If you are a runner or want to get into running but find road running slightly tedious I highly recommend you give these half cross country marathons a go. I will soon be encouraging those who want to reach a worthwhile goal over winter to start preparing for the Wellington Marathon in June.

There is a half marathon and 10km option for those who are interested in competing for the first time. For those who have already done the half marathon I will be urging you to train for the full marathon. As my logo says 'the strength is in the force of the waves'.

Have fun & train hard

Shane.

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