Goal Setting vs Injury

As I begin training for the Auckland half marathon this week, I am hoping that I can still reach my goal of a sub-2 time. I get really annoyed at the stupid injury that prevented me building a solid base over the winter months.  That would have been handy.
 

But instead of dwelling on that, I get out my trusty foam roller, and do another set of clams and bridges to keep my ITB happy.  And I try to think about how my first half felt kind of easy and how I know I can do so much better.  And as I run up my local hill that happens to be a similar grade/distance as the Harbour Bridge, I actually pretend it is.

When I'm really desperate, I thank goodness my injury even happened - after all, technically I am more biomechanically sound than before!

At the end of the day you can only do what you can do, and I'm definitely not giving up on my sub-2 goal. Lately I've built up my mileage to around the same level as this time last year.  I hope to run more kilometres in training this year - via longer long runs, and an extra day of easy running thrown in during the week. Last year I felt like longer speedwork intervals benefited me more than the short ones, and I also felt improvements with tempo runs so I'll make sure to include them regularly too.  As well as regular runs up my local "harbour bridge" :)

Let's see how I go!

Do you think I can do it - drop 11 minutes off my time from last year?
If you're a half-marathoner, do you have any special tips?
What's your favourite half marathon workout?

Race Report: Blackmores Xterra Dome Valley

"Oh, it's only 9 km"  I thought, as I looked at the new revised distance for this race, which had had a few last minute changes.   Famous last words.  I should know by now never to regard any trail race distance as easy, as the course usually ends up being 9 vertical kilometres or something to that effect!

Xterra Dome Valley was a good example.  It was the fourth event in the Blackmores Xterra series.  I haven't signed up for the full seven race series, instead choosing to participate in each event separately as I can fit them into my life.  I was out with injury for the first two, but managed to run the last event out at Woodhill Forest.

We awoke to a cold wet and windy morning, and I wasn't sure what to wear so took a couple of options.  In the end I wore my Icebreaker Rush Capris (warm when wet), and an Adidas t-shirt with an Icebreaker bodyfit top underneath, which is so old it is starting to fall apart - it was either that or the one with paint on it...!  Everything worked well as I was never cold, and never hot either - perfect!  I also wore my Lululemon earwarmers for a while, they've been quite a good investment this winter.  Luckily the wind wasn't a problem in the forest, and the rain eased off for our race.

The first stage of the race was uphill, as usual!  Up the gravel forestry road we ran, and straight away my legs felt like lead.  My breathing went through the roof and it wasn't long before I was walking.  I mostly walked, jogged a bit as I felt able, and eventually we got to the top where there was a very welcome downhill. Now that's my type of terrain!

After a few more sneaky seconds walking to recover from the climb, I noticed a course photographer let loose on the downhill  - yeeha!  This downhill stretch went on forever and I was starting to wonder if my legs would hold up towards the bottom.  I tried to concentrate on landing lightly and good form, whatever that is.  Splash, splash, splash through the ford at the bottom and then on to another uphill to the 4.5km turnaround point.

You get the idea - this race was up and down all the way!  This next long climb had quite a few runners coming down in the other direction by now.  I first saw Jody who was running a longer course and looking strong.  Then I saw Steven who was running the same distance as me and about 5 minutes ahead already! I reached the turnaround, but knew that only meant another long climb back the way we had come.  I was starting to think this rearranged course wasn't much fun as it was all on fairly boring gravel forestry road - but I didn't know what was yet to come!

Eventually around 6km we diverted into the forest and immediately hit mud, and the woman in front of me slid over in spectacular fashion.  Not that I needed any warning - the trail literally became a sea of mud scarred with the skidmarks of previous runners!  At this stage there was a definite advantage to those who had good trail shoes, and those who didn't quickly fell off the pace.  In my Inov8 Roclite 268 's I gained more confidence with every footstrike and soon was running along quite happily with a group of similar paced runners.

At one stage a woman in front of us slipped and slid halfway down a slope on her bum - backwards!  So funny and she was laughing the whole way.  We passed a waterfall, well I heard it but didn't see it as my focus was continually on the ground.  Once I stood in a deep patch of thick mud where I was relieved to see my shoe was still on when I pulled my foot out!

Then came The Climb.  About a kilometre long in total and much of it steep, like 45 degrees steep, and extremely muddy.  Part way up there was a rope to help you up, but it was so slippery from all the runners prior, that I opted for the other side where you could occasionally find some pine needles or sticks to stand on, and some tree branches to grab.  My hands were put to good use in the mud too!

Next up was - guess what, more mud running, and soon we popped out of the forest onto the gravel track again.  I recognised that this was close to the finish, so ran as fast as I could, overtaking whoever and whatever, until I realised we had to turn into forest again for one final mud fest before the finish:

Phew - so glad to be done!

I met Jody at the finish line, and you can read her report here.  Steven had a hot coffee waiting for me, having finished about 15 minutes ahead, but thought his shoes were a problem in the mud.  The group he was running with got ahead of him and he never saw them again!  Guess who's getting some trail shoes soon...

I didn't feel great about my performance on the day, so was surprised to read that I came in 5th in my age group.  But better still, I WAS ONLY FOUR AG PLACES BEHIND SAM WARRINER!!!  Now for the real facts: I was 20 minutes behind her and the race was less than 10km, but because that is probably the only time in my life I get to say such things I will do so in Full Caps hehe :)

The official numbers:
9.34km
1:16:40
5/21 Masters Female (24%)
40/111 Overall Female (36%)
147/243 Overall Male/Female (60%)
0 Falls (thanks Inov8)
1 Nearly fell

OK, that's officially the muddiest run I've ever done!  Have you ever raced in mud and lived to tell the tale?  What shoes did you wear and how did they perform in the mud?

Race Report: Xterra Woodhill 14km Trail Run

Last weekend I ran in the third race of the Blackmores Xterra Trail Series, which was held in Woodhill Forest just west of Auckland.  I missed the first two races due to my niggling ITB, and even then I was a bit nervous about running this race which happened to be about twice as far as I've run recently. But my physiotherapist thought I would be fine, and sure enough I was.  Woodhill is a pine forest right out on the west coast so the ground is mainly sandy soil coated with pine needles - a nice low impact surface that suited me perfectly!

As you can see from the above picture there was also a few muddy patches - it's winter here and there was quite a lot of rain during the week.  My Inov8 Roclite's were brilliant - I could plough straight through the mud and puddles with no fear of slipping.  Being a Southland farm girl helps of course! 

 And you can tell by my dirty knees in this shot that I came a gutser at some stage.  You know the scenario - "what's he doing sitting down..." thud. faceplant.  All in one nanosecond.  I just know TotalSport design their courses to have a hidden-but-exposed tree root somewhere that manages to trip every second runner as they go past!

The course was beautiful in its own way, and the atmosphere inside the forest is like being in another world.  We ran on a mix of forestry roads and single track winding around and around, up and down - a course designed to disorientate!  Although the elevation profile showed a climb around the 5km mark, it was not steep, and it was over before I knew it.  There were lots of ups and downs, and even when it was flat there were ups and downs - like moguls - rather fun to run!

At the 5km drink station I looked down to see a dog on a leash with a race number on his back!  Hehe I haven't seen that before!  (Couldn't find anything in the results either...!)

A few weeks ago I bought some arm sleeves.  They have been a great investment for this time of year when you have that long sleeve/short sleeve dilemma.  This morning was ideal - I needed them for a 9:30 start in the shady forest, but took them off about halfway into the race and stuffed them in my front bungee pocket. Perfect.  How did I ever survive before arm sleeves?

This photo is toward the end where you wind your way around a creek to the finish.  I was walking a bit by this stage, and remember coming around the corner, seeing the photographer and telling myself to keep running for the camera!  Vanity running pure and simple.  The fact that I managed to keep running under photographic duress means I'm obviously lazy to consider walking in the first place, doesn't it?  Must try harder.

Talking of trying harder - if I had finished a mere 3 mins earlier I would have placed in the middle of my age group instead of well down the rankings.  Another reason not to walk!

The numbers:
14.4km forestry trail
Time: 1:38:39
30/43 in age group
255/333 overall
PS - never mind me - my superstar other half was 5th in his age group!

50 Days of Winter Running and May Highlights

I'm participating in TempoFit's #50DaysofWinterRunning Challenge, so from 1 June to 20 July I will be posting a photo a day via Instagram about running related things.  Click the 50Days image in the sidebar to follow my Instagram if you're interested, and consider joining up yourself!

In the meantime, I've collected a few of my favourite links over the last month to share with you!

On 26 April the Routeburn Classic was held down in Fiordland.  I really want to run this one day, as an ex-local it has special significance to me.  Here is a race report from the winning female Sarah Douglas.

The 50th running of the Lion Foundation Rotorua Marathon was on May 3.  I enjoyed reading  Rotorua Marathon by Numbers, and the Women's Line-up, and to hear that the winning female was 50 too - awesome!

This month Salomon released a limited edition collection of New Zealand running gear in conjunction with Anna Frost - check out her video here.  I really want the skirt!

Speaking of Anna Frost - it was great to see her back in top form again winning Transvulcania and breaking her 2012 record - amazing.  Lots of links here.

Meanwhile back in NZ, the 2014 Hillary Ultra video has been released - don't watch it or you'll want to run the whole thing!

Enjoy!

Wish Granted

So I wanted a new ITB?  Well look I got one!

Our cat is really impressed and wants one too!

Last week my physio put on some K-tape to kind of take the pressure off my ITB.  I may be imagining it but the minute I stood up from the table I could feel a difference.  I'm sure all those clams and leg lifts have helped too though ;)

In fact I have evidence they have helped - last week at a running workshop I could stand on one leg with total stability - no wobbles!  Yay!  And it seems the inflammation around my knee has really subsided.  I hope I can run Shakespear next weekend.

In the meantime because I have no running shots, here are some more of our cat washing her super fluffy tummy!

Wanted: A New ITB

My knee has been niggling away for a while - managable, but there.  After my recent 5km race and a speedwork session 3 days later it all flared up, and I could feel tightness from my hip to my knee.  Boo hoo.

I have been visiting Dot and Wendy at Bodyneed, and they have prescribed me some exercises and foam rolling to do.  The problem is that my patella is being pulled laterally by a tight ITB and weak vastus medialis.  Also - apparently I have only been doing half clams so my glute medius is weak in the outer range of extension.  After 3 weeks things are improving a lot.  I've been for a few interval type runs and things feel a lot more stable.

My new-ish Mizuno Wave Rider's which only have around 250km on them are wearing poorly on the R forefoot, and my physio thinks this could be a catalyst.  Maybe they are a dud pair, as the R one bends sharply in the forefoot almost like it is cracked.

My old Mizuno's (same model with 500kms on them) are in much better nick so I'm currently running in them.

In the meantime I've been for a few family tramps out west.  On the most recent one we parked at the end of Log Race Road and headed down towards Karekare.

We headed south on the Mercer Loop Walk and Coman's Track to Karekare, then north again on Ahu Ahu Track.


The coastal tracks have some spectacular scenery and are now part of the Hillary Trail - definitely worth a visit!

Mercer Bay

The trouble is, that once you have run a few trails it becomes impossible to just walk them - my legs were itching to turnover faster!  Luckily the rest of my family were happy to jog along whenever we felt like it.  Buying your son new trail shoes certainly helps!  Although I did aggravate my knee a bit on those hills and had to ice it when I got home.

Te Ahua Point and the Tasman Sea

I was hoping things would be right enough to run Riverhead Xterra, but not to be.  I'm gutted, but in this for the long haul - and that means recovering properly, and hopefully running freely like a gazelle again soon!

Cornwall Parkrun #92

Yesterday I ran my first ever Parkrun!  I think parkrun started in the UK, but is rapidly spreading throughout NZ.  It is a free weekly timed 5km race, totally run by volunteers and sponsors (in this case NZ Home Loans)

I thought a 5km race would be a good baseline to establish for future training - I haven't run a road race since 3 November 2013, and trail races are so variable it is hard to gauge exactly where your fitness is at!

My previous 5km PB was 28:39 at the Unitec 5km almost a year ago, so I wanted to beat that.  I haven't been feeling great running lately, but things are a lot better now autumn has arrived and the weather has cooled down, or maybe all that extra iron I've been trying to consume lately is starting to have an effect.

I have been happy with my recent speed sessions, and guesstimated that a 27:30 min 5km would be a reasonable goal.  My A goal was to break 27 mins (you never know!) and C goal was to break 28 mins.

I read somewhere that you should run the first third of a race conservative, build to goal pace for the second third, then run all out for the last third.  My plan was to start off at 5:30 pace, increase to 5:20, then run as fast as I could (hopefully 5:10 pace) the last third.  

As it turns out, I was spot on with my time goal and ran a PB - yay!

My pacing goal however, varied quite a lot from the plan, lol:

As you can see I started real slow, but I didn't realise this at the time.  My watch had switched back to the clock, and when I went to connect again it was still on HRM mode, so while I was fiddling around with my watch beeping away and feeling like a GPS Type A jerk,  it appears I was also jogging along like a tortoise, and I couldn't believe it when I finally connected and my pace was 7:15!  That sent me and my heart rate into a bit of a panic and it took me a while to settle down, around about the kiosk/1km mark.

I started to feel pretty good and enjoy the pace - after logging lots of long slow runs, 5K pace feels great - real running!  Soon we were running downhill, and then I realised after the turnaround the reverse was going to be happening.  I tried to take advantage of the downhill, but had to walk some of the uphill.  Once on the flat I started to feel strong again, but probably got a bit confident as I faded on the slight uphill towards the finish.  Once that was over I found the energy to sprint to the finish and overtake a final few.

My results:

87/136 runners

20/50 women

4/9 W45-49 

59% age graded

Overall I was happy with my result and it was what I expected.  Now I have a new number to beat!

I need to work on the start (ie warm up, be organised, concentrate!), and running uphill.  I have been avoiding hills lately so no surprise there.  A more consistent pace would be nice too - I'm a yo-yo compared to everyone else!

Cornwall Parkrun has such a relaxed and friendly atmosphere - at the briefing they take the time to welcome all visiting runners, international or national, and also first-timers like me.  The course is accurately measured and timed so if you run it occasionally is a great gauge of fitness.  There were runners of all levels, from beginning joggers to speedy club runners of which there were quite a few - like the 55-59 year old winner this weekend running a 17:45!  I hope to run one every now and then to measure my progress - and slash that PB of course!

Have you ever run Parkrun? Which one(s) in which country(ies)?
What is your 5km pace strategy?
Are you a running yo-yo, or a metronome when it comes to pace?

Three Exciting Things!

Exciting Thing #1:

I've never been featured on another blog before, but now I can say I have!  You may have noticed Cathryn from My Heart's Content blog doing a really interesting series called Running The World, where a runner is interviewed about the running scene in their particular country.  So far she has featured Myjka from the Czech Republic, Preeti from India, Grace and Holly from Singapore - and today she is featuring guess who from New Zealand!

Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand - running heaven 

Anyone who knows me knows that I can talk about running forever, so I was thrilled to be asked.  Click on over to her blog and have a read!

Exciting Thing #2:

I entered the Auckland Half Marathon in November.  Thanks all for your thoughtful comments helping me to decide. I decided I'm not ready to train for a marathon this year, and I really like the idea of trying to run a sub-2 half instead.  That means I need to knock about 11 minutes off my time, which doesn't sound huge until you look at the difference in pace:

2:10:22 = 6:10 pace

1:59:59 = 5:41 pace

I may have bitten off more than I can chew, but you never know.  What I do know is that I need to try a little harder, so this could be a good thing.

Exciting Thing #3:

I'm not the only one in my household running the half marathon - Steven is too!  He started running when I was training for it last year and back then we ran at a similar pace, now he is streaks ahead and leaves me in his dust.  At least he'll be waiting for me at the finish line!

However, I'm a bit sorry I won't be able to cheer him on like he did for me!

That's enough excitement for one day!
Any exciting news from your neck of the woods?
Have you entered the Auckland Marathon - half or full?
Where is your running heaven?

Help me, I only have 2 days to decide!

All year I have been stuck in a state of indecision about whether to enter the Auckland Half Marathon again this year, or enter the huhhum, Marathon.  This is the main reason I never posted any New Year resolutions or goals - because I couldn't decide!

This is where you come in - help me weight up the pros and cons of running whichever one you think I should enter!

Here's a glimpse of the chaos in my head at the moment:
At first I thought I would definitely enter the marathon, but I've had a bit of a tough time running lately and I'm veering towards the half - but am I just being a chicken?  I have only been running a couple of years and maybe the marathon would be a bit of a stretch for this 47 year old body (there I am being chicken again).  Maybe another year of running will build on my strength and endurance.  In some ways I would like to do the half again and rather than just run it to finish the distance like I did last year, I'd like to try and beat my time of 2:10 and maybe even run a sub-2.  I think I'd feel more confident going into a marathon having run a sub-2 half.  But I'd like to run a marathon before I am 50 so I haven't got long - there are only 2 Auckland marathons before that happens so I need to hurry up, stop procrastinating and being a chicken.  And if I happen to be injured one year that means only one Auckland marathon left...pressure...Actually the 'need to do a marathon before 50' isn't really important to me, I'd be happy doing one at 51 so ignore all that.  Goal eliminated.  Decision still not made though...

See what I mean?  Entries open on April 10, and the half sells out quickly so I need to decide soon!  Please help - all comments and advice below will be duly considered!

Bonus Post - March Running Roundup:

For a while I've been thinking of doing a monthly round-up of exciting running things that have happened - so here goes, albeit a little late for March!

Last month the Vibram Tarawera Ultra Marathon was held - it's first year on the Ultra Trail World Tour - as Cyclone Luci rained down upon the country.   The course was shortened as a result, but that doesn't stop the excitement:

• Women's winner Jo Johanson came out of nowhere to win this year's event and make Kiwi's proud, here is her post race interview with Bryan Powell.
• Third place-getter Dawn Tuffery's race report's are always a good read, complete with her cartoons.  Is she really smiling in every shot?!
• Men's winner Sage Canaday's race report is an interesting read, and nice to know even elites can have headlamps fail!  His irunfar interviews, pre and post-race, are also great viewing.
• Kiwi Vajin Armstrong placed third and here are his thoughts pre race.
• One day Vera  from SuperGenericGirl will post her report ;), but she's been so busy as the new editor of New Zealand Trail Runner magazine I can forgive her for any delays!  Make sure you pick up your copy, it's a good read, enclosed in this month's Wilderness magazine, and join the Facebook page while you're at it.
• Update: Vera must have heard me typing that because she has just posted - a must read!

Another exciting event was the inaugural event of The Hillary.  The Hillary Trail is a 4-5 day walking trail the length of the Waitakere Ranges west of Auckland - but who wants to walk when you can run!  With 80km, 34km and 16km events there is something for all, and you can get an idea of the race with this teaser video.

• Jo Johanson won this ultra too!  It will be exciting to follow this talented lady's ultra career in the future.  Here is second place getter Heather Davidson's race report.
• Check out  Jody's race report on the 16km event with some amazing photos - well done my friend!

That's just a few of the exciting things from last month on my radar.  Enjoy the links!

(But only after you have left your comment helping me to decide, right  - half or full?)

Running Orokawa Bay

This weekend I ran an awesome track to Orokawa Bay with Steven.  We attended a wedding in the western Bay of Plenty on Saturday, and the next day we couldn't resist a sunrise run along the coast.  We parked at the northern end of Waihi Beach and started running:

After some brisk winding uphill around the coast, we soon found ourselves admiring the views south to Waihi Beach from where we began:

And north to beautiful and untouched Orokawa Bay:

Steven ran to the end while I rested did some gait analysis in the sand: 

I think I have a cross-over gait...

 The track was awesome, although a couple of parts were a bit hairy scary - notice how I am clinging to the right side and not the left?!

But my Roclite 268's stopped me from slipping into the Pacific Ocean.  I can tell we're going to have lots of adventures together in the future!

I was disappointed that SportWatch failed to connect to a satellite though.  Half the fun for me is seeing a new route mapped out with all its elevation and pace changes.  Oh well - first world problem!

Did you explore anywhere new this weekend?
Which do you prefer - sandy beach or rocky cliff top?
Have you been to Orokawa Bay?

Race Report - The Dual Off Road Half Marathon

Last weekend I ran in the Dual - it was an awesome day out running around a couple of islands in the Hauraki Gulf.  I ran the 21km event which took you through tons of differing terrain and it was really challenging!

There wasn't much chance to look at those views!

The morning is so relaxing when races start at 11am - no early alarms and the usual morning routine applies.  I turned up to the ferry terminal around 8:30 for the 9:00 sailing over to Motutapu Island, and it wasn't long until we boarded, landing at Home Bay about half an hour later.

Home Bay is a beautiful setting and it was a short walk from the wharf around to event base.  One of the mountain bike races was about to start and I noticed the toilet queue was short, so I took advantage of this. Shortly afterwards the queue was really long so I'm glad I did!  I hung around the start area and visited the stands - ate some watermelon at Partner's Life, booked a massage at Bodyneed, watched the first triathlete's navigate T2, dropped off my gear bag, then finally watched the triathlon winners come in just before our 21km race briefing.

After the race briefing we headed towards the start line, where I noticed a short toilet queue at the edge of the camping ground so I joined it.  By the time the starting horn went off I was first in the queue and decided it was worth waiting and starting the race a couple of minutes late.  I don't think I will do this again as it is amazing how much this puts you behind!  I caught up to the tail-enders and wound my way up through the field, trying not to overdo it and begin too fast.  The first portion of the race was uphill, and I ran most of it until near the top where it got steeper.

Which bring us to the elevation profile of this course, but first some geography for those not familiar with my city and surrounds:

Hauraki Gulf with Rangitoto Island and Motutapu Island (they are linked by a short causeway)

21km course marked in blue, the start/finish is in Home Bay (top right)

At the first descent I took off in an effort to gain some ground, but the gravel road but soon turned into a paddock that was pitted with potholes.  I tried to go as fast as I could without rolling an ankle - a couple of times it was close but I reached Rangitoto in one piece!  

Rangitoto is actually a volcano formed by an eruption 600 years ago and the island is comprised of lava fields with regenerating forest.  Upon crossing the causeway to Rangitoto it was noticeably hotter as the black rock heats up in the sun.

I struggled here, 5km into the race!  Even though the incline was slight to begin with my heart rate shot up at the slightest exertion.  I ran/walked and managed to keep most of the group in sight.  

Struggle Street

As we ascended and the trail got steeper it became a walk for most of us, which made it easier for me to keep in touch, and I passed a few people who looked like they had started too fast - well, faster than me anyway!

Most of the trail so far was rocky 4WD track, but near the top of the volcano we veered off into a narrow bush trail that I never knew existed.  We were winding, climbing, descending - over tree roots and plush leaf-laden forest floor one minute, then over rocks and open lava fields the next.  It was slow going, and if it weren't for the other runners I would have wondered if I was still on course!

I tripped several times here.  In the contrasty light of the bush it was difficult to see rocks and roots, plus I was probably following too close behind the runner in front of me as I was itching for an opportunity to pass.  The chance never arose, and I didn't push it anyway as I appeared to be stuck behind quite a queue.  After an age of slow running we finally came out into the open where my impatience got the better of me and I hightailed it down to Rangitoto wharf.  I passed several runners on this downhill, but none passed me - net gain!

The easy part!

The next stage was around the Rangitoto coast towards the causeway.  This was one of the rockiest and most technical trails I have run on - and had injury written all over it.  I essentially I ran 10 steps/walked 10 steps the whole way!  I just found it too hard to concentrate on more than that at one time, but even this way I was slowly gaining on people and overtaking them.  I guess I passed 20 runners along this stage, unfortunately two of them were taking it easy because they had turned their ankle :(

The volunteers out on the course were plenty - and were so supportive!  I had to giggle at a couple though - when the girl in front of me stopped and asked how much further it was to go - they replied "about 5 mins more of this knarly track that you're on, and then another 3km to finish".  I looked at my watch which said we were only about 13km into the race, but she had ran ahead and didn't hear me, and the volunteer gave me a sneaky wink!  Moral of the story - never believe a volunteer when it comes to distance!

At Islington Bay the trail became easier and you could actually run - yeeha!  I settled into a groove and tried to make the most of this flat section before the causeway, because after that was a loooong uphill.

The final uphill goes on forever - a gradual 2.5km climb to the trig station and I'm pleased to say I ran some of this!  Of course I chose to run the gentler portions, sometimes this meant run 30 secs/walk 30secs, but it is all progress and I had no-one pass me.  I made sure the walk portions were power-walking and even this allowed me to gain 3 places further up the field.  You can see a definite pattern here - my goal in the later stages of a race is clearly to pass people!

At the trig station the end was in sight, and I tried to make the most of the downhills.  By now we were running on 4WD track in paddocks, and parts of that were a sheep track, or quite rutted, so you still had to be careful with your footing.

Finally the last descent was upon us.  I love final descents!  I don't know where I got my energy from but I passed lots of people and two mountain bikers!  Closer to the finish I caught a glimpse of yellow t-shirt on my rear shoulder and I thought "no way" so I sped up and sprinted to the finish with this guy on my shoulder the last 100m.  I'm not sure where that energy came from either!

Before the race I checked out last year's results, and the middle finisher's time always gives me an indication of how long I'll take - it was about 3 hours.  I was pretty close at 2:58!  Overall I felt quite happy with my performance, but the midfield was slightly ahead of me today as I was 28/52 in my age group, and 92/165 overall women - room for improvement.  Next year - I will be back!

I must be a runner because...

Have you ever had one of those days where you are continually reminded of something, where things uncannily pop out of the blue, and it just doesn't want to go away?  Well yesterday I was continually was reminded that I was a runner.

When I woke up I had a message reminding me to pick up my race number for The Dual after work:

But first some shopping was in order.  At the shopping centre we happened to park next to a car with the number plate RUNN3R - can you believe that?  All I knew is that I liked that person.  Unfortunately this running blogger had no camera to capture this significant event!

I was supposed to be shopping for shoes to wear to a wedding, but the only ones that caught my eye were running shoes - sigh, not the best match for my dress.

We proceeded to race registration, where I picked up my number.  I purchased a Marmot tank top which was calling my name, and among the goodies in the race bag was a Total Sport flyer - with my running quote on the back!

Proof they use quotes from real people!

Back home I flicked through an Outdoor Fitness magazine, and tried their quiz on how to find your perfect match sporting-wise:

It was trail running!
But I kinda knew that ;)

And trail running is exactly what I am doing tomorrow  - which may explain why I am so excited and  have running continually on the mind.  In the morning I'll be boarding the ferry out to some islands in the gulf for a half marathon up, down and around them!

Plus it is Friday night and I'm going to bed early - now that is a sure sign of a runner!

Sometimes you can't do it all

There hasn't been much to report lately about my running because I haven't been doing that much.  And what I have been doing felt like real hard work, and disillusioned would be a good word to describe how I felt about that.

I guess the reason is that I have had a lot on lately.  At work I have been superbusy, quite literally working at breakneck pace with long hours - that's the fashion industry for you.  I have also been teaching sewing at night school, as well as making a friend's wedding dress.  I'm not complaining about any of this, but it does zap energy from other sources - and that source is running.  And housework.  And I guess, because of my absence here, that includes blog writing too.

The worst part was missing one of my favourite races of the year, the Coastal Challenge.  I really wanted to do the 11km and beat my time from last year.  Now that made me cranky!

The fact is, sometimes life gets in the way of running.  Sometimes running comes further down the list of things to do.  Sometimes as much as you want to, you can't do it all.

But you can still do a lot!  The Dual is this weekend and I'm all signed up and getting excited about another adventure.  The 21km event (there are other distances too) runs up, down and around Motutapu and Rangitoto Islands out in the Gulf.  Just to give you an idea, here's Rangitoto, Motutapu lies just behind:

As long as I don't miss my ferry it should be fun!  In my current state I guess I'll be taking it easy (except on my beloved downhills :) but it will be good to establish a base time to beat next year.

Happy running!