Wednesday 28 March 2012

Outdoor Photography

Link to check out the amazing photos from the Northburn weekend.

These are epic and a real credit to the photographer, Paul Petch, for capturing the grit, spirit and determination of all the competitors invovled...ka pai!

http://outdoor-photography.photoshelter.com/gallery/Northburn100-Ultra-Marathon-24-03-12-26-03-12/G0000E65znGcgUyc/C00001jb.h3H_lio

Monday 26 March 2012

Northburn



I think I’m right in saying that each runner can remember the time or race that sparked their love for the sport or the idea that this is something they want to do.  For me, it was the Northburn 2011.  When deciding to compete in last year’s race I got a little serious; a coach, trained particularly hard, planned ahead and got to the start line proud of my achievements.  With this in mind going back this year was super exciting and slightly daunting. Daunting because I still have those 3 big letters in my mind…DNF!  Opting for the, quote of Race Director Terry Davis ‘50km is the nice loop’, this weekend I was confident of getting through but nervous about what state I’d end up in.

Northburn start/finish area and homebase


Arriving late into a very mild but blustery Cromwell I was anxious about the mornings weather prospects. This was put to rest as I woke around 3.30am to prepare for the start line, although still blustery there was no sign of rain, yet! Once again the general excitement overruled any fatigue I may have had from a late night and early start and come 5.45 I was checked in and ready to roll.
This race is a mass start, so all competitors regardless of distance begin together making it a hub of nerves and excitement. As we looped our way around the Northburn vineyard and back past the marquee (used as a home base/basecamp for 100km and 100 mile athletes) we were out into the action. I worked my way to the front of the pack and settled into running with Aussie Daniel Trevena (he completed the 100 mile last year) which was all familiar as we ran together for a while last year too. As we gradually made our way up the mountain the light took over so head torches could be removed. I was quite content knowing that they would not be seen again!


Daniel and I ran together for around the first 16km to a point which gets very steep and was very windy. I just put my head down and focused on getting through the section, once at the top I’d created a little gap. Still climbing, but not as steeply now, the wind began to get really aggressive as it ripped up some of the valleys. Cresting the summit at around 1660m it was low body position and leaning into the wind. I haven’t quite been in anything like it. Even a couple of the storms I hiked through while on the Appalachian Trail had nothing on this! By the time I’d got to the 25km point, where a marshall was, we had to turn straight into the wind. I was quite confused at this stage just because of the battering from the wind. I pretty much was a dribbling/snotting mess. The head wind again was low body position with head down and counting my steps to ten. It didn’t last very long and once we started descending the wind gradually died down and the temperature rose. 


There are some fast sections of downhill over this 50km section and I opened out on plenty, a luxury I could afford knowing that I wouldn’t need to save my legs for enduring the night as many others would have to. At the 40km mark I felt positive to go under 5 hours and checked over a couple of calculations in my head which lead me to believe it was on. However I hadn’t factored in the last couple of climbs in this section. Although not the length of what we initially tolerated but a couple of grunty bursts that was enough to take the wind out of my sails and watch the sub 5 slip away. Knowing this I relaxed and enjoyed the last few kilometres reflecting on what was a great morning of running!

Done

 

So couple of big thanks I need to get out there, Rosie, who has put up with plenty over the past few weeks. Loads of travel but plenty of fun too, think we’ll enjoy a quiet local weekend! Duncan and Jess for coming down to Cromwell. The Northburn team, Lisa, Terry and Tom you just know that this weekend will grow and grow! Backcountry Runner for the epic race coverage! Glenn and Matt at Adidas, you guys have been so awesome! Well done to all of those that went down to Cromwell to support or take part (50, 100km or 100m). Always a shame that these things only occur once a year! And the winners of the 100 mile, Glenn Sutton in 26.31 and Jean Beaumont in 26.47. Crazy crazy stuff! 

Add caption
Backcountry Runner roaming reporter


(R to L) Duncan, Jess and I









Well done for all of you that ran Christchurch’s City2Surf. Wicked to see the iconic ‘03’ event back in the swing of things.


As for me the upcoming week will be recovery/plod around. Just want to make sure the legs are fine so I can really up preparation for Rotorua, which is only 5 Saturday’s away now.

 From the week some stats:
Avg Distance:20.02 km 
Avg Time:1:42:06 h:m:s
Count:10 Activities
Distance:202.78 km
Time:17:00:59 h:m:s
Elevation Gain:4,875 m
Avg HR:129 bpm
Calories:9,934 C
Max HR:183 bpm
Avg Elevation Gain:488 m
Max Time:5:06:02 h:m:s  

And around the region this week we have loads happening, especially the Arrowsmith Thee Run!

Wednesyday:

Leeston Wednesday Night Road Runners, Leeston, Canterbury
http://www.ellesmereroadrunners.co.nz/index.php?page=wednesday-handicap

Thursday:
The Rock Race in Rolleston, Canterbury
Meet at the community centre 6.15pm to register for a 6.30pm start (no web)

Saturday:

Arrowsmith Thee Run, Canterbury (Meant to be one of the best views in NZ!)

Sunday:

Sri Chinmoy Waimairi Beach Challenge

And those of you who enjoy two wheels Le Race in on in Christchurch. Good viewing spots on Dyres Pass Road and at the roundabout top of Colombo before they head up the hill.


Friday 23 March 2012

Northburn Live Race Coverage

So this weekend is the 2nd running of the Northburn 50km, 100km and 100 mile events.

Here's a link to live race coverage which will kick off around 5.45am (NZT) 24th March.

http://www.coveritlive.com/index.php?option=com_altcaster&task=siteviewaltcast&altcast_code=882383bc75&height=550&width=470

All events start at the same time (6am) with the 100 mile course open until Monday (26th at midday). Should be some amazing achievements so tune into the updates

Slates

Thursday 22 March 2012

Backcountry Runner Interview

Here's a link to an interview I've just done with Grant Guise from Backcountry Runner, which is a trail running specific website for NZ. It's a great idea and will take off if we all get in behind it!

The interview is on this weekend’s Northburn and there are plenty of great interviews on there too, all around our trail running scene!

So go and check it out

Wednesday 21 March 2012

On Tour



After the Motatapu my body recovered quickly and I felt sharp again by Tuesday afternoon. Sunday I didn’t run, mainly due to the rain in Queenstown and the fact that we had plenty of food vouchers that needing spending in Arrowtown on route back to Christchurch.  Seemed like many had the same idea so the morning was spent jumping from place to place savouring coffee, sweets and breakfast!

You can't beat Christchurch on a good day

Mid week Port Hills action

Looking South West


Victoria Park Mountain Bike/Running Trails

Victoria Park Mountain Bike/Running Trails

Looking South


This week I was aiming to get my body right for a demanding half marathon in Kaiteriteri. The course has one decent climb (around 3km up to 250m) and a couple of shorter grunts. After travelling on Friday afternoon we arrived to a beautifully clear sky and what promised to be a great following morning. Waking we weren’t disappointed. Crisp to start but once the sun rose it worked its magic, so perfect for the start time of 8.45. 

Tough life


I haven’t been up to the Abel Tasman region for a while and it’s still just as I remember it. Even better going there late holiday season. So quiet and relaxed.

It was great to see Phil Costley and Graeme Taylor, both Nelson locals, at the start line and a record number in the field. I can see why as the location is perfect for a half marathon. 

Loving the start line snaps, notice the hands on watches


Coming into this race I’d quickly researched some previous times and thought that I should aim for a 74 minute effort. As with a couple of weeks ago this went out the window after a couple of km’s. With Phil charging ahead and I left to eat his dust and get my head around trying to get close. Not too sure what happened in the first few km as I was very short of breathe and my pins felt uncoordinated frequently knocking my knees together, which never looks cool! Maybe something to do with my preparation and warm up, or if you could call jogging for 2km a warm up…..maybe something I need to look into!

So after about 5 km’s we went up the climb and this is where I started to feel much better and got into my work. Up and down went well with the odd glimpse of Phil well ahead of me. I focused on running km’s 11-16 at a strong and consistent pace. Which I did completing them all around 3.16. With a couple of climbs left towards the finish line I wanted to keep rhythm steady and get as close to Phil as possible, knowing that I’d never catch him but a smaller time gap would satisfy. Without taking much notice of my time I looked again to see I was shaping up to be well under what I initially thought and true to this I came home in second in a time of 1 hour 10 minutes and 40 seconds. Added to this I felt great, legs had been working which I could feel that but nothing that was spelling out trouble. This was also the first half marathon I’d run in the Adidas Adios. For those of you who don’t know they are the shoes worn by Patrick Makau of Kenya, the quickest man over the Marathon distance. He ran a 2.03.38 at Berlin last year…so you can’t argue how fast these wheels are or how fast they make you feel!!

Can't claim this photo (http://shuttersport.co.nz/)


I loved this race. The course really keeps you honest with the climb early in the race and also the decent is quick so the first half really puts some strain on your legs. The scenery is wonderful and the water afterwards sooths any sore legs. The atmosphere is really relaxed and it’s the perfect excuse to take a Friday and Monday off work to enjoy what’s on offer.


Afternoon spent relaxing


This week I’m down in Cromwell for the 2nd running of the Northburn. Races include 100 mile, 100km and 50km, for which I’m in. Cannot wait to get down on that start line, which is very early on Saturday morning and run over that beautiful landscape again. For a lot less time this time!!

Even more excited to be running in my weapons, Adidas Supernova Riots. It’s not often you return from a 4 hour run to find a brand new pair of shoes waiting at your back door, fortunately this occurred this morning! From first glimpse these shoes seem tough, perfect for the hard, dust and rocky tracks of the Northburn. I feel very humbled by these things happening and I really want to thank Glenn at Adidas. The Adidas range is real quality, trails or road it covers you!
Have a look at :






So here are some stats for the week:

Avg Distance:13.42 km
Avg Time:1:06:19 h:m:s
Count:14 Activities
Distance:187.88 km
Time:15:28:28 h:m:s
Elevation Gain:3,380 m
Avg HR:134 bpm
Calories:8,782 C
Max HR: 192 bpm
Avg Elevation Gain:241 m
Max Time:3:00:30 h:m:s

And around the region this week:

Wednesday:

Ellesmere Wednesday Road Runners, Leeston

Thursday:

The Rock Race, Rolleston. Meet at the Rolleston Community Centre with registration at 6.15pm and the event starting at 6.30pm.

Saturday/Sunday:
Northburn 100 Mile Cromwell

Sunday:
City2Surf, Christchurch

New course for this and hopefully they should get plenty of locals along. If you are considering it them consider no further and have a go at it!

And I should mention for those types who shave their legs

The Grape Ride Marlborough


Enjoy the great outdoors

Monday 12 March 2012

One down, Two to go

The weekend started with the foot on the gas and that’s how it pretty much was until hitting the pit on Sunday night. We made our way down to Queenstown in good time, arriving at around 10.30. A routinely settle in cup of tea with John and Kate and lights out as we all had a massive day ahead of us! Alarm kicked off at half four and I awoke feeling like I had more than enough sleep to get me through the day.

Pre-race went so smoothly and I really thank Rose for driving on the morning. The drive over the crown was dark so we didn’t see much, well anything, and apart from getting trapped behind a bus and a little detour via Wanaka town ship, due to the AMP Show, we arrived with loads of time up our sleeve.

As Rose left me to fend for myself I lined for the bus to the Motatapu Station. This part was super-efficient and a real credit to the officials and organisers. Around the Station was a hub of activity but once again easy to get all of the things you needed before the race began.

Having wanted to compete in this marathon but not having the time due to various things I was pleased to be at the start line watching the sun’s rays’ caress the surrounding ranges. Not for too long though, as a rifle was blasted into the air by a young lad who seemed smaller than it, signalling the start. Right from the start Vajin Armstrong and I put a break on the field and that’s the way it stayed for the race. We ran together for nearly 30 km’s of the race. He was great to run with and we swapped stories and discussed upcoming races and previous ones. Vajin was a week out from the Tarawera Ultra, a race that has an amazing depth of quality runners this year, so he was always saving his legs for next weekend. As the last 12 km’s are mainly downhill I just strode out down these a put a little gap between us, a gap which I kept for the remainder of the race, coming home in 2 hours and 55 minutes. I was really stoked with this time as it was around where I was hoping to run and of course getting first was just the icing on the cake and hopefully will be the catalyst for the year!



I would fully recommend this race to anyone of any ability. The climbing is in short sharp bursts so you don’t really notice that you’ve climbed to where you have. Loads of people too, so the finish area is very social and the views throughout the race are very impressive, they can make you feel very small. John did the Mountain Bike in a very impressive time of 2 hours 20. Although due to the bike numbers being so large the start is staggered at 4 minute intervals. You are grouped according to your entry date, I understand the significance of getting numbers early but feel this could be changed to time or previous time from the following year but if it’s your first race that’s when it gets slightly tricky. Nonetheless with the numbers that this weekend attracts across the board why change such a good thing!




Slightly less mileage this week, look for some more over the next couple of weeks

Avg Distance:17.64 km
Avg Time:1:20:15 h:m:s
Count:9 Activities
Distance:158.78 km
Time:12:02:13 h:m:s
Elevation Gain:2,712 m
Avg HR:143 bpm
Calories:7,948 C
Max HR:197 bpm
Avg Elevation Gain:301 m
Max Time:2:55:14 h:m:s

Once again plenty to keep you busy this upcoming week around the region:

Wednesday:

Ellesmere Wednesday Road Runners, Leeston

Surf and Turf Series, Corsair Bay

Thursday:

The Rock Race, Rolleston. Meet at the Rolleston Community Centre with registration at 6.15pm and the event starting at 6.30pm.

Another big weekend for me up in Kaiteriteri for the half marathon with plenty of driving. Shall be great though fingers crossed for some of that Tasman sunshine!

Enjoy these autumn training days

Monday 5 March 2012

One more week


What an embattled weekend we had here in Christchurch, a real taste of winter chill. I managed to get all of my sessions in but there’s something about running in the rain. The wind I’m not the biggest fan of but rain doesn’t bother me. Perhaps it’s the cooling/soothing nature of each drop or, as of Saturday, the horizontal sheets pushing you backwards or propelling you forward. Plus I’ve always thought how many people may have bailed so it’s a chance to get an edge.

Flicking through the paper this morning I saw a picture of Gary Kirsten (coach of the, currently touring here, South African cricket team) completing a marathon in Taranaki. This was the morning after a day night game against NZ. So he drove from Auckland down to Taranaki during the night to make the start line on Sunday, that’s 360km, say around 5-6 hours. Top effort I say although not sure his reasoning.

Last Tuesday I had my first race, a 10km hit out around the Halswell Downs beginning at the Quarry and running to the turnaround point at the end of the Hoon Hay valley road. Being my first race since December I didn’t know what to expect, I was also very excited about the prospect of a niece or nephew being born at any moment. Claire, my brother’s wife, had that day gone into labour so the race was quite timely as I could go and actually do something. I had a vague idea about times but was more focused on a negative spilt (when you finish the second half faster than the first). In my mind I was thinking 34 mins, a couple of 17 minutes 5k’s should be a solid benchmark. Done. Warm up, any news??? Nope, ok.

A good looking start line

Off we head
 As we started I found myself 4 or 5 back from the lead and settled into a good stride rhythm. We clicked over the first km and I saw we we’re at 3.10 pace. Right then my race plan went out the window and I decided to see how long I could stick at it for! Runners are adaptable creatures. We have to be as we cannot control the thoughts and reactions of our fellow competitors. Well one way is to be a front runner and on this evening I wasn’t prepared to be doing that.

As the race progressed I worked my way up to 3rd, alongside Tane Cambridge. We ran together for at least 5 or 6 km’s. Tane had just the previous weekend nearly broken Keith Murray’s Avalanche Peak record, as he destroyed one of the toughest runs I’ve ever completed. Yes, so we stayed together and I thought that we’d have a good crack at pulling in the leader. But as the km’s ticked over I was noticing that we hadn’t really made any dent. I decided to really have a go with about 3km to go but couldn’t muster the legs to get much more going. I then focused on getting under 32 minutes. Which I kind of did….according to my watch, by point something of a spilt second. However the official timer clicked me in at 32 minutes, for which I’ll have to settle for. Well done to Nick Rennie for smashing out a great time, he was first about 18 seconds ahead of me and Tane followed about 10 or 15 second back on me.  Claire also gave birth but not until the early hours of the 29th. Welcome to the world young Ollie David McWhirter, and well done Claire, running any distance doesn’t come into comparison. 

So many positives to take from the race and basically over the moon to take a 50 second chunk off my 10km PB after a week over 200km and a healthy nephew. This leads me to this weekend and the Motatapu. Beginning what is going to be a super busy rest of the month, with races and travel to these races. It’s going to be a mad start to the day as we’re staying in Queenstown so we’ll have to be on the road early to be at Glendu Bay between 6 and 7 to catch the shuttle to the start line. These early starts are often the case with many big races but you are so charged anyway that a couple of hours less sleep is irrelevant. I remember the ferry to the start line at the Auckland Marathon, it was wicked. Loads of nervous social energy, the bus ride to the start, although short, will be cool.

Great snaps from Rose too!

Here are some stats from the week:

Avg Distance:13.48 km
Avg Time:1:04:04 h:m:s
Count:12 Activities
Distance:188.69 km
Time:14:56:50 h:m:s
Elevation Gain:2,572 m
Avg HR:138 bpm
Calories:8,644 C
Max HR:211 bpm
Avg Elevation Gain:184 m
Max Time:3:00:23 h:m:s

Still plenty in and around the Canterbury region:

Wednesday
Ellesmere Road Runners: Leeston
Surf and Turf Series: Corsair Bay

Thursday
The Rock Race: Rolleston
No website but register at Rolleston Community Centre at 94 Rolleston Drive, 6.30pm start

Sunday
Kaiapoi Rangiora Fun Run and Walk

Found a little quote a while ago and have been waiting for a time to use it so I think with the off road marathon this weekend it’s an appropriate

"It's unnatural for people to run around the city streets unless they are thieves or victims. It makes people nervous to see someone running. I know that when I see someone running on my street, my instincts tell me to let the dog go after him."

Good stuff!