Did I do
justice to the training I’ve put in? I’ve rephrased my statement from the last
entry into this question and my answer is, ultimately, yes!
This was the
first marathon I feel I raced from start to finish. Taking just over 4 minutes off my previous
best time justifies the work gone in. It’s also great to get under the 2 hour
and 30 minute mark. Deep down there’s still a large part of me which burns to
go over the final 10kms again but I cannot do that so I’m looking forward to
the next challenge. It’s a big learning experience running any type of event,
whether you’re out to finish well or just finish, at the end you always walk
away better for the experience. From Saturday I have done so!
For my first
time Rotorua experience I was really taken aback by the history of the race
which was shown in a brilliant display in the foyer of the expo. Large posters
giving detailed information about each running of the event since its original
in 1965. Hours worth of inspiring images, statistics and stories!
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| What to put on those drink tables? |
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| Rotorun Marathon Expo |
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| Spottie! |
Race day is
a later than usual start, 9.30am. A real treat, especially as most of the races
I’ve completed this year have had me up around 4 in the morning. We were
staying on the shores of Lake Tarawera, so a leisurely breakfast with views
calmed all nerves and built the excitement levels nicely.
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| Not long now |
The start to
the race was quite relaxed as we settled into a group of 4 at a pace that
wasn’t setting the world on fire. Kms
clicked over and over and I felt relaxed and really enjoying the moment. I’m
not sure how far into the race it was, maybe 15km??? Before I go on let me
explain that in front of us there were a couple of mountain bikers, around 50
or 60 metres ahead and their job was to keep the walkers to the right and
generally warn people and cars that we were on our way past. Anyway suddenly
this red truck, well a ute, pulls across the lane and in front of one of the
lead cyclists giving him what looks to be an earful. No idea why. I could only
imagine he objected in some way to being told what to do? Nonetheless, he had
finished this by the time the 4 of us went by and decided to pull out
carelessly, nearly taking Dale Warrender with him in the process. Don’t know
what it is about some of us ‘ kiwi nutters’ when we have this worldwide
reputation of being ‘relaxed’ and ‘laid back’ many seem to forget this on the
roads? Sweeping generalisation I know, but not far from the truth.
This aside
we zipped along together until around the 23 km mark where Nick Portas slipped
back off the pace leaving myself with Phil Costley and Dale Warrender. Trying
not to feel out of place, I was happy to keep being pushed along and make some
of the pace myself. Not long after this
Dale slipped off the back and seemed to be in some discomfort. Later we got
word that he had pulled out with a heel injury similar to that which struck him in the
Auckland Marathon, albeit at a much later stage of the race. Sometimes there
isn’t much justice in running and for him to be pulled by an injury, especially
in a good position gunning for a 6th title is quite sad. However I’m
sure he’ll be back, which is great for the sport.
So it was Phil and I left.
Now we headed around the back end of the course. The top of the lake section
was great. Around the back was slightly different. A strong head wind and heavy
traffic flows made you work slightly harder. I always find that the marathon
goes really quickly and Saturday was no exception. The last ten kms was
exhausting but bloody great! Surges and counter surges - I haven’t experienced
anything like it in my short running career. I wish every race could be like
it! It’s why I get up at silly times in the morning to get my mileage up
and put on a head torch on in winter to light the trails below. But with many things there is a winner and this time it was not me! Congratulations Phil,
a great run! But I’ll take the second, hopefully just for now! Cheers Rotorua, great
times!
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| Shot c/o Sarah Biss |
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| Shot c/o Lake City Athhletics Club |
Few other
things and people I want to mention. Steve Day on his first 42 coming home in 4th
with a time of 2.38! Easy!
Some ‘STC’
runners, Brad Henderson, currently in Melbourne, smashing it out in 2.52 and
Mark Toplis in 2.58. I went to school with these guys and I’m not sure how much
running we did then but I think it’s fair to say that we’re going ok! Keep it
up lads!
Shaun (my
bro) chalks up another 42, could be his 20th depending what he’s
counting! Made it look pretty easy up the home straight. Congrats to Clifford
for his first time, wicked blisters tagged the occasion. Great work to Shand and Candice for finishing the half in excellent times!
Thanks I
must also say to Rose, Claire and Ollie for all of the encouraging/cheering/supporting.
Always makes a massive difference!
Really want
to thank Adidas NZ for their support and making life just that little bit
easier. I am very fortunate!
Upcoming
stuff for the week and weekend! Firstly if you are in Christchurch get on down
to North Hagley Park on Sunday and support the 100km National Champs. This is
going to be great watching, especially in the park. Picnic/chairs bring it all
down and support these amazing athletes. Here are the details:
Starts at
7am and will be going on into the afternoon. There is also a 50km and 50 mile
racing option. The 100km has the National Champs tag! SO that’s this Sunday,
the 6th of May North Hagley Park.
Wednesday:
Leeston Wednesday Night Road Runners, Leeston, Canterbury.
http://www.ellesmereroadrunners.co.nz/index.php?page=wednesday-handicap
http://www.ellesmereroadrunners.co.nz/index.php?page=wednesday-handicap
Saturday:
Iconic
Canterbury day trip ½ marathon at Hanmer. This is a great off road ½ that is
challenging but very rewarding.
Sunday:
New Balance
15km Road Race
Always a
good hit out but for all people too. They have a variety of entering options to
suits all of your running needs.
Enjoy your
running, I know I’ll be!
I'm glad to read this coz I was keen to know what was happening up front! That last 15km sounds like it would have been an awesome race. Congrats - that's a massive PB on what is reputedly a slow course!
ReplyDeleteCheers Steve, good to see you up there!
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