Wednesday 6 June 2012

Christchurch to Christchurch





A couple of things about the Christchurch Marathon that was held over the weekend. 4500 people entered in the various events that were on offer, well up on the previous year. There was lots of publicity in the build-up to this event, in particular the change to the course due to public protest. Personally I feel that this was for the benefit of the day as it did cut out a long out and back section that would have made it even trickier for supporters to get to. Speaking to some people about the area and the plans that are in place for the next few years it sounds quite positive, hopefully they can continue to work hard and continue the success of this well established Canterbury event.
Night before I always keep the kit off the ground

Last offerings with Pete




Weather was amazing for the start, the wind had dropped away providing a mild temperature. As we started the pace was quite quick due to the mass start. Sam Wreford (marathon winner 2.17, which is the B standard Olympic time) got into his work early and made the day his own. I sat in behind a group of half marathon runners, along with Dale Warrender. The race splits after 10km and we were left on our own. Steve O’Callaghan, who went with Sam at the start, was within sight of us and we chipped away at his advantage to bring him to us at around the half way stage. By this time Sam was well out of sight and had built a large lead. I continued with Dale until the 30km mark, where he dropped me and powered on home in 2.22. I followed behind him in 3rd 3 minutes back 2.25.24, taking 3 minutes and 20 seconds off my Rotorua time. Stoked with this time as it capped of a great 6 months.  Another thing that was awesome on Sunday was the general support of the public. It makes a huge difference to see familiar faces out there cheering on for you. I’ve really noticed this over the past couple of ‘away from home’ marathons. This is really highlighted when you’re running with someone who the locals know. On Sunday it was sweet to be the local and hugely supported!



27km-28km mark

Around mid way point

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I find taking stock after a big event puts everything back into perspective and refocuses what the next plan of attack is. Part of taking stock for me is some rest. It has been a fairly big 6 months, by far the biggest I have done in terms of training and racing, with so many positives to take from it. Now, I’m looking forward to longer slower mileage, as I target the North Way Downs 50 miles race in the UK mid-August. 
Home stright

Home straight take 2


As I’m writing this there’s 10-12cm of fresh snow on the ground here in Christchurch, making skiing more of a focus! I fondly remember our snow last year and the variety of running opportunities that arose and kick started my winter running. This year it looks like it’ll do the same, only sooner! I suggest getting out while it’s still powder.

12 months ago I ran a 2.34.30 at the Christchurch marathon, this year a 2.25.24. I believe the reduction in time reflects the work I’ve put in and the luck I’ve had, by this I mean no injuries. From here it’s a long route to get quicker over the distance but one that I’m willing to take. At the moment I’m looking into options for one more marathon before the year is out with plenty of halves thrown in for speed.

Rest, recovery, eat well, enjoy a couple of brews and then back into things…hard! 

Will update shortly

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