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.
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| Night before I always keep the kit off the ground |
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| 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!
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| 27km-28km mark |
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| Around mid way point |
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| Add caption |
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.
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| Home stright |
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| 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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