Training- Long runs

Done a 4.5 hr run on Sat with a full backpack(6kgs) probly covered 30kms in the dark on a 20 min circuit of Mt Eden.(13 circuits). Felt good the next day and had no problems scoffing food on the run. Had a meal bar an up and go plus a red bull some nuts and a can of tuna. Also downed 3 energy gels. Felt quite comfortable in long sleeved running top and base tights and shorts. No hat or gloves needed but a better camelbak would do me the world of good. Seen a great one in shop in Ponsonby hope they sponsor me and supply me with one? 30 min jog tonight and back to regular training tomorrow.

1st X-Terra run at Hunua

This is one of the tougher races in the series and my time last year was 2:24. I was hoping to get close to 2:00 this year but sadly it was not to be. Two days before the race I caught a cold which had not cleared by the day of the race. I started off with good intentions but didn't have the energy to keep up the pace. As soon as my feet got wet in the first stream crossing my feet felt like lead. 15 mins into the race I then impaled my calf on a dead branch sticking into the trail as I overtook someone. The next half hour was dead leg and I ended up finishing 2:13. St Johns Ambulance cleaned me up and I now await the riddance of this cold and my next training run.

Cape Brett 17Km

Did the Cape Brett 17Km in 2:00 flat. It was a really hot day and I headed out at the front of the pack to find cover from the relentless sun. Pushed about as hard as I could and am happy with my 8th place finish. Also took 3rd place for my age group. This race has some serious climbs and I think all my hill training paid off.

Hillary Trail 71Km run

So I'm running the 71Km Hillary trail. I've got 8 weeks to get myself in order for this. I'm upping my long runs from 2.5 hrs to 4hrs and plan an 8hr day out running and walking. I'm going to stick to my usual running pattern through the week as it's a great lactic threshold and VO2 max stress routine. I'm going to have to get used to eating on my long runs and will have to carry a heavier pack than usual. I think the run will take between 12-14 hrs. It starts at midnight so will have to start training in the dark. It's an extreme off road/mountain trail through bush, rainforest and rugged coastline. What on earth am I doing?

4th race 2010

Ok Rangitoto- Motutapu dual on Saturday. It's a 21k mountain (Volcano) and trail run. It is mostly trail but lots of lava flow sections with big uphills and downhills. My time last year was 2:40. Update: Finished in 2:06 It was, of course, really hot.