1- Still time to enter (and train for ) the Half and Quarter Marathons at Tai Tap on Sunday 11 Nov.
2- Shoe Clinic Half Marathon – NB this is shown in the Winter programme as Sunday 4th November, it is now on Sunday 11thNovember – MORE DETAILS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHCH Avon Half AGM coming up on Nov 29th .Please send any remits to me before NOV 15 th to be considered at the meeting .
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Richard asserted his dominance over Andrew in the recent Auckland Marathon where they posted 2nd and 3 rd fastest M45 times and both finished in the top 20 of the race (2.44.24 and 2.45 .19 ) .Well done fellas. They were both beaten by the fastest woman though (CHCH's Alex Williams in 2.41 ! ) .
Auckland Marathon Sunday 28th October 2012
Report – Richard Seigne
"As I write this on 30th October my quads still feel like someone has been hitting them with a metal bar, maybe if I write a long enough report I won’t need to go upstairs to bed – stairs aaahhg.
This was my 5th marathon (ChCh x 3 + 1 Motatapu) and I’ve never felt so totally knackered at the end or during the last 10kms – I blame this on Andrew Reese-Jones’ fast pace for the first 25+km but it might also had something to do with a few undulations and (in retrospect) not enough kms on unforgiving tarmac - plus a new PB.
Never a great morning runner, the idea of a 4am rise to get the ferry to the north shore for a 6.10 start never appealed but when Andrew showed interest in going up for the National Marathon Champs I entered.
Saturday was a funny day “relaxing” at the Viaduct in the sun, craving a beer but resisting and then watching Canterbury beat Auckland in the ITM cup final in a sports bar as the hotel TV wasn’t picking up Sky Sport – still beerless. Early to bed, fitful sleep and then it was actually THE day after so many months waiting. As dawn gradually appeared the threatened rain never materialised and we left Devonport on a cool, calm and windless morning with over 3,000 other marathon competitors (2,685 finishers). Andrew and I soon found ourselves in a group of 10 or so as we ran up and down through suburban streets. After a few kms and grumbles of “going too fast, you’ll burn out” 10 became 6. We were going a bit quicker than I really wanted to and every piece of advice I’d read and heard in the last 2 days had all been on the lines of “don’t go too fast at the start”. What to do? Stay with the group and hope I could hang on or drop back to the grumblers and try and keep a steady pace (my “usual” tactic) then maybe pick a few places off in the last few kms? In the end I decided I couldn’t let Andrew get away – he’d already beaten me every race this year damn it, anyway may be a new tactic might work, nothing ventured nothing gained.
So over the harbour bridge at 15km, great views and the group was now down to 5 with one off the front. There was a bit of chat, we were generally upbeat and it was all flat from here on. We came off the bridge and round a small loop with a couple more undulations (these really were the last climbs of significance) and then through the back of the Viaduct (still no beer). Onto the shoreline and I was aware we were still cracking on and I was not feeling fresh anymore; I wasn’t the only one though as suddenly Andrew and I had dropped the rest of the group. I sensed Andrew was strong but if I dropped back now I could fade into obscurity so I tucked in behind as we passed half way in 1.21.18.
The rest of the run was all along the shoreline on a closed road there and back - a bit monotonous but we targeted lonely runners every km or so as spectators cheered us on (actually they were cheering the 2 women we passed, but hey, you have to take it). The turn was at about 32km, I already felt like I was only hanging on and then we hit a head wind… I hadn’t appreciated we were running with a tail wind so this was a real shock. Suddenly I could feel my pace drop right off and my watch started beeping to tell me to speed up. We shared the load, as we had done in the southerly 2 yrs before in the ChCh marathon, even so our pace was slowing and our goal time of 2.45 began to look less promising. Miraculously after only 2 kms or so the wind dropped, but by now my quads were beginning to burn, I got a stitch and a bit of cramp in one calf, this was not good. Even Andrew’s gift of a jelly bean half choked me! Clouds of despair descended as I thought of all that training coming to nothing, what if I couldn’t finish? My time was going to be crap, I must just keep working, was this “The Wall” I had heard so much about but fortunately never experienced?
Those km markers were so important now and yet so slow in coming. 36 - the sun was becoming a factor thank goodness for the drink bottles but warm lime sports drink is nothing like cold beer. 37 -only 5 more. 5km that’s nothing – but now, now it was a mountain for these legs. My quads were really burning there was just no spring in my step now, plod plod. 38 - surely I could get there but how fast, could I stay near 4 min/km to make that time? Then 39 and someone was coming up behind me, Andrew was finally overtaking me? – but no it wasn’t him it was someone else , “Go Christchurch” he said as he passed (naturally I had my CHAV singlet on of course, er Andrew did you?!!). I must try and hang on, use him to get me through these last 2 km. But my legs were dead, they were burning leaden appendages no good for propelling me anymore. 40 - still he didn’t disappear and I desperately clung onto to his floating form 20m in front of me. The crowds were really noticeable as we returned to the bottom of Queen Street and then turned into the viaduct area, 41km. I will finish this race but I feel slow and uncoordinated, running rhythm now just disjointed jarring. God another corner and no finish line where is it? I should have sussed this out before. I can hear the loud speaker but still no bloody banner, I really need to stop. Finally there it is in the distance of course - another 300m, bugger. The clock is above the finish and as it comes into focus I see 2.43 something and try and pick up the pace but nothing happens except the seconds tick relentlessly on. Then I’m over the line, it’s done, thank God. My legs are wobbly and I stagger around to look behind me and see Andrew approach (2.45.22) before collapsing to the grass, but even that was sore!
Well I did get up eventually and hobbled about like never before. Andrew had helped me to a PB of 2.44.28 (or 44.24 net) which, he reminded me, was only 11 seconds off his PB of 2.44.17 – bastard.
Still we were 2nd and 3rd in our age group, 18th and 19th overall not bad for a couple of old men.
Then at last it was cold beer, even better, a freebie.
Verdict, good event, well organised, course of 2 halves – first undulating good variety, second flat a bit dull but by then who cares? Prize giving was very low key and I felt for the NZ Champs (inc. ChCh’s Alex Williams who broke the women’s course record doing 2.41.28) – who hardly got a cheer from the couple of hundred mostly uninterested attendees. Shame it’s not on a Saturday to allow some R&R post event – maybe take Monday off next time……(oops who said that?)."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robyn likes to infuse adventure into her racing and training .She recently trailblazed 'Chuka's Run' for us and here is how she found it.
Chucka's run - Sunday 28 October - Robyn Perkins
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robyn likes to infuse adventure into her racing and training .She recently trailblazed 'Chuka's Run' for us and here is how she found it.
Chucka's run - Sunday 28 October - Robyn Perkins
"Chucka (Peter Bayliss) from the Port Hills Club organises this as an annual training run for the Kepler, or for anyone who thinks this sort of thing is fun.
I fall into the latter category.
We met at Hansen's Park, a group of 13, looking chilled and clean. We piled onto a bus which took us to the Hilltop. It was clear and crisp. Gorgeous view down Akaroa Harbour. The air was still. Most people kept on their layers - jackets, tights, gloves, a thermal or two. I stripped off - shorts, merino t and cap. I had heard mention of a climb to begin our adventure.
Climb. Yes. An apt word. There was not much running but definitely three point climbing for two ks. I might have been shivering when we began but no longer. We sorted ourselves into two groups here - slow and fast. I chose to run with the fast group. There were eight of us but we dropped two off the back fairly quickly.
It was relaxing running. No wind made all the difference. Apparently it had been strong, cold and gusty the previous day. We ran along farm tracks amongst the tussock and lambs. There were so many wow moments as new views opened up. I had never actually traversed the peninsula this way.
There were some ups as well as downs, and it was starting to sort out the men from the boys and one girl. A few of us were walking the uphills. I grabbed a tube of Peak Fuel and was sucking on that.
One guy, let's call him Dick, complained about the walking. He had come for a run, not a walk. If he wanted to ramble he would go for a ramble. Dick.
After about an hour we stopped for a snack - peaches, custard and rice pudding. Dick didn't stop. He was really starting to annoy us. He was also unused to running on trails and was only for a half marathon. We looked forward to watching his wheels fall off.
Up there under the cloud was Mt Herbert. Even though we had already climbed a lot we still had a lot of vertical distance to cover. But slowly we made progress, running when we could run. Walking when we had to. I passed Dick. I wanted to say as I went passed, "sorry Dick, you've been chicked." But surprisingly I said it to myself only. To motivate myself up the final push for the summit I counted 50 paces before I would look up. I could hear Dick muttering behind me.
At last the summit. More food. An orange. It was still still but we were in the cloud so there was no view. The farm track was more a sheep track now, marked by orange posts. We misplaced the next couple of posts and wandered aimlessly in the literal and figurative fog before picking up the trail again. No, Dick was not impressed.
Once we had the trail we picked up the pace. Soon there were four of us. Dick's wheels had spun off and he was last seen walking. Thought you came out for a run, Mr D. Head! The gorse was out in full flower and reflected off the low cloud. We were running through gold. Unfortunately as we dropped out of the cloud the track reverted back to one made by sheep. Soon all that lovely golden gorse was stabbing my legs relentlessly. Underfoot too was getting more treacherous with a lot of rocks and boulders and mud, or maybe a mix of mud and another liquid brown goo found in sheep paddocks. Whatever. I was not going to risk rolling an ankle on this and I was walking. There were just two of us at the moment. But my running mate wanted to run ahead. He told me he was good at running on uneven terrain. I let his pass. He almost immediately slipped in the mud. He got up and fell almost instantly again. And then third times a winner!! I don't know if he was more embarrassed then or later when I told the whole pub about it!
So it was just me. I didn't like this bit. I felt lost and very alone. It was not enjoyable. The track was not much wider than a shoe and it was incredibly uneven. It traversed a steep hillside and I wondered where I would land if I fell, how long it would take me to hobble if I twisted my ankle, and even what the hell would I hang on to if there was an earthquake. I couldn't see any sign of human life. I had no idea where I was. Finally I saw the Packhorse Hut. Thank God. I was hanging out for more food. It was a power bar this time. Chocolate oat flavour. Yum.
I could see the three guys waiting for me as I stumbled into the clearing. But no, they were off. Later I found out the leader had seen me coming and told the others to get ready to go - "the sheila will want to stop." Thanks, Charlie! I also noticed that at this end of the track there was a sign saying what we had just run was closed for earthquake risk! That is the first time I have run on a closed track. Ooops.
So we kept going. By my reckoning we had about 12k left to run. It seemed to be a lovely winding downhill track through pine forest. I could do this without refueling. My drink has carbs and protein so it wasn't like I was running on fumes. But I had really wanted that power bar!
By now I was tired but we dropped height quickly. There was the odd uphill thrown in, but mostly it was down, down, down. A lot more people on the track now. We hit Gebbies Pass and the end was just down the road. Such a relief to stumble into the pub. I was no longer clean. I stunk. I was covered in sweat, blood, snot, mud and god knows what other fluids me and the occasional sheep produces. The bus turned up about 30mins later with the slow group who had run a shorter route. I was able to change into some clean dry clothes.
Dick was about an hour behind the first group home.
So an awesome day out. 33.8ks, 4:41. Not fast but tough! One of the most technical runs I have ever undertaken. Two days later I am still walking like I need a zimmer frame!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I really recommend it for anyone training for an offroad race, or just wanting a bit of a challenge. Support Chucka. He organises it out of the good of his heart. The bus cost $25 but the experience - priceless! Just leave any friends called Dick at home!! "
John Gamblin has become a convert to the joys of cycling .
he took part in the 5 Passes Tour last weekend.
" 680kms in 5 days. 5000m of vertical climb. 10th in C grade.
A great experience. Bloody hard racing at times. Great food. Treated like royalty.
Recommend you bikers try it some time.
Cheers John"
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 16th December 2012
[Enter online -Maps - More info]
A DASH FOR CASH
6KM DOWNHILL RUN WINNER TAKES ALL
CASH PRIZES FOR FIRST MALE & FEMALE
The Alpine Holiday Homes DownHill Dash runs from Jacks Pass Summit, high above Hanmer Springs, descending Clarence Valley Road for approximately 6km to the picturesque alpine village of Hanmer Springs.
Race Date : Sunday 16th December 2012
Enquiries can be emailed to graham@hanmerevents.co.nz or ring Graham Frith on 03 315 5009 between 8am and 9.30pm.
Entries: On line entry can be made up to Thursday 13th December by clicking HERE
Entry forms can be downloaded HERE and must be received prior to the closing date of Wednesday 12th December 2012. Please allow 2 days for the post to reach Hanmer!!
Cheques to “Hanmer Springs Multi Sport Club” please.
Or Online Banking to: Hanmer Springs Multi Sport Club Acc. No.: 020876 0136404 02
Entry Fee : DownHill Dash $20 Seniors $15 Juniors (<18 on race day)
Entry confirmation: Entries received by post will be confirmed by email only.
Refunds will be given up to the closing date of Wednesday 12th December, less $10 admin fee. No refunds will be given after this date.
Entry on the day will be available at registration for an extra cost of $10
Registration will be at Monteiths Brewery Bar on Amuri Ave from 7.00pm to 9.00pm on Friday 14th December, at Registration Desk on Saturday or the start area from 9.00am –10.00 am on Sunday.
NB If you register it will be assumed you will start the race. This is an important safety issue. Please do not register and then not start the race.
Indemnity Forms: must be completed and signed at Registration. Every competitor must sign this form. Junior competitors must have their form signed by a parent / caregiver.
Shuttles to Start: We ask that all race vehicles are off the road by 10.30am to allow for a clear race route.
Race brief will take place the Start Line 15 minutes before Start Time. All competitors must be present at this.
Start time for the Alpine Holiday Homes DownHill Dash will be at 10.30.
Prize giving will be at the Hanmer Springs Sports Pavilion immediately after the race.
Accommodation: See www.alpineholidayhomes.co.nz for details.
Extreme weather conditions i.e. strong winds or snow may mean it is unsafe to run the race on the planned route. The organisers reserve the right to alter the course at short notice, or withhold entry fees and offer an alternative date.
Race Conditions:
No comments:
Post a Comment