10 km Training Walk

I had to work hard today to make an average pace of 7 min/km and yet I averaged that quite comfortably for the whole Rotorua marathon. I guess it's because I'm recovering from two races over the weekend as well as the recent marathon.

It was a lovely day and there were lots of people out running.

Sunday 18 March - Ekiden Relay 10 km Leg

I probably walked a bit fast the day before so I wasn't able to give my best performance this day. I was however impressed by the support I received and the positive comments on my style. I thought I'd got through without any cards or warnings but there was one card up after I finished. My time of just over 64 min wasn't great but I was happy with it/

Saturday 17 March - Chocolate Race

In this event the winner is the person who finishes closest to their estimated time. I didn't want to go flat out because of the relay race the following day so I decided on an estimate of 37:48 for the 6 km. I was thinking of 6:30 per km but knew I would probably go a bit faster than that. Watches are banned but you are told the time at half way. I was pleased to find that I was just 3 seconds slower than my estimated pace. I put a little more effort in and a sprint at the end and finished in 37:50 - just 2 seconds slower than my estimate. I was both first to finish and the closest to my estimate. My prize was a tasty cake of chocolate which Philip and I enjoyed over the next couple of days.

Friday 16 March - 8 km Training Walk

I had in mind to do a kickdown walk this day but I seemed to get faster very quickly. I was quite surprised at the pace I managed with relative ease, an average pace of 6:35. I'm not sure this was a good idea with two races to do over the weekend.

Saturday 03 May - Rotorua Marathon

The last marathon I did was 4 years ago in this event and I made the mistake of starting too fast so I was determined to be more controlled this time. It was hard to let 4 or so walkers go past that I felt I could match but I wasn't sure just what I was capable of.

After about 10 km I caught up with Andrew Shelly who has established himself as a great ultra-distance walker. Andrew is preparing for the 24 hour race and planned to walk another 2 hours the following day so was not going hard out in this event. We walked together for around an hour and I took the opportunity to pick Andrew's brain about nutrition and pacing for the long events. My legs were starting to tighten from around half way but I remained relaxed and determined. Before long I passed two of the walkers I was tempted to go with in the first couple of km. I continued to pass plenty of walkers and realised that I was on target to meet my goal of going under 5 hours. It was great to cross the line in just under 4:58. I tried to get to a place where I could watch others finish but soon realised that I needed to sit down. I felt much better after drinking a lite or so of electrolyte so it seems I must have been pretty dehydrated at the finish. My 6th place on the day was upgraded to 5th after the first place getter was moved into the running section. I was happy with my 15 min PB.

Philip finished around 47 min later in 5:47. He made the mistake of starting near the back where he was unable to get up any speed for many km.  He had a much faster second half and finished in pretty good shape.

The Garmin ran out of power a couple of km from the end. It showed a pretty steady heart rate but a definite drop in pace towards the end. I have entered the Wellington marathon which is a flat course whereas Rotorua is quite hilly. I'd expect a 5 - 10 min improvement but it will be dependent on the wind which can make a significant difference.

Rotorua Marathon

Thursday 1 May - 3 x 1 km @ 70%

I was well aware of the upcoming marathon so was pleased to get a bit of speed going without working too hard. This was a atisfying workout.

3 x 1 km @ 70%

Wednesday 30 April - 8 km Fartlek

 Breaking my wrist during preparation for the marathon meant I'd been short on speed work. I needed to put some effort into this session whilst keeping in mind the race was only a few days off.

8 km Fartlek

Friday 25 April - Bridle Track and Crater Rim Walk

This was meant to be a 25 km walk at race pace. We were on holiday in Christchurch and the port hills were a good place to walk without worrying about traffic but race pace was never going to happen. Unfortunately my Garmin was low on power so we do not have any data. We walked up the bridle track to the summit of the port hills then had a look around the vistiors centre at the top of the gondola. We walked around to the summit and ate our picnic lunch with a great view over Lyttleton and Diamond Harbour. We then walked over the ridge to above Sumner then down to the beach and along the roads back to our car at the bottom of the bridle track. We would have done at least the required 25 km but at a slower pace. It was a very enjoyable way to spend ANZAC Day.

Thursday 24 April - Orton Bradley Park - Banks Penninsular

We drove to Lyttleton. It's sobering to see the township struggling to recover from the annihilation of the earthquake. The volunteer at the i-site recommended a walk at Orton Bradley Park so we headed over there and choose the walk to the lookout. We got wet feet in a boggy spot at the bottom of the hill but were rewarded with a spectacular view at the lookout. We took an alternative route on the way back and lost our way a couple of times. It was getting dark when we got back to the car and the park gates had been shut but fortunately the padlock had not been pushed together. We walked less than 10 km in 3 hours but the terrain was tricky and not meant for speed.

Orton Bradley Park

Wednesday 23 April - 8 km Training Walk

After 5 hours in the car the previous day driving from Upper Moutere to Christchurch were were keen to get out and stretch the legs. It was a fine, crisp morning so we went out before breakfast, leaving a good part of the day to look around the city then find a camping ground to put up our tent.

8 km Training Walk