Me on the bike - "Don't get off - til we get past the photographer!"
Alison
Tammy
The start (we're in the pink tops)
9 years ago
Another Map
Monday, 28 April 2008
Sunday, 27 April 2008
Mud, Sweat and (almost) Tears
What an experience.
I've just finished my second Adventure race, and did I get challenged! The Adventure Race was in Taupo, and designed for novice women of average fitness and ability. It was designed to be a challenge, which was precisely why I wanted to do it.
I had two great team mates, Tammy Bath (very fit, trim and fast) and Alison King (very fit, two times Ironman, determined) and me (thought I was fit enough, not trim, stubborn). Our support person was the very able Andria Gordon, whom I have been trying to encourage to become active enough to be a team member - she decided she would rather support us!
We were briefed on the Friday night, when we got the course notes, and the rules (not many).
Saturday morning - the race started at the Equestrian Centre in Taupo. It was meant to start at 8 am, but was delayed 20 minutes while the rafting companies got organised. There were 74 teams of three, with two teams per raft, this meant 37 rafts in one place!
We started in our wetsuits and cycle helmets as the first stage was a 1.5 km run to the raft. Sounded easy enough, but the organisers decided that we should go through two horse water jumps on our way to the Waikato river.
We were mid pack on the run. We got our life jackets on, with our pink race bibs over top, and off we went. We were in with another team and managed to pass 4 rafts, and were overtaken (right at the end) by 1. John our guide was great. It was full on paddling for over an hour, as the Waikato River was low.
Out of the raft, out of our wetsuits and onto our mountain bikes. We biked through a dairy farm conversion, through forest, and down roads with pumice type gravel, which made slow going. Tammy lost her chain, which meant a few teams passed us, and I had to walk up a hill grrr not a good start.
We ditched our bikes and grabbed some food at T2, which was back at the Equestrian centre, then went bush on foot. The trek was easy, and we made good ground by running a fair bit of it. Unfortunately this is where my problems started (I must have run out of cement pills) I started cramping - above my knees (strange place). This was despite drinking lots of water all morning. I was kicking myself for not having crampease!
We meet Andria at T3 which was by the craters of the lake turnoff. We set off on our bikes again. This is where we meet our match - single trail mountain biking through forest. Man were we tested! None of us had done this before, and we were all (quietly) sh...ting ourselves most of the way! I was the first to fall off, we all managed at least two falls. I have only just discovered why my backside hurts - a huge bruise, which I can't remember getting (the cement pills must have been working). Don't worry, I will NOT publish a photo!
A lot of the teams had similar issues to us. The guns were fine, but us novices!! Tammy's bike (retreaved from the dump) got stuck in the second big chain ring, so made going uphill hard for her. I found my front wheel coming off the ground as I went up hill, which was scary - as for going downhill, my weight made that fast - but that was NOT good. I knew that trees don't move, and I didn't want to hit one!
We managed to make it to Craters of the Moon (a tourist attraction). We (along with several other teams), had made a navigational blue, which cost us about 20 minutes. Being novices also cost us time (and gave us sore shoulders) as we spent a far amount of the course pushing our bikes up hill, and down!!!
At Craters of the Moon, we had to find clues. Don't ask me what the attraction was like, as I didn't really look!
Then a quick bike back to T3. Here we found out that a decision had been made to can the orienteering section, as it was likely that teams would finish in the dark (not good for orienteering!)
So we set off on foot, back to Taupo. We walked the hills and ran the flats, managing to pass a couple of teams. I was knackered by this stage - but I didn't lose it - hence the almost tears comment.
A final florish UP to the finish line, and our day was over. We finished the last section with only Andria and Tammy's daughter to meet us, as the rest of the families thought we'd be later. Nathan - the event organiser - was there to greet us, and offer us a drink, which was great.
In total 9 hours 4 minutes 44 seconds. We had 40 minutes added to our time to make up for the orienteering.
It was harder than the Spring Challenge in that the mountain biking was difficult. The trekking an easier terrain, which meant we ran it.
I really pushed myself. I went places physically and mentally that I hadn't been to. Not to mention the Fear Factor as well!!
Alison remarked that despite being shorter in time than Ironman, it was harder (again I'd say because of the biking)
We had dinner, caught up with some other teams, and had an early night.
This morning I felt OK, a bit sore, but OK - and very happy with our effort.
At prizegiving we found out that we finished 52nd out of the 74 teams, a much better result than the Spring Challenge.
We didn't win any spot prizes, but that didn't matter. It was a well run, challenging event, and I'm so pleased I did it.
The next one is late September in Kaikoura. However, in the meantime, I've got some running to do (I have to dry out my shoes first!)
Photos to come shortly.
I've just finished my second Adventure race, and did I get challenged! The Adventure Race was in Taupo, and designed for novice women of average fitness and ability. It was designed to be a challenge, which was precisely why I wanted to do it.
I had two great team mates, Tammy Bath (very fit, trim and fast) and Alison King (very fit, two times Ironman, determined) and me (thought I was fit enough, not trim, stubborn). Our support person was the very able Andria Gordon, whom I have been trying to encourage to become active enough to be a team member - she decided she would rather support us!
We were briefed on the Friday night, when we got the course notes, and the rules (not many).
Saturday morning - the race started at the Equestrian Centre in Taupo. It was meant to start at 8 am, but was delayed 20 minutes while the rafting companies got organised. There were 74 teams of three, with two teams per raft, this meant 37 rafts in one place!
We started in our wetsuits and cycle helmets as the first stage was a 1.5 km run to the raft. Sounded easy enough, but the organisers decided that we should go through two horse water jumps on our way to the Waikato river.
We were mid pack on the run. We got our life jackets on, with our pink race bibs over top, and off we went. We were in with another team and managed to pass 4 rafts, and were overtaken (right at the end) by 1. John our guide was great. It was full on paddling for over an hour, as the Waikato River was low.
Out of the raft, out of our wetsuits and onto our mountain bikes. We biked through a dairy farm conversion, through forest, and down roads with pumice type gravel, which made slow going. Tammy lost her chain, which meant a few teams passed us, and I had to walk up a hill grrr not a good start.
We ditched our bikes and grabbed some food at T2, which was back at the Equestrian centre, then went bush on foot. The trek was easy, and we made good ground by running a fair bit of it. Unfortunately this is where my problems started (I must have run out of cement pills) I started cramping - above my knees (strange place). This was despite drinking lots of water all morning. I was kicking myself for not having crampease!
We meet Andria at T3 which was by the craters of the lake turnoff. We set off on our bikes again. This is where we meet our match - single trail mountain biking through forest. Man were we tested! None of us had done this before, and we were all (quietly) sh...ting ourselves most of the way! I was the first to fall off, we all managed at least two falls. I have only just discovered why my backside hurts - a huge bruise, which I can't remember getting (the cement pills must have been working). Don't worry, I will NOT publish a photo!
A lot of the teams had similar issues to us. The guns were fine, but us novices!! Tammy's bike (retreaved from the dump) got stuck in the second big chain ring, so made going uphill hard for her. I found my front wheel coming off the ground as I went up hill, which was scary - as for going downhill, my weight made that fast - but that was NOT good. I knew that trees don't move, and I didn't want to hit one!
We managed to make it to Craters of the Moon (a tourist attraction). We (along with several other teams), had made a navigational blue, which cost us about 20 minutes. Being novices also cost us time (and gave us sore shoulders) as we spent a far amount of the course pushing our bikes up hill, and down!!!
At Craters of the Moon, we had to find clues. Don't ask me what the attraction was like, as I didn't really look!
Then a quick bike back to T3. Here we found out that a decision had been made to can the orienteering section, as it was likely that teams would finish in the dark (not good for orienteering!)
So we set off on foot, back to Taupo. We walked the hills and ran the flats, managing to pass a couple of teams. I was knackered by this stage - but I didn't lose it - hence the almost tears comment.
A final florish UP to the finish line, and our day was over. We finished the last section with only Andria and Tammy's daughter to meet us, as the rest of the families thought we'd be later. Nathan - the event organiser - was there to greet us, and offer us a drink, which was great.
In total 9 hours 4 minutes 44 seconds. We had 40 minutes added to our time to make up for the orienteering.
It was harder than the Spring Challenge in that the mountain biking was difficult. The trekking an easier terrain, which meant we ran it.
I really pushed myself. I went places physically and mentally that I hadn't been to. Not to mention the Fear Factor as well!!
Alison remarked that despite being shorter in time than Ironman, it was harder (again I'd say because of the biking)
We had dinner, caught up with some other teams, and had an early night.
This morning I felt OK, a bit sore, but OK - and very happy with our effort.
At prizegiving we found out that we finished 52nd out of the 74 teams, a much better result than the Spring Challenge.
We didn't win any spot prizes, but that didn't matter. It was a well run, challenging event, and I'm so pleased I did it.
The next one is late September in Kaikoura. However, in the meantime, I've got some running to do (I have to dry out my shoes first!)
Photos to come shortly.
Wednesday, 23 April 2008
FAMOUS!
This photo appeared in our local paper, thanks to Alison King. Note at this stage I am beating someone!
I might be even more famous next week, as Alison is in my adventure racing team! (Last chance for any sponsors to get us some flash gear in return for some great advertising!!!!!)
Saturday, 19 April 2008
Getting in the k's
Went for an early morning run this morning, thanks to Brian's parents for looking after the girls.
We went to the rugby in Hamilton last night, it was a great game. The Chiefs beat the Super 14 leaders, the Crusaders 18-5. We were lucky enough (or have spent enough) to be asked to join Ballance Fertiliser in their corporate box - free entry, drinks and food! The only downside - they told us (more than twice) that the cost of fertiliser is going UP UP UP!!!
Anyway, back to the run. Due to not running much in the morning, I forgot to have breakfast first. I remembered the importance of food about 3 kms from home! I won't do that again! Still, only took an extra 2 and a half minutes to get back on a total of 13.7 km.
I was pleased with the run - I'm managing the bigger runs now, so I'm looking forward to seeing how I go in Huntly.
Brian made a good point the other day (I usually try not to agree with him when it comes to his opinions on what I should do, but have to admit it made sense).
He suggested I concentrate on all the smaller events I know I can do, (and have time to train for), rather than go all out for an Ironman attempt. This is actually good advice, as Ella is still only little. I guess I just worry about getting too old before I get to do Ironman.
Mmmm, something to ponder as I plod around the roads...................
Oh and before I forget - ate too many of these yesterday - I wonder if it will affect the weigh in tomorrow?
Friday, 18 April 2008
Scales have feelings too!
Just had to put this in, it appeals to my sense of humour!
I hope my scales don't feel the same!
Tuesday, 15 April 2008
Mrs Plod
My programme I'm following called for three 1 km runs at 85% effort - so I was wondering how fast I could go. I had to run in the dark again, and took 5 minutes 29 seconds and was pretty puffed after the 1 km! I resigned to the fact a long time ago that I would never be fast, and I'm not. But I guess that's not really the point is it?
The main point of this life is to get through it doing the best that you can. If I'm a fit, happy and healthy person that is nice to be around (I think?) then so what if I can't run fast.
And I got through running 3 km as fast as I could - actually I went a bit further by the time I warmed up, then cooled down.
I thought the last km might have been a bit faster as there was lightening in the sky above the hills in the distance - a bit freaky!
The main point of this life is to get through it doing the best that you can. If I'm a fit, happy and healthy person that is nice to be around (I think?) then so what if I can't run fast.
And I got through running 3 km as fast as I could - actually I went a bit further by the time I warmed up, then cooled down.
I thought the last km might have been a bit faster as there was lightening in the sky above the hills in the distance - a bit freaky!
Sunday, 13 April 2008
5 km time trial
I decided to do a 5 km fun run in Thames today. I wanted to see how fast I could go. It was great - I started off a bit fast, as just after half way my legs reminded me that I had run 12.66 km less than 12 hours previously! But I achieved a great result - 29 minutes 32 seconds. I was the second woman in! (I'm not counting the kids that bet me!)
And the best news - I've lost 500 grams this week! I'm well on my way now, and almost ready to tell you how much I weigh!
And the best news - I've lost 500 grams this week! I'm well on my way now, and almost ready to tell you how much I weigh!
Saturday, 12 April 2008
Taking a cement pill!
We've had a family day out today, and I need to do a 75 minute run. It is now dark, and Brian is not back in from the farm yet. I'm in my running gear - with a thermal top on, and will run up and down our road. It's 2.5 km per lap, so I'll see how far I can go. For safety's sake (I've got a head light) it'll probably be slow!
Done and dusted! Did 12.66 km in 1 hour 22 minutes. Only had two cars pass me, and just about stood on a hedgehog. I also set off all the dogs in the neighbourhood! Running at night is different - it's quiet and dark! All sorts of interesting things enter your head - like - what was that noise? What if a car stops? but overall, it's very peaceful.
I had to run past our gateway four times, which was easier than I thought it would be!
My first 5 km was 31 min 40, 10 km 64.30.
I've got a 5 km fun run tomorrow, which I'll attempt to do as fast as I can.
Done and dusted! Did 12.66 km in 1 hour 22 minutes. Only had two cars pass me, and just about stood on a hedgehog. I also set off all the dogs in the neighbourhood! Running at night is different - it's quiet and dark! All sorts of interesting things enter your head - like - what was that noise? What if a car stops? but overall, it's very peaceful.
I had to run past our gateway four times, which was easier than I thought it would be!
My first 5 km was 31 min 40, 10 km 64.30.
I've got a 5 km fun run tomorrow, which I'll attempt to do as fast as I can.
Sunday, 6 April 2008
On track
After two weeks of working hard on my diet, and upping my running, I've finally lost some weight - 900 grams! Yee Hah.
Saturday, 5 April 2008
Committed!
I've just entered the Rotorua Half Ironman - I decided not to enter the Athena category, even though I well and truly qualify. I'll make sure I am too skinny! (Note to self - please don't let this be 'famous last words') Entries were meant to open on Monday, I'm pleased they didn't - that's the anniversary of Kelsi's death, and I wanted to enter early.
Went up to Kawakawa Bay to watch the Auckland Half Ironman - it was quite laid back, a nice atmosphere. Peter Hughes (Showpony) had a good race, finished in less than 5 hours - not bad considering he did Ironman on March 1.
I've got a run to do today - gradually stretching the time up - 65 minutes today. Tomorrow is a long bike ride - but mountain biking.
Celine has a duathlon tomorrow, she gets to see how fast her new bike is.
Went up to Kawakawa Bay to watch the Auckland Half Ironman - it was quite laid back, a nice atmosphere. Peter Hughes (Showpony) had a good race, finished in less than 5 hours - not bad considering he did Ironman on March 1.
I've got a run to do today - gradually stretching the time up - 65 minutes today. Tomorrow is a long bike ride - but mountain biking.
Celine has a duathlon tomorrow, she gets to see how fast her new bike is.
Tuesday, 1 April 2008
Running naked!
As Sub6 noted, I was considering running naked if it rained! Well it is raining today, and I went for a run. I did consider what I had said, but in the interests of my neighbours and the thought of unexpected visitors at home, I just kept running.
The reason I was even considering it is that we are for the first time in 100 years (apparently) facing a drought. We have not had significant rain for around 4 months. Our farm is dry, the cows are getting hungry, and it is costing a lot in extra feed. Fortunately (as those of us buying milk and other dairy products know) the payout we are going to get is very good, so we personally can't complain too much. It is just the cows and the grass I worry about.
Anyway, this is what I would have looked like. By the way it pays not to google naked running.
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