Tarawera Training Part 3 - Going Light

Otakaina - Tarawera Falls Track - keeps on dragging me back!

For the 2012 race I decided to turn my training on its head.  The reality is that I didn't have any choice, as I only decided, for certain, to enter the race about 6 weeks out from the start (I tried, but couldn't resist the Sirens' call of the Okataina - Tarawera Falls Track, or the chance to meet Anton Krupicka).

With only 6 weeks to train I knew that I’d have to do things a little differently – I had no time to gradually build up a base of long slow runs, so decided to see what would happen if I kept up high intensity shorter training runs, mixed with strength and cardio training on the bike.  Looking back over my training diary, I averaged only 43km/week running in the 6 weeks leading up to the race, and only did 3 runs over 30km, my longest being 45km two weeks before the event.

Going in to the race, I felt relaxed and confident, based on the fact that I knew the course well (having run it the last 2 years), and I wasn’t feeling tired or overtrained (which is a very good thing).  At race registration on the Friday night I “upgraded” my entry from the 60k to the 85k, perhaps letting my confidence get the better of me...

On race day I did two things differently, and I would recommend both of them.

First, I ditched my trusty Camelbak in favour of a hand-held bottle.  What I'd realised on my first two races was that I ended up lugging around much more water, gear, and nutrition than I really needed.  The aid stations at Tarawera are numerous (rarely more than about 10k apart), and ridiculously well stocked.  I look forward to the buffet every year.  You can also leave drop bags at a number of the aid stations, so, there's no need to take copious amounts of food or gear with you.  Ditching the Camelbak gave me the feeling of freedom - running as light as possible - and I loved it.

Running with the hand-held

The second difference was that I ditched the trail shoes for regular light weight road shoes.  The trails at Tarawera are generally in very good condition, and not too technical (although a bit rocky and rooty in places), and you just don't need heavy duty trail shoes (like you do on very muddy and/or technical trails).  The only, minor, issue was that parts of the track were flooded (mainly around the Blue Lake), and roadies (at least mine) are not built to drain like trail shoes, and so filled with water and sand.  If the track is flooded at any point I would recommend bringing an extra pair of socks, as running with sand and grit in your shoes for 100k is no fun for anyone!  Also, if it has been very wet leading up to the race, it may pay to run the first leg (Redwoods to Okareka) in trail shoes with some grip, as there are some steeper parts in the first section on a clay based track, and they can be slippery.  Other than that, you can leave your trail shoes at home!

I managed to finish the 85k race (to complete the 60-85-100k trifecta) in a time of 11.31, which I was very happy with given my limited training, and even more limited running ability.  I proved to myself that there is no magic formula you must follow. Just run and enjoy every minute.

Anton Krupicka at the finish