Tarawera Training Part 2 - the Big Kahuna

Ultra running not only expands the lungs, it expands the mind. After completing the 60k course in 2010, a whole new world of possibilities opened up, and I decided to have a crack at the 100k race in 2011.  Little did I know what a journey it would become.

I realised early on that I would need something extra to motivate me to train for and complete a 100k race - something so far beyond my comprehension when I started running, and still hard to get my head around.  So I decided to use the run as a means of fundraising for Mercy Hospice. And it was the most rewarding thing I have ever done (more about that later).  My connection with Mercy was that my mother had passed away in April 2009 (about a month after my first Tarawera) and had been cared for, on and off, by Mercy Hospice in the most amazing and supportive way.  I viewed fundraising for them as one very small way I could give back.

On to the training.  I started training in earnest about 16 weeks out from the event.  Up until then I had been following a marathon training plan, and had a PB at the Auckland Marathon at the end of October 2010, so was happy with the way things were going.  I did 2 things differently training for the 100k event.

First, I upped my weekly mileage, starting at around 100km per week immediately post marathon training, and working up to a max of around 160km per week.  It was hard to fit in at times, but the extra mileage did wonders for my running efficiency, and I started making real gains. It can be a fine line between training enough, and too much, and everyone is different, but for me, I started feeling the gains at 100km+, and couldn't safely do any more than 160km without blowing a fuse.  I recommend that everyone experiment to find out what their limit is, but try not to cross it, and don't get sucked in to a number that someone else says you should do.

Second, I started doing back-to-back long runs on a Saturday and Sunday - starting with 2 hours + 2 hours, and working up to 4.5 hours + 4.5 hours.  The main reason for doing that was to fit the training in - with a busy family life, taking off for 6 or 8 hours on any given day wasn't an option, so I had to break it up.  The back-to-backs taught me how to pace myself (on the Saturday) and how to run on tired legs (on the Sunday).  They worked well, and I still do them.

On to the race, I will never forget the nervous and emotional feeling of toeing the line for the start of my first 100k.  I had so many people who had supported me throughout my training, and our entire family at the race, and felt a heavy weight of responsibility on my shoulders.  I think some dust blew into my eyes, as they both started watering involuntarily (what's up with that?).  I was actually relieved when the gun went off, and we were away.

Running up Miller Road, about 20km in

I did a couple of things during the race that helped me through. Just simple things, but they worked.

First, I broke the race down in my head to various stages, and dedicated each stage to someone important in my life.  The first stage, from the Redwoods to Okareka, I dedicated (perhaps selfishly?) to the new me.  In 2006, before I started running, I had attempted to run the 5km or so around the Blue Lake with some friends.  I was so unfit that I made it no further than 500m before I couldn't run any more, and walked the rest of the way.  It took almost an hour, and  I was dead last out of the 12 friends who ran the lake that day, and was embarrassed as hell.  So, now when I run around the Blue Lake I think of that day, and how far I have come since 2006.  The next stage (the toughie between Millar Road and Okataina) I dedicated to our two boys, Max and Charlie, and for them I ran every step of that infernal walkway.  I dedicated Okataina to Tarawera Falls to my beautiful wife and greatest supporter Bridget, the stretch between Tarawera Falls and Titioki to our daughter Lucie, and the last and toughest stretch by far to my dear Mum, who I was really running the whole thing for.  Thinking about others took my mind away from my own pain, and inspired me to continue when I might have otherwise given up.

Second, I enlisted the support of a great crew.  I had a great mate Glen Larsen pace me.  I would recommend that everyone doing the race for the first time gets a pacer.  Glen ran, hiked, walked and stumbled the last 30k with me from Titoki to the finish.  He's an all time good bastard, and fulfilled his pacer duties with style.  I also had Bridget meeting me at practically every aid station (barring the ones you can't access).  Knowing she would be there, and seeing her as I ran in every time, gave me a huge psychological lift.

Me and super-pacer Glen

From left to right, nephew Jack, sister-in-law Bernie, me, brother Steve, niece Eva and my greatest supporter, Bridget

I had my moments during the race when I was absolutely stuffed, but I never doubted that I would finish.  At one point between Tarawera Falls and Titoki (about 65-70km in) I felt for a minute that I couldn't go on.  I sat down on the side of the trail, and dust blew into my eyes again.  I gave myself a stern talking to, changed my socks (always keep a spare pair in your backpack - they can be a psychological life saver), ate a gel, and started again.  I didn't allow myself to think there were 30km to go, just a few km until the next aid station. I had learnt through my training that after being on my feet for hours there would be lows, but they would pass.   In fact one of my favourite quotes goes something along the lines of "it (almost) never keeps on getting worse".  Another way of looking at it is "if you're feeling good during an ultra, don't worry, you'll get over it". The point is that you will experience highs and lows, but keep on going and never give up.

13 hours and 54 minutes after the race stated in the Redwoods, I crossed the line at Kawerau.  In doing so I managed to raise over $10,000 for Mercy Hospice, and expanded my horizons as to what is possible once again.  It was one of the best and toughest days I have experienced, and worth every second.

Tarawera Training Part 1

I love the Vibram Tarawera Ultramarathon. This year will be the fourth time I have run it, and (all going well) the second time I have run the 100km race.

My journey started in 2009.  At that stage I had only run 2 marathons (Auckland in 2007 and 2008), but I felt that I knew I could do the marathon distance, and it was time to plunge into the abyss of the unknown.  I was inspired to try trail running by reading Dean Karnazes' books 50/50 and Ultramarathon Man, and Chris McDougall's Born to Run.  In 2009 I didn't actually know anyone who ran trails, and I had never attempted to run off road (other than the occasional foray across the paddocks at Cornwall Park).

So I registered for the 2010 Tarawera Ultra 60km race. I trained by running around Cornwall Park, and on the roads around Auckland. I couldn't find much information about ultra training, so basically followed a marathon training plan, and tried to ramp up my long run to 40-45km.  I had mixed success on the long runs - I did a handful in the 30-35km range and one over 40km.  I had no idea whether I would be able to do 60km, off-road, and loved the idea of that challenge.

I remember people asking me at Tarawera what my trail running background was, and telling them that I had none - that the race was the first time I had run on a real trail - and the look of disbelief I got. It even seemed stupid to be saying it.

During the race itself I made all of the usual rookie mistakes. I went out far too fast - running the first 20k at around my half marathon pace at the time (what was I thinking?).  I didn't know the course, and hadn't studied a map of it, so I had no real idea of where I was. I wore a brand new pair of trail shoes (my first ever pair), and a new Camelbak, which I had run once or twice with.

As a result, by Lake Okareka I had blisters on my feet the size of jelly beans (I took off my shoes and socks and one of the volunteers gasped at the sight of my feet and went looking for a first aid kit), and I was feeling beaten up.  I didn't know that I had the hardest part of the 60km course yet to come.

The next part of the course up and over the Okataina Walkway was my baptism of fire. My legs and lungs burned on the steep climbs, and my body burned as I started to overheat and dehydrate. And then I hit the downhills into the Okataina aid station, and felt the pain in my quads from every step.  By the time I reached Okataina (about 40km in) I was done.  I slumped into a chair at the aid station, and didn't want to get out again.  But then I remembered why I was there - to take on the unknown (and beat the sucker!), and so willed myself out of that seat and onwards.

The next part of the trail, between Okataina and the 60k finish at Tarawera Falls was, and still is, my favourite. The trail runs deep into native bush, and in parts it's like a prehistoric world. It rejuvenated my will to continue - I remember thinking it was almost magical - like Pandora in NZ (I almost expected a Na'vi to appear in the bush!). That said, it was a hard slog - I ran some, walked some, shuffled some, and ran some more. Soon after entering this final section my Garmin died, and I lost the (at times cold) comfort of knowing how far I had to go.  I started counting footsteps 100 at a time - 1000 for each km.  I was beyond fatigued, slightly delirious, but determined to finish. So I kept on going, thinking "relentless forward progress" would get me there.

Finally, just over 9 hours after I had begun, I emerged into a clearing and shuffled across the 60K finish line, having completed my first ultra.  I was stuffed, but elated. I'd achieved something I never in my wildest dreams thought was possible. And started planning next years race...

Omanawanui

Omanawanui

Omanawanui: Patience, steadfastness, fortitude; to have patience; patient, steadfast; courageous and persevering

On the cliffs high above the ocean, Omanawanui feels like my spiritual home.  I feel alive there, at peace.

You have to earn it - I will never run there from the closest entry point on Whatipu Road (it's about 2-3km to the trig from there). Until I am not able to any more, I will only run it as the end of a 15 or 21km loop from Whatipu (the route used by the "Wild Turkey" trail run), or as part of a run along the mighty Hillary Trail. In that way I respect the beauty and the toughness of Omanawanui, and will never forget how grateful I am to be able to run in this beautiful country.

The view down towards Whatipu and beyond

Looking back towards the Manukau Harbour

The seat on the second headland

Thank you Terry

It was still early when I took these shots

Finally made the top! Not pretty, but it's a long way up!

What a morning for it

Something Different

A week ago I injured my back doing an up tempo run along the waterfront, so there's been practically no running for me for the last 7 days. Still not up to a proper run, but dying to get out there, it was time for something different.

Saturday in Auckland was a beautiful day - the spring sun was out, and there was a fresh breeze in the air.  So I decided to take the kids up to North Head to explore the coastal walkway and old tunnels criss-crossing the headland.

North Head was used extensively by the NZ Navy from the late 1800's through both world wars, as part of Auckland's coastal defence.  Many of the tunnels, search light and gun emplacements still remain there, and are great fun to explore.  There is also a not very well known coastal track running around the base, and tons of trails and tunnels all around the headland.

The views from North Head are beautiful, running 360 degrees around the harbour.  Here is a photo of the view from the summit towards Auckland City at night.

First we took a run along Cheltenham Beach, before taking the stairs up from the southern end of the beach on to North Head. Here's a photo of the boys, Charlie and Max, on the stairs. Mal Law, who ran these 148 times earlier in the year in his "Everest in a Day" quest will certify that there are 103 of them...

From there we made our way clockwise around the mountain (hill?) to the coastal walkway, and took in some beautiful views up the harbour looking towards Rangitoto, Motutapu, Motohi, and Waiheke Island in the distance.

The coastal walkway

Here I got some cool pictures of the boys and Lucie showing off their running style!

Max

Charlie

Lucie

If you look closely at Lucie she is carrying a yellow flower in her left hand, all Anna Frost-like! Also modelling the latest running skirt and footwear....

At the end of the walkway we went exploring up through some of the old tunnels and gun emplacements. It was a great adventure for the kids (and me!).

One of the tunnel entrances leading on to the coastal walkway

After that it was time to head home, but not before sailing Charlie's home made model boat at Torpedo Bay, and a quick play on the Devonport playground. A very active morning's outing for everyone!

North Head is a great adventure playground for kids and adults alike - I highly recommend going for a walk or run up there, and taking in the sweeping views, and also taking a torch and exploring the tunnels if you ever get the chance.

Back to Karekare

The Wild West Coast - the view down to Karekare from the cliff tops

I heard the Waitaks calling again on Sunday, so it was up early and off to Karekare to run over some of my favourite trail - the track from Karekare up and over the cliffs to Piha and back.

Unfortunately my legs were feeling a bit tired after a heavy week of training, including a fairly full on tri training brick session on Saturday. As a consequence, I hiked most of the hills (in fact I had no choice!), and gently jogged the flats (not many, if any), and downhills.

The track leading up from Karekare to the Mercer Bay Loop was very muddy and slippery - much worse than a month or so ago when we ran MMMIII.  Nothing too deep, just greasy and wet the whole way up.  From the cliff tops up to the cell phone tower the tracks were good, but my legs didn't want to carry me forward at any kind of pace.

The view down to Mercer Bay - I never get tired of seeing this

From the cell phone tower along the road and down to the beginning of Winstone (opposite the road leading down to Karekare), I started to warm up and was running much better. I had to turn around not far down Winstone, so I could be back under 2 hours.

The run back down was much more fun - mostly downhill and parts quite technical and still very slippery - my kind of stuff!

All in all, just a short one in the end - a touch over 12.5k in 1.37.

Piha

After doing a bit of damage to one of my shins running the Hillary Trail a few weeks back, I have finally come right, and felt the Waitaks calling this weekend.

I met up with a couple of very experienced trail runners - Michael Rodliffe (who on Monday just set the new FKT on the Hillary Trail of 9:57 - the first person to go under 10 hours) and Shane Absolum (a very strong trail runner (has completed the HT twice (at least)), and is a stallwart of the Huia Road Bush Runners group), and we headed off into the bush above Piha just after 6am.

It was dark for the first hour or so, and it was great fun running at quite a good pace down Home Track, and along some nice trails down to the stream that leads to the Kitekite Falls, and then up to a lookout at about 360m high above Piha.  From there it was along a nice ridge track (Mangaroa Ridge Track), down to Glen Esk Road, then a gradual, but long climb up and out to the end of Home Track and back to the car.  There were plenty of fast downhills, and long uphills - a bit of mud and the odd technical bit - fun Waitak tracks!

All up, about 15km in a touch over 2 hours. What a great way to start the day.

The photo of the day is a great photo of Piha Beach taken by Mike Hollman (www.mikehollman.com).  This really is a beautiful country we live in.

Knocked the bastard off

It took me a year of trying, two failed attempts, countless hours out training in the hills, but I finally knocked the bastard off.

Eleven of us set off from Arataki at midnight on Friday, the 29th of June (technically, Saturday the 30th). Fifteen hours and 36 minutes later, at 3.36pm on Saturday, the 30th of June, we ran up the boat ramp at Muriwai Beach to the finish of the mighty Hillary Trail.  77.2km of the hardest trail I have ever run.

I will let the pictures tell the story:

11 of us, all smiles, about to head off at 00.00 Saturday, 30 June.

Here we are heading off up the trial into the night.  Very soon after the start we split into 2 groups - the striders (4  fast trail runners at the front) and the strollers (7 of us) following behind.

First major milestone for the strollers at Whatipu at about 4.30am.  It was freezing (about 2 degrees), and the hills had taken their toll on two of our group (Kate and Gary on the left) and they chose, wisely, to call it a day there.

And that left 5.... From the left, Chris, Felix, Tony, Vicki and me.

The section from Whatipu through to Karekare was tough (and included getting a little bit lost finding our way through the dunes from Parahaha on to Karekare Beach), but we all picked up by Mercer Bay once the sun started to rise, and thoughts of hot coffee at Piha started to dominate the thinking!

A beautiful shot of Piha taken by Jo Van Ekeren at the same time.

Close to Piha we passed the magnificent Kitekite Falls. What a sight.

Chris, Felix, Vicki and Tony just past the falls.

And here we are at the top of Glen Esk Road, 5 minutes away from the Piha Cafe!

Pies and coffee at Piha.

Chris and I about to head off on the next leg, from Piha to Bethells - the point of no return, as there's no turning back from here.  Yes, we are twins.

The start of the dreaded Kuataika Track - now renamed "MFP" Track.  You can guess what that means.  Hills, hills, and just when you've had enough hills, more hills.

MFP Track no match for Vicki.

My favourite shot of the day - Vicki and Simon Clendon hamming it up at the start of Te Henga, Bethells Beach (the sign says Large, Strong, Slippery and Unstable!).

At the start of Te Henga Walkway, looking down to Bethells.

Half way up the ridgeline to the top of Te Henga there is cell phone reception ...  Texting and running.

From the top of Te Henga, looking down to O'Neill's Bay and Bethells in the distance.

Muriwai!

Micheal Rodliffe - machine knocked it off in 10.20 - only 10 minutes off the FKT!

Tony Bus coming up to the finish.

Simon and Chris, looking fresh.

Jo and Felix - Jo brought us cookies at the end of Te Henga, and is forever in my good books.

Vicki and me at the finish.  Buggered, but trying to hide it.