what a great weekend!
crazy to think it's already a year since last years running race on the W2K track in Taupo/Kinloch. I had a great time last year and decided there was no reason not to do the race again this year, despite not having the best running form, as it was no doubt going to be fun and mind blowing (due to the views)!
we weather leading up to the race wasn't quite as good as before last years event so the track was going to be a bit more slippery but the weather on the day was perfect, sunshine and blue sky. sure it was a bit chilly but that was to be expected seeing the race was in Taupo and with the wind blowing straight off the snowed-in mountains. there were over a thousand people taking part in the half or quarter marathon race, it was great to see all these keen people out to have a good time surrounded by stunning views and nature.
the course starts with a gradual uphill which helps spread the field early on, so there is not much congestion and the other big bonus is that you know you will finish on a downhill, if we try to forget the extra bit along the water to get to the finish line, which normally seems a little harder then it should when you are longing for the finish line ;)
once you get to the top of the cliff the track starts looping around the top and you get to admire some stunning views, but it is by no means flat at the top there, the trails keeps weaving through the native forest with lots of corners and ups and downs to navigate through, which makes for an interesting run and keeps you on your toes, especially as the trail was rather slippery at times.
i started off feeling quite good and got into an ok pace to make my way up the field a little, i thought; 'awesome this feels quite easy', but unfortunately this feeling didn't last and it was getting harder to push ahead and i could tell i was going backwards, so i tried to focus on the trail and nice flora around me and started feeling stronger again. i kept having waves where i struggled but then got myself out of it again. i certainly wasn't fit enough to run a good race but i managed to get through it all-right and didn't let the other girls catch me. i am stoked to make it to the finish line as the first female.
i had a great time and the awesome views made it an other unforgettable event. it was quite special how lake Taupo looked more like an ocean then a lake as the water was completely covered with whitecaps when we ran towards it at the end of the race. the wind was rather strong so that you felt it pushing you sideways all along the beach front and what you really wanted is it pushing you forward ;)
I finished off the weekend with a play on the snow, we had great snow and enjoyed some awesome views, again. yep skiing is great fun :)
and there was an article about the race in the nz herald
ps: i am obviously back in good old kiwi-land, it's great to be back as well as it's always sad to leaving Switzerland after a fantastic time over there.
