I went into the race with no ambitions as it was just going to be a casual event, no pressure to do well, as I am not a runner but I like going for runs and use the sport for cross training.
The day was a stunner; we (I went down with Nick Lambert) could see Mt Taranaki crystal clear when we sprinted off down the road trying to get a good position in the field before heading onto the walking trail. It got technical as soon as we entered the trail; you have to watch your step and try to spot the good lines (similar to biking). I had heard that the course was going to be super technical but I didn’t quite imagine how technical it was going to be. I was amazed at some of the runners’ skills as they zoomed past me almost floating over the super rough terrain – it looked wicked! While I was running along I had someone tell me that I was 1min down, I didn’t think much of it. Later on the course Henry told me I was 3min down from the lead woman. I didn’t think I was going to be able to catch her up but kept on spotting her a little further up the trail. It wasn’t until the very end that I came close enough to Oksana to realise that I could maybe win if I gave it a bit more – but there was bugger all left in the legs. I was shuffling up the infamous Mama’s Mile (the very last part of the course which is an uphill tar seal road) when Budgy drove past yelling out to me to hurry up. So I thought I better give it a try. I ended up winning the race in 2hrs 27ish min and I am still quite surprised but also super stoked about it.
I can fully recommend the event as it is quite an experience but be prepared to climb up rock faces or other steep terrain rather then running the whole way.
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