Today I did a 12 mile (a bit over 19k) run from home along the waterfront abs back and it went really well. I'm on track to finish the NY Marathon under the official cutoff.
It was a gorgeous day and I definitely appreciated being in Auckland.
I'm now assured your donations were not in vain.
On Sunday I ran the Five Bridges Half Marathon in Wellington. I was down for a 10 miler so everything over that distance was money in the bank.
Things went really well until about 1k from the end. I came off the embankment and there was nothing to show me which way to go. I chose right, which was wrong! I was directed over a rail bridge and along a path by helpful citizens.
Once over the rail bridge I met a friend doing the marathon who told me to turn around and follow her. But I couldn't cope with retracing my steps from the previous few k so I chose to return over the rail bridge and get back on track.
Once again I turned right and went under the rail bridge and then turned left onto the road. No markings so I tried to find my way. I have no sense of direction, my data allowance on my phone chose then to run out and I couldn't find out where I was.
I managed to go in completely the wrong direction. I ended up in the next suburb over to where I wanted to be. I bought an emergency data topup And was able to reorientate myself.
I'd texted a friend and when she replied I was well on my way back but still with no idea where I was going. I was rescued not far from the finish line and finished holding up the race number I'd torn off in frustration when I was lost.
So I got a lot more money in the bank than planned but was happy that I maintained a good pace. I'd been without a guide so had kept my heart rate really low so it was very manageable.
Now I have two halfs Left to actually do properly. Surely lightning won't strike three or even four times!
We're heading down to Wellington on Saturday to relax before the five bridges on Sunday. I've been training and battling through deep water running sessions so if I watch my intake this could be my half. We're meeting Richard Warwick for coffee on Saturday to assess his drinking quality and give him a supply of SOS rehydrate. We've also got to get some to Kelly. A real bonding experience.
This will be an experience since I moved from an unguided 10k just for laughs to an unsupported half.
This weekend we're heading to Taupo and the forecast is looking like good practice for New York. I'm having a change up in guides with Marguerite guiding me while Simon does the marathon. This is partly because I wasn't intending doing this half but missing out on Wellington after the removal of my heel screws meant a change of plans.
I did a 9mile hilly run last weekend followed by a tempo training session the next day so I'm feeling confident in being able to complete the half.
Fundraising is ticking along but I always need more!
The days are clicking along quicker and quicker - 94 days until we are go!
To help raise money I've made a pirate doll with a prosthetic leg. I'm auctioning her off so I'm hoping it'll take a little more money. I just have to cross my fingers that that's are some page fans out there
On Saturday May 2nd I set out to run the quarter marathon with my volunteer guide Frances. It was a two loop course and we burnt through the first loop feeling fine. Halfway around the second loop basically halfway between the two access points we came across a girl hobbling along.
She had hurt her hip. Her team mates had gone on ahead to alert St Johns. We volunteered to support her along until they arrived. We even carried her for a bit, fortunately we decided not wSnt working. Why? Well ...,,about 2k later we met a marshal on a bike who finally took off to alert St Johns. Imagine us carrying her that far. There'd be 3 for the ambulance.
We struggled on, basically being passed by the entire field . Finally we came across another Marshall with a chair. We left her there and took off. A little way along we met the bike Marshall and the St Johns guy. I'm pretty sure either no one told them or they just decided to wait for her to come to them. Either way it could have been dire. She was 0% body fat in a singlet and shorts and it was a bit nippy.
Our final charge up the finish line didn't really tell the full story of our adventure. I can always run another 10k for time (in fact I will this weekend) but you can't beat the good feelings from helping someone in trouble.
Yesterday the sun shone on Motutapu Island for the Partners Life Dual. I was entered into the 6k. What could be easier.
This 6k went straight up to the top of the island. Lots of rocks and ruts. I managed to fall over after barely crossing the start tine. One benefit of the MS legs was I wasn't aware that I'd done some remodelling on my knee. It now looks like it has two knee caps.
The hill was brutal and I had to do a bit of walking to make sure I didn't blow a gasket by putting my heart rate up too high. There was a reward at the top - a beautiful view. There were two excellent down hills and I just stuck my chin out and careered down them. After all when you tend to trip over your own shadow falling no longer holds any fear. Guess what - I didn't fall!
Training is on track and going well. New York seems a lot less scary now.
tomorrow I go off road and on my own. Will I survive without a guide? Will I survive the ferry ride? Stay tuned to find out!
Sunday saw a huge Achilles team taking part in the Cigna Round the Bay's, spread across half marathon, 10k and 6.5k. The weather was perfect and thanks to Cigna we had all had a good night at the Copthorne on Oriental Parade. Yay Cigna!
I had a great run and ran my own race and ended up catching and overtaking many of those who had roared off ahead of me at the start. I just only just over 2 minutes behind Tamati Pearce so that made my day.
I am feeling even more confident about being ready for New York. When running past the turnoff for the 6.5k I remembered struggling to make it the last time I ran this event whereas i was still running along happily this time around.
If I keep up with my great training plan and keep an eye on my aches and pains then I'll be ready for the next event calling for me.
I went for a 10k trail run at the weekend to test my legs and see what I've let myself in for by entering the 10k at the Cigna Round the Bays in Wellington next month. Fortunately I survived and now I'm feeling really confident about trotting around the beautiful Wellington waterfront.
