Thomarga

Running in New Zealand... (by Rone)

Sometime in December 2012 I decided to do a a 21 km race on one of the islands next to Auckland. It's called the Dual Total Sport challenge. It sounded amazing and fairly simple in principle since I've done loads of road half-marathons in the past. But maybe I should've read the fine print....

Before the race

The day started with Karen and I speeding in our little rental car  to get to the Auckland Pier on time. Once we parked our car we rushed to catch our ferry which was packed with lots of eager running competitors. Karen entered the 10km walk so we were both psyched for the day. It was a 45 min ferry ride to our destination: Motutapu. The organisation was brilliant and the day presented with many athletes competing in the 10km, 21km, marathon, triathlon and mountain biking races. The atmosphere was immense!

Still smiling

I set off on the 21 km feeling great. Beautiful morning, feeling pretty strong after some solid training, but it was clear after the first 600m that this wasn't going to be your average 21km race.  After the 1st km my lungs felt like they were about to explode due to the steepest hill with no real warm up. Once I recovered from the hill my thoughts were that I should just enjoy it and not go for a specific time, but at least get below 2hr. Half way through the race my thoughts  changed to: JUST finish this!! The terrain was either grass (mostly uphill, through forest - I had to scramble few times), but the worst..... 6km was on sharp volcano rocks. I remember thinking this is surreal, but at least now I don't have to go to any old volcano sightseeing places anymore. The terrain was very technically challenging which resulted in quite a few people falling. I was so focused during the volcano terrain determined not to loose any skin, I didn't see much besides black rock!

Kazza soaking up the atmosphere

We started on the first island: Motutapu island. The names means sacred island and is one of the oldest islands in the Huaraki Gulf. There are over 300 recorded Maori archeological sites on this island.

The scenery was simply amazing, and I wish I had more energy to have enjoyed it:) Half way trough the race you cross over to Rangitoto island. This is an unique volcanic island with fascinating landscapes of rugged lava crops, lush native bush and sandy coves. All of this sounds amazing, but try running on this...

Tough hills

The end of the race

It was such a different experience from doing a road race. No cars or people (except your fellow runners), but completely one with nature. I was very pleased to get to the finish line where I was handed a cider instead of a recovery drink-apparently this is the way in NZ :)

Cider post run-or not!!

I think I'm def up for adventure racing!! But next time I'll avoid the  volcano rocks!! I couldn't really walk for 5 days afterwards, but was on such a high that I started seeking more trails for my runs instead of my normal road running.

After this awesome adventure Karen and I headed south for a climbing trip.  We bought a cheap little tent on our way down to Te Kuti where we camped next to a river. 

Camping

 During the day we did some climbing and on return we had our baths in the river. We cooked and made some yummy food by having a braai every night from the wood we picked up in the forest. It was great, but on occasions we did feel a little jealous of the fancy campervans and RVs with all their equipment.

Karen's b day outing

washing in the river when wild camping

Climbing crag

We broke up the trip with spending the Easter wknd with my very good friends from University: Gayle and Sean. They have a very groovy spot in Okahune which is a trendy little town with lots of mountain bikers, skiiers and runners. 

The twins and Karen 

It's been about 10 years since we've properly spent time together due to logistics. We had an amazing wknd together with hikes, braai, board games and easter egg hunting with their 6-year old  twins Arran and Kiera.

Arran on his bike

Kiera during the easter egg hunt

Our cool coffee spot

Just chilling

Gayle and I

Just my luck that Gayle is busy training for a trail marathon in May. So I was dragged along for plenty of trail runs. I loved it. Lots of respect for her since trail running is so much more fun and better for the joints, but it feels much harder work and I realised by now that there are no flat areas in New Zealand since it  consists of hills, hills and more hills.... good luck Gayle- enjoy!!