The Final Countdown

Had this in my head a while back for posting just prior to the marathon. So bad its almost good.



But anyway on to more important things...

Going to be hot tomorrow! Only 8am now and its getting warm, looks like it will be a cracker of a day. I'm going to have to wear a hat.

Good luck to the other (mental) people I know doing this.

Getting a bit nervy to be honest but thats all part of it :)

Under a week

Less than a week to go before the marathon. Suprisingly I'm quite calm about it, maybe just resigned to the fact that it is going to be tough, or that I stressed out enough recently with job interviews, subsequent negotiation and handing in notice...

Did an easy 12km on Sunday and have gentle planned for Wednesday morning (in Taupo).

Not Afraid (of hills)

Running distance is tapering off quite pleasantly.

Did my 16.4km distance through Cornwall Park/One Tree Hill on Sunday. The hill climb was not really too much of an issue.

Thanks everyone for your comments about the job change. The new company has offices in the new Carlaw Park office development. The Auckland domain is right next door which is handy - not sure about lunch time runs though.

I'm back

Tapering now for the marathon. Only 2 weeks to go. Getting nervous!

Couple of weeks ago I bought some new shoes - New Balance 1223's. Have essentially broken them in and they are pretty good. Wide fitting which helps with my feet.

Running has been a bit disjointed this week. Did a early morning 7km with hill repeats Wednesday with N and a 7.95km pace run today. (39:59 which is pretty close to idea PMP).

Quite stressful work wise - handed my notice in a couple of days ago and take up a new position in a month. Project Manager role at an engineering consultancy. New challenges and all - bit like the marathon really :)

Here are a few photos from last Tuesday after work in Taupo. This run was on grass with forest scenery a 10km ish run along the thermal explorer highway (a section of SH1 near Wairakei).





It was nice. Wednesday morning was really windy and cold in contrast.

Twice in Taupo

Just got back from Taupo from a work trip. Was down Tuesday/Wednesday and got in two runs.

Thanks to daylight savings Tuesdays run was a nice afterwork run along the lake waterfront. It had been pouring down with rain a few hours before so was good that it largely held off for me. 7.77km / 39:28 / 5:05min/km.

Couple of photos.


Path along Lake Taupo.


Unintended artistic photography due to the light :)

In the morning I went for a 6am run with work colleague N. This involved a 3km out to a small hill, a set of 5 "hill repeats" which involve a reasonable effort (70-80%) for each one and jogging back down. N has done a number of halfs and marathons and reckons this is good for running strength. Was a bit different, variety is good after all.

Didn't time this run but it was probably 7km all up including the 3km back to the start.