With only two months to go I am well underway with training for Coast to Coast and GODZone (in early December). In fact it they seem way closer than I would like. I want to train more but really just need to remind myself to trust my training programme. It is challenging training for both as they are very different beasts, but one thing that crosses over nicely is kayaking. It has been hinted that there will be more paddling this year at GODZone and we are about to start learning how to pack raft (as they have just arrived). This means the paddling training will cross over really well for each event.

In build up to the events I decided to give the Rasdex Classic River race a crack. It involves paddling the Coast to Coast paddle route (roughly 72 km), which is fun. It throws at you rapids, rocks, bluffly corners, braids and an incredible environment if you get the chance to look around and appreciate it.

The morning of the race I was not feeling so good after sleeping badly and struggling to eat breakfast. It was very windy on the drive up and I was feeling a bit anxious. My kayak is a Sharp 6 which I love paddling but am still mastering it in tricky whitewater sections (I’m nearly there). I did one paddle of the route before the race and was stoked to get down without a swim and that was what I was hoping to achieve again during this race.

All the open women set up and off everyone went. I didn’t have the greatest start but just focused on settling into a good pace and picking braids. It’s a long paddle and to get through it Richard and I had talked about breaking it into smaller sections and focusing on one bit at a time. This worked a treat rather than focusing on how far there was to go. One of the rock gardens was flat but on the second one things where a bit rougher. As I approached it I tried to pick my line but could not decide whether left or right was better, which ended in disaster! I went straight down the middle…..not a good line choice! I heard a “awww Rach” from a friend behind me as I tipped over. I got to the side, quickly emptied my kayak, got back in, checked my drinking system and headed on my way. Often when I used to swim when whitewater or multisport kayaking I would get upset or frustrated. I decided before starting the race that if I did swim (which I really didn’t want to) that I would work on staying calm, which is exactly what I did. I took a lesson from it and really focused on making good line choices.

On the next rock garden I nailed my line choice and saw some other people swimming down. I paddled nice and steady through to the Iron Bridge steadily catching open women along the way and focusing on good line choice. I nailed the line on Bluff Bluff and was stoked. I enjoyed sipping away at a berry smoothie and tailwind to keep my energy levels up.

There was more chaos after the Iron Bridge with really strong wind making it challenging to paddle forwards. I pretty much got blown over, luckily a guy and I had been paddling together and he gave me a T-rescue, which was awesome and saved me a swim. It might be time to do some more rolling practice so I can get that combat roll down. Reaching Woodstock was a relief and I had to keep pushing and try and pick it up. It felt great to go around the final bend and make it to the finish line. It was a long paddle with the flow being really low. I was gutted having had a swim but was happy with how I recovered from it and paddled the other sections of the race. I’ve been improving in my kayak and just need to keep spending time paddling it on moving water. If you want to get better at kayaking the best thing to do is to go kayaking!

What event are your training for and what is your goal?
I’m training for the Mountain Run, C2C, Feb 2018.

What it is your motivation for wanting to achieve this?
1. Love that feeling when you cross the finish line
2. I want to be a bit less slow than 2016
3. I feel good when I’m training for an event.

What is your background and how did you get into your sport?
I really only started running in my 40s! First full marathon at 48, then when we came to NZ I discovered trail running and haven’t looked back.

What is your favourite event/or training mission so far?
Mountain Run C2C…

Why?
…because it’s completely bonkers – and it’s a buzz to be a part of it.

What is your favourite training ride/run/kayak/swim etc?
I like the Coopers Creek to Wharfedale Track and back circuit.

Who is your inspiration?
Anybody over 50 still out there running in the hills.

Who is your biggest fan?
Probably my 17 year old son who appreciates having an active Mum.

Do you have an inspirational quote that you would like to share?
“There will be a day when I can no longer run. Today is not that day.”

What is your favourite recovery food?
Cornflakes with cream and sugar.

The last seven weeks have been a whirlwind of fun, craziness and hard work in a number of ways. I took on the nine-hour Spring Challenge, Girls on Dirt Enduro, the Salmon run, went tramping (for study), did some work and finished my degree. Three years of hard work and I have finally made it to the end of an exciting journey. I have learnt a lot during this journey especially with the challenge of balancing study, work and adventure racing. Here is a summary of the main things I learnt along the way:

Balance

• Balance is really important for everything, especially to fit in study, training and work. Too much training and then not enough study gets done, but then I am much more productive when I am training and being active as that is what I enjoy. It’s about doing the right amount of each thing. You also need to fit in time to look after yourself otherwise there can be a risk of burning out.

Time management and planning

• Time management is the key to balance and staying on top of everything. It helps to have training planned out in advance for the week so you can work out how to fit in to make sure it happens. My study timetable changed weekly so this was super important to make it easy to get my training done. This is one reason it is awesome having a TeamCP coach to help plan and set the training for you. Training Peaks is also a fantastic tool for this. We could adjust the training load depending on the amount of time I needed to put into assignments and work each week.

 Preparation

• Preparation is fundamental for a race and really anything. I did many presentations during my degree and the more prepared I was the better the presentations went and it is the same for racing. I have found over the years preparing for racing has become easier through doing more races, gaining experience and learning how to do it and what works. If you prepare your gear and food well for a race, things are likely to go a lot smoother. Things like getting your bike serviced before the event and giving it a good check over and clean are important.

Motivation

• Being motivated helps to get things done. I pick races and set goals that I am excited about which helps to keep me motivated. Sometimes it can be hard to stay motivated when things get tough especially with hard assignments or when feeling tired. This is when you need to remind yourself of what you are trying to achieve to get you out the door for that run or to get that project done. I’ve really enjoyed going to the Team CP Tuesday morning run group as it is social and takes less motivation to get out and do the training.

 Sleep

• When everything gets busy it is easy to cut down on the amount of sleep you get but it is fundamental to doing everything else well. The longer I studied the less late nights I put into assignments. I found there would be a certain point where it was just not productive; if I got more sleep I would be much more productive and be able to train better. Sleep is also important for recovery from training sessions. You have mange your time to make it all work and prioritise getting sleep. All those late nights studying did pay off though when I raced in GODZone and had to deal with sleep deprivation.

Looking after yourself

• Sometimes you just need to look after yourself and take a breather. This can be challenging when we all live in such a busy technological world. For me I like to escape everyday life and head to the hills. Whether it’s just getting out for a day walk or really getting away from everything and going on a three to four day tramp. When out in the bush I enjoy being away from the demands of every day life and digital technology. It’s good to find something you can enjoy to be able to take some time out for yourself.

Friends and family

• Without the support of family and friends I would not have been able to achieve what I have in Adventure Racing and degree. They have support crewed for multiple races and supported me in to achieve my training, racing and study goals.

With my degree done everything is pretty exciting and scary as to where I will go next but that’s ok. I will chance my focus from study to now training for GODZone and two day Coast to Coast which will be fun, exciting and challenging.

What event are your training for and what is your goal?
Coast to Coast – Longest Day

What it is your motivation for wanting to achieve this?
I want to show my son that anything you set your mind on, you can achieve.

What is your background and how did you get into your sport?
Ironman triathlete who is looking for a change and a new challenge.

What is your favourite event/or training mission so far?
My first team adventure race in April was great fun.

Why?
Tough, but enjoyable and out of the box compared to Ironman.

What is your favourite training ride/run/kayak/swim etc?
I really enjoy the kayak. Being new to adventure racing, I love getting in the kayak in the dark and paddling up the creek while the sun is coming up. Except for the things that move in the murky water next to the boat!

Who is your inspiration?
My wife and son.

Who is your biggest fan?
My son, Penn. He always asked when the next race is and always wants to be there.

Do you have an inspirational quote that you would like to share?
‘Know your why.” – My mate Cheyno told me that, and when you’re deep in the hurt box it keeps you going.

What is your favourite recovery food?
Is beer classed as food?

Any other comments?
If you need to learn how to throw a boomerang, I’m your man.

So it’s been a few weeks since I posted last and things have been good and things have been really not so good. Bad news always better when followed with good news, so lets start there.

Last Thursday after an awesome MTB rogaine I woke to pain again in my side.  I knew immediately that the cancer pain was back, but thought I could grit and bare it until after Spring Challenge. That was the plan anyway.  I had done so much training and felt ready for the Spring Challenge so I was going to let a little bit of cancer get in the way.  Well it turns out Cancer had a different plan and I was admitted to hospital Friday afternoon in excruciating  pain, and begging for morphine.  Now I know a lot people fault our public health system, but when things go wrong they are very quick to act.  within 30mins of turning up at A&E I was given morphine and a CT scan and then admitted to oncology ward.  Where I have been ever since. The primary goal has been to get my pain under control.  Morphine is a wonderful drug for managing pain relief but has some awful side effects, such as nausea (or in my case vomiting) and bowel and bladder issues. So the last few days has been a juggling act between managing pain and managing the side effects.  Yesterday they pretty much gave up and have tried me on a new drug called phenatol. Also an opioid but alot friendlier on the body.  This morning is the best I felt the whole 5 days I’ve been in hospital.

Because of this set back – which was only meant to be a couple of days I finally made the call yesterday that I can’t realistically do the Spring Challenge. I could barely walk to the hospital front doors with out pain and nausea. We did look at other options like dropping to the 3hr, which did look feasible on Sunday but as the week has worn on this has become less and less, with the final call being made yesterday.  Fortunately someone has stepped up to take my place and I can be there as support crew. To be honest I am gutted, I have put in so much training, which I’ve loved and will put in this update.  But sometimes you have to be real and it was unfair on my team mates.

Next thing to discuss is the results of the scan.  The pain has been caused by the tumour on the psoas muscle bleeding.  This is the nature of the disease unfortunately, and the pain should subside when the blood does.  Disappointingly however is the scan also showed the cancer has progressed, meaning it is no longer stable. This has essentially halved my time that we thought we had left, and I have been told to start putting things in order. I am meeting with my oncologist today to talk about options to slow it down which may mean chemo again.  Mentally we are all exhausted and a little numb, yet I have had amazing support from everyone.

So on that low note, here is some of things I have got up to since my last blog and hopefully will be able to do more adventures really soon.  Wanaka Challenge is still on the cards, but we need to reprioritise the memories list and see where that fits. Its not over and out yet for me, just a little blip.

So over the last few weeks, we have hiked up Little Mt Peel, been for some cool mountain bike rides in Bottle lake and done 2 rogaine night navs.  These rogaines were a lot of fun, and the fact that we didnt come last while laughing and not taking it seriously was a bonus.  The one last week involved mountain biking through bottle lake in the dark, well thats an adventure in itself, especially with no head torch and a useless bike light. We got there in the end!  Little Mt Peel was stunning and I recommend the walk to anyone. Lovely views and forest walks, it is a steady walk up but nothing compared to Mt Oxford.  It took us about 4 or so hours return, but we didn’t push ourselves, instead the plan was to take our time, and work out our surroundings. We are now feeling more familiar with the area the spring challenge is going to be.  Ive also been for a couple of swims, which I always enjoy and Im looking forward to starting the ocean swims.

Anyway thats me done. A long blog today, but a lot has happened in the last week.  I really hope that I can post again some more positive and exciting news next week.

Here are some photos from our adventures….sorry tried to insert photos and it wont work.  Ill see if I can do it, from home, when I am out of hospital.

I thought that I would share something that I read the other day that I felt was very good and summed up how we can be managing a busy modern life.  What should we be focussing on to make sure that we fit our weekly training sessions in and do all of the things that we need to do…

“The more that you know what you really want, and where you are really going, the more what everybody else is doing starts to diminish.  The moments when your own path is at it’s most ambiguous, that’s when the voices of others, the distracting chaos in which we live, the social media static start to loom large and become very threatening” (Alain de Botton, 2016)

Be proactive rather than reactive by…

• Checking your messages when you have made time to do so.
• By training during the time that you have set aside.
• By planning your week and making time for the must do things.
• By having a rest day when you have planned.
• By focusing on your race plan rather than following others.

Often we become very reactive by opening that final email before we head out on our training run and subsequently get caught up in the reply. So over the coming work week go remind yourself of your summer goals, get on the front foot and be proactive with your focus and time.

Snow had started to settle on the ground at Bog Roy Station. We got out our maps and had a plan. The night before we had a quick chat as a team and decided we needed to focus on teamwork, going hard and that the results would follow. There was not much gear for this race but a descision was made that mine would split between the three guys, as we knew it would be a quicker race than GodZone. This would be Team Greenhorns’ first race with new team member, Glen.

The horn sounded and we were off. A weather bombshell immediately hit us with strong wind and snow. My legs struggled to warm up in my tri shorts as we slowly ploughed through the snow on our bikes. The race consisted of 3 stages: 50km mountain bike, a 33km trek and a 25km mountain bike(rough distances). Each leg had a number of check points and you could chose the order you did them in and in what order you did the three stages. This meant everyone was doing a mix of stages and for most of the race you couldn’t really tell how you were going.

Cold feet (photo credit all photos – Levi Hibbert)

We started on the 55km mountain bike and made it to the front of that group although that didn’t last long and we were caught and passed by Sneaky Weasel Gang; although this would not be the last we would see of them. We were kind of grateful to have them helping break a trail though the snow that had settled on the ground. The weather was slowly improving, but we were still slowly slogging it up a valley in snow. I was stoked when we reached the hut and cp, which was our turn around point as we would then have fun going down. It was strange on the way back as the snow was starting to melt making the going easier and the scenery different. For the last cp on the leg we had two route choices; either over the hill and drop into it or go around the bottom of the hill and bike up a small valley. The majority of the vote was on going around and this turned out to be quick and efficient and we saw Sneaky Weasel Gang heading out of the cp. All we had left then was to make it back to the transition area.

The plan was to do bike, trek, bike; but we decided that things were going well on the bike and to tag the next bike leg onto it as well. We stopped by the transition area, checked in, restocked on food and then headed out again. By now the weather had improved (although still windy) and our feet had started to warm up. This bike leg had more hills. I jumped on the tow rope for some of the hill climbs. This really helped to keep the pace up as I’m not as quick as the boys on the hills. Tom was a tank with towing on the bike. There were some cool views from up in the hills. There were some ups and downs and it wasn’t long before we were heading back down into the transition area.

It was now time to take on the trek. The team had been working really well together and helping each other out. Some of the boys were bringing trekking poles along. I hadn’t used poles on a shorter race before, but since they were I decided to bring my two poles along too, which was awesome for the climbs. We started the trek with a steady running pace. I got offered the tow line early in on this leg to help and it was then used a lot. I had never been on a running tow before but it turned out to be pretty cool. Glen turned out to be a really strong runner so was happy to offer to tow. My legs got shredded as we spent some time sidling around and navigating our way through Rose hip, which is a spiky plant that I have added to the list of plants I don’t like. Eventually we had to climb up from the lake to the hill for the final two cps. I was starting to get a bit worried about the amount of time left, as we had to be back to the finish line within 12 hours. The presure was on as ran along the ridge to get the second to last control, and then we were also running to the final control. We smashed it up the final climb to the last control. As we climbed, I knocked back a final Gel to help me get to the finish line. It was then a race down the hill to make sure we made it back in time. This was exciting as it was dark. We made it to the finish line with 20min to spare. The boys and I were all tired from an awesome race and finish. The race went really well with us coming together well as a team. Everyone looked after each other and helped each other out. This resulted in us taking out 1st place in the Mixed Teams category and 2nd place overall behind the Sneaky Weasel Gang Men’s team. This was a fantastic opportunity to practice as a team as we are entered for GodZone Pure next year.

You can check out what the Greenhorns team gets up to at https://www.facebook.com/GreenhornsAR/

From a very young age we participate in the movement of running. It generally comes naturally and is something we do with little thought about how we execute the motion.

As we develop and progress through life, we continue running the way we always have, often unaware of our style and technique. We simply lace up the shoes and head out the door for any number of reasons; the benefit of the exercise, to clear the head, to get fit, to train for an event, plus many others.

Generally we just run, complete our session then carry on with our day. Some running days can be better than others and our enthusiasm can differ according to how we felt during and after our run.

Imagine though if you treated running more as a skill and gave yourself the opportunity to learn more about how and why you run the way you do, why some muscles tire more quickly than others, why although you are fitter it isn’t feeling any easier or you’re not getting any faster.

To help answer these frustrations, consider having your technique assessed to learn how to be more efficient when running, reduce the risk of injury and allow yourself to feel as comfortable as you can when pounding the pavement or trails, so you enjoy the experience even more.

An assessment with a Team CP Coach will take approx. 45mins and will analyze your posture, form and technique. You will receive advice and tips unique to your style and goals to help you enjoy a more positive running experience each time you head out the door.

So as summer approaches and you look ahead to the events you have entered, or want to participate in, add “Running Technique Assessment” to your list of personal development activities.

It is amazing what a few small adjustments can do to enhance your overall running experience.

Click here for further information.

So when I left off I had just started to get back into training, and was finally feeling reasonably normal again.  I am pleased to report that my health is still considered healthy and I am well and truly back into the swing of training.

With only 4 or so weeks till Spring Challenge, the training has really ramped up, with mountain bike rides and a few mountains climbed. In the last 3 weeks I have climbed both Mt Richardson and Mt Oxford.  This was the first time we had been up Mt Richardson and it was stunning. It is a great loop which although hard work in some bits is quite doable. The track climbs through forest but has some great views over the plains as you climb. I also got to see snow!!   It was also a great opportunity to remind myself about eating every 45mins or so. Something I havent really done since Coast to Coast.

Mt Oxford however, wasnt quite as enjoyable and my legs are really paying for it now. Although this is the third time I have climbed this mountain, I always forget how long and steep the climb actually, and although the views at the top were rewarding, the howling wind and the slippery snow wasnt and those I was defeated.  I of course decided to run back down – great fun at the time, but probably why I am walking like I’ve ridden a horse for a week.

Along with the great mountain hikes I have really enjoyed my mountain biking and my confidence has really increased, where I am now looking for the sloped corners and not braking on the downhills nearly as much.  We have all agreed that this part of the Spring Challenge could be a weakest so I definitely need all the confidence I can get.  At the moment we have been sticking to McLeans Island although a few hill rides have been ordered by the coach. – I am sure Ive mentioned in previous blogs how much I hate hills.

Along with the Spring challenge training, I am back in the pool.  This in preparation for the ocean swims starting this summer and then of course my next challenge – Wanaka Challenge.  My first few swims felt terrible, gammy, slow and awkward. I had to go back to the plan from Dan.  It seems to have worked and my stroke is starting to feel more natural, I do however feel another lesson maybe in order to tidy up some old habits, I feel i have reverted back to.

In summary, I am feeling great, fit and healthy again.  It is amazing how much you appreciate normal when you dont have it.  I love being back in the swing of training and although my legs are screaming I am also enjoying the adventures in the mountains.   It was great to be out with the TeamCP crew at the bunch ride on Sunday, I loved meeting all the new people and had some great conversations.

Next week will be another adventure somewhere and a lot more mountain biking.  

On Sunday 5^th August I took on the Lake Hood half-marathon near Ashburton. This was something completely different from what I am use to; flat and fast. Earlier in year, when Richard and I were planning out races he suggested the Christchurch half as something different as we were planning to work on improving my running for Coast to Coast. I never would have thought about doing it otherwise, as I’m more into trail running. It didn’t work out doing the Christchurch half-marathon as I ended up racing in China; so here was another chance to give it a try.

I was up early on Sunday morning and enjoyed some breakfast before getting picked up by Vicki (also team CP) and joined by another mate heading out to Lake Hood. This was good as it kept me calm and relaxed before the race and I got to enjoy a social drive. I often have problems with nerves before racing, so it was a nice change to be feeling more relaxed than normal. I had gone over my race plan the night before and was feeling ok. I didn’t feel quite as fresh as I would have liked, but I knew it would be ok once I got started.

We picked up our race packs and before I knew it we were lining up to start. Then we were off! I took off quite quickly and was feeling pretty good. I realized that I probably needed to settle the pace down a bit or I would burn out. This was only the 3^rd half-marathon I had run and the first one that was flat and not on trails. I slowly settled the pace down so I was not too comfortable, but comfortable enough to maintain pace. For me this race was about getting out there and giving it a good crack to try for a time of 1hr 45min. It was about just racing my own race and I think this helped prevent me from getting as nervous as normal; as it was really just a training session.

The course involved three laps around Lake Hood. The first lap went pretty well and I was happy and feeling pretty good. I was focusing on maintaining good posture as this then helps me to keep a shorter running stride and overall better running technique. What I didn’t like was when I discovered that one section had a really strong head wind which you had to push though…this was some type 3 fun (not fun at the time and not fun to talk about afterwards).

On to the second lap I was still feeling pretty good to start with. Mentally it was good to have ticked off one lap (7km). My hydration strategy was not going so well, I was attempting to drink going though the aid stations but 95% of it was ending up on me or on the ground once I gave up trying to drink it. I had never tried racing and drinking from cups before, and decided that my bladder is much easier. I was trying to keep the pace up in this lap but it was slowly dropping off as fatigue started to set in. I smashed back a gel to help keep the energy levels up and just keep focusing on myself. I fought through more wind and was happy to have finally made it to the last lap, only 7km to go.

Around the 15km mark things slowly started to fall apart. I was struggling to hold my posture now and my form was slowly falling apart, my pace was dropping. I kept trying to pick it up but it just wasn’t happening. I had thought that my pacing had been ok and I had been on track with my plan most of the way. I just focused on moving forward and counting down the kms. With only roughly 3km normally I would tell myself that that was nothing and to try and pick up the pace, but that didn’t quite happen today, at that point it felt like 3km was still a long way to go. With 2km or less to go I tried to just focus on using everything left in the tank and just get to the finish. It was a struggle to keep it up but next thing I knew there was the finish line, I crossed it happy to be done and then decided to acquaint myself with the ground. I didn’t quite mange to hit 1hr 45min, which I was a bit disappointed with, but was still happy to have given it a good crack and achieve a PB of 1hr 48min.

I enjoyed the race and it created some good learning. It was challenging running a flat course where you had to maintain quick pace throughout. I found that over the three laps my pace slowly dropped. I have improved my running posture a lot, but it still needs work to be able to maintain it over a long period of time. It was fun and I wouldn’t mind doing another some time. My next race is the Spring Challenge 9hr event which I am looking forward too. The training that I’m doing at the moment is also helping me to build up for the two day Coast to Coast and GodZone Pure next year.