Ritual, superstition, pre race routines. What are tried and true practices that have helped you succeed, that you have tested and experimented with and determined it’s a winner and what are mental crutches that probably aren’t actually serving you? Is that lucky pair of undies because they are the most comfortable, reduce chafe and fit … Continue reading Tarawera diaries- Taper thoughts
Tarawera diaries- the hay is in the barn
In two weeks time, instead of sitting in my bean bag drinking coffee with my ball obsessed kelpie getting increasingly frustrated with my lack of interest in her ball, I’ll hopefully be about 30k into my journey to cover 100 miles (160km) in one go. I would have travelled from the start line in Kawerau … Continue reading Tarawera diaries- the hay is in the barn
Tarawera diaries- 3 weeks to go
Is it meant to be comforting? When people say “oh that’s completely normal”, is that meant to make me feel good or ok about the shitty thing I’m feeling or going through? Why do they say that? It’s not remotely helpful. Yes I know that for me it’s normal to gain an entire kg when … Continue reading Tarawera diaries- 3 weeks to go
Tarawera training log- just over 3 weeks to go
Most of the time, I love training for a race. I love the daily run, the easy shuffles, the occasionally interval session, I’m grateful for it and it’s part of my daily routine. I don’t question it or complain about it. It’s not even a chore. I never understood people who would say “I just … Continue reading Tarawera training log- just over 3 weeks to go
Tarawera Training Log: one month to go
With only a month to go, It is starting to get to the pointy end of training for the Tarawera 100 Mile Endurance Run. It's safe to say that I've never nailed the training for this race. The first time I signed up in 2017 for the 2018 running of the race, I broke myself, … Continue reading Tarawera Training Log: one month to go
2023: a year in running
If I could say anything about 2023, it would be, well at least I tried. It didn’t go perfectly and I fell short of my goals a few times but I’m pretty proud of the fact that I kept getting up again and trying to fix all the mistakes. Looking back on the year, it’s … Continue reading 2023: a year in running
Story of a DNF- Ultra Trail Kosciusko 2023
I had a plan going into Ultra Trail Kosciusko, to do what I had set out to do last year but didn’t get to because of last minute course changes as a result of unseasonable snow. (recap for that race here) I booked accommodation pretty much as soon as I finished last year. I wanted … Continue reading Story of a DNF- Ultra Trail Kosciusko 2023
Why I’ll be saying no more to UTMB
If I had to die on any hill, it would be voting with your dollar is important! I’m not here to judge you for buying fast fashion from Kmart or cheap Christmas decorations from the Reject Shop, you do you, but it’s vitally important that you understand that by purchasing a product you are supporting … Continue reading Why I’ll be saying no more to UTMB
Black Friday Tips for trail and ultra runners
Let’s be real, one the surface Black Friday is kinda gross. It’s big business and retail stores taking advantage and using sneaky tactics to get us to buy shit we don’t need. It’s bad for our wallets and bad for the environment. But, that doesn’t mean we can’t use it to our advantage and make … Continue reading Black Friday Tips for trail and ultra runners
Drop bags 101
Whether you have a crew or not, drop bags can be a useful tool in planning and executing your next trail ultramarathon. For me, I love drop bags. I love the convenience of them and the control I have over most parts of the situation. The fun with ultramarathoning is you never know what is … Continue reading Drop bags 101