Trail ultra running is essentially an exercise in not stuffing up. Some folks will say they love the sport because they “enjoy problem solving”. To a certain extent that’s true, trail ultra running is a lot of problem solving. It’s a lot of self observation, recognising when you have made a mistake and correcting it, … Continue reading Lessons from the Taupo 100k
“I think I’ve seen this film before, and I didn’t like the ending” Taylor Swift, ‘Exile’ Running ultras is hard. It breaks your body and it punishes your mind. It will pummel your feet, shred your quads and rub your skin raw. It will make you vomit, poop your pants and question every decision you … Continue reading Lessons from the Tarawera 100 miler
It’s hard to know where to start. It still doesn’t feel quite real. But somehow, I got from Kawerau to Rotorua, 100 miles (162km) under the power of just my own two feet. To be honest, I can hardly believe it. I thought it would be hard, but I didn’t really comprehend just how hard … Continue reading Race recap- Tarawera 100 Miler 2024
Yes ok so it turned to shit and I didn't finish my race. I think everyone got that memo. And yes I've also reached the anger stage of the 5 Stages of Grief so bare with me here. In sorting through the emotions of falling short on such a big goal, I've been reflecting on … Continue reading Lessons from my first attempt at the Tarawera 100 miler
I came away from the 2019 Old Ghost Ultra feeling like I had let myself down. Finish line with Phil Rossiter -2019 Strange, since I had no expectations and it had been a long time since I had any desire or drive to go fast or faster in my case. But nonetheless I was not … Continue reading The (Old Ghost) road to improvement- Lessons from 2020
“You will most likely loose the will to live”, were the comforting words provided by Old Ghost Race director Phil Rossiter, a mere 12 hours before the starting line count down of the Old Ghost Ultramarathon in Seddonville. I smiled, a nervous, excited smile. I remembered last year, I smiled. He was full of shit. … Continue reading Race recap- Old Ghost Ultra 2020
I had originally written this post whilst sitting in the terminal at Melbourne Airport patiently waiting for my 11:55PM Jetstar flight to Christchurch to begin our 4th New Zealand trail running adventure. But for some reason the internet ate it, so here we are again! With the NZ trail running season kicking of in Rotorua … Continue reading Trail running in NZ? Tips for Navigating NZ customs
"Only a fool learns from his own mistakes. The wise man learns from the mistakes of others.” - Otto Von Bismarck It's been almost four weeks since my trot on the Old Ghost Road. My feet have healed, my ego callused and the paint has dried enough on my post race emotions to begin to dissect and rebuild. Here's some … Continue reading The 5 things you can learn from my Old Ghost Ultra
When I signed up for both the Old Ghost Ultra and the Shotover Moonlight Marathon I had just listened to Rich Roll interview Jessie Itzler. I don't remember the actual quote but the essence of his story still haunts me. He said that he was about to turn 50. The average person in America lives … Continue reading Race Review: Old Ghost Ultra 85k
Wow where to begin? The Shotover Moonlight Marathon. I got a helicopter to the start line. Not a tram or a bus, a helicopter! I'm not usually a fan of helicopters, I don't see what all the fuss is about, but the air inside this chopper was rife with nervous excitement. You could almost here … Continue reading Race review: Shotover Moonlight Marathon
MelMac Runs 