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
I'm not sure if this is the calm before the storm, the quiet after the storm or the very distinct smell of rain right before a thunder storm rolls in. Ah, the joys of the rollercoaster that is tapering. This week I have fluttered between panic, resignation, despair, confusion, excitement and worry. I've purchased shoes … Continue reading Tarawera Diaries- less than a week to go
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
MelMac Runs 