I signed up for a road race. My first in almost 5 years. I hadn’t run a road race since Run Melbourne in July 2019, mostly on purpose, partly due to a pesky pandemic. I’ve struggled with crowds since lockdowns and was really not keen on the idea of putting myself in a human stampede … Continue reading Race recap: Ballarat Half Marathon- and a very unexpectedly large PR
One of my goals for 2024 was to run races and places that I hadn’t run before. When Run Tarra Bulga popped up, a new race for 2024, standing on the legacy of the now folded Duncan’s Run in the same region, I added it to the list. At a 3 hour drive from my … Continue reading Race recap: Run Tarra Bulga 42k
What’s something most people don’t understand? There are so many cheesy inspirational sayings stitched onto pillows and plastered on notebooks and Instagram accounts sprouting the benefits and joys of trying. They are lying. Trying anything sucks, especially if it is something that you are really invested in achieving. Trying will break your heart. If it … Continue reading Trying sucks
Yes yes, I know, I am late to the game! What can I say, it was so hot that I needed a week to recover? Yeah pretty much. I'm not going to lie, I feel like I have been full steam ahead, do not pass go, blinkers on since I crossed the finish line at … Continue reading Race review: Warby Trail Fest 2024- 27k
I spent about 30 out of 33 hours out on the Tarawera course saying never again. “One and done, get it done”. I crossed the finished line more relieved that it was over than proud or happy with what I had achieved after so long dreaming and trying. I saw my friend Ali at the … Continue reading I achieved the big goal, now what?
“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
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
MelMac Runs 