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Going the ultra distance: Taniwha – 60km trail run

Date: 8 November 2014

Time: 8:27

 

Race briefing in a friendly farmer’s paddock.
And a few more seconds, aaaaand …
… we’re off!
Shortly after we turned onto the trails, we were treated to this stunning view over the Waikato.
The sun only just out, but already quite warm. For the most part plantations and indigenous forests sheltered us from the worst sting of the sun.
Gerry speeding around the switchbacks on an early steep downhill.
Happy for the downhill stretch.
Gerry, myself and Paul (pictured left) where the tail-end Charles’ at this point, with the sun at our backs.
Dodging MTBs on narrow trails.
“Only” 55km to go.
Gerry having crossed the first and largest swing bridge.
An open section where large sections of plantation have been cleared.
Slowly but surely we chipped away at the kms.
A wonderful, wide, easy, forest road where MTBs could pass with ease.
Gerry going strong.
Down a steep gorge with some spectacular scenery.
Crossing the Waipapa Dam wall.
Approaching our first water station – a welcome sight after about 18km.
This was also the start of the 42.2km event.
Having a runny nose due to the cold air, and continuously having to blow my nose, feels like a waste of breath.
One third down, I was wondering how I would ever make it to 60km.
Large native ferns to shelter us from the sun.
Another steep downhill. As a fellow runner noted, steep descents really are a waste of a good downhill – you lose all your elevation without the privilege of a long, easy descent.
Another milestone. By this point I was pretty stuffed, and remained that way to the end.
Enjoying the perfect weather and the good conditions underfoot.
Hey, hey, halfway, yay!
Strangely enough we had more interaction with other participants, than what we had on most other road races.
More friendly support at the waterpoint at about 32km.
Slow down, Gerry! We’re in an urban area. Entering the historic riverside town of Mangakino.
Big was my surprise to find the 21.1km to go marker, as the 20km to go sign was about 3kms down the track! Speaking of mind games, this one really got to me.
Crossing a wetland area.
Running with constant views of Lake Maraetai to our left.
Another crossing on a swing bridge.
The flatter terrain of the last 20km helped to keep us going at a reasonable pace.
Crossing the river at the Maiterea Power Station.
I just had to have a sit down at this water point, while drinking my GU Brew.
Running next to Lake Whakamaru.
Come on dear, we don’t have all day.
This bunch was such a happy sight at about 4kms to go. Free hugs and jelly sweets were handed out.
The last section had lots of tree roots to trip over – a real challenge when you can no longer lift your feet.
Crossing the narrow road leading to the island in the lake and Whakamaru Christian Camp, finishing site of the race.
Gerry and I all smiles, happy to have survived The Taniwha.
With a beer in hand the pain is almost already forgotten.

Here’s a funny story. On our way to the start of the run, our 65 seater bus suddenly pulled over and a girl and guy jumped up and urgently stepped out of the bus. Everybody was like, huh?, but as they made a beeline to the nearest bush, laughter set in at the familiar sight. A girl has to go when a girl has to go. It turned out her husband had a chat with the bus driver a few minutes earlier asking him to make a pitstop and the driver kindly obliged.

The Taniwha (meaning protector or guardian of the river) is organised by Auckland based sporting events management company Total Sport and a host of distances are available to walkers, runners and cyclists alike. For the cyclists there’s 83, 60, 42.2 and 22km events with the 83km also available as a team relay. The runners have 60, 42.2, 21.1, 14 and 7km options with the 60km also as a team relay option. Walkers had the choice between 21.1, 14 and 7km routes. Route markings were excellent – there’s no getting lost, and the water stations were well stocked with water and GU Brew. The drink station at about 37km also offered Coke, bananas, pretzels and sweet biscuits. Continue reading →

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Footprints in the Sand – Foxton beach 20km fun run

 

The start and finish of the event.
Gerry at the start with 20 other participants.
A few announcements before we were off.
The Surf Club disappearing in the back with two runners behind me.
Blue bottles in abundance.
Loved the informal water points operated off the back of people’s ute’s.
Overcast and a bit of wind, but quite pleasant.
Gerry donned his Manawatu Striders shirt, but we spotted no other club members around.
The perfectly straight, perfectly flat beach between Foxton and Himatangi.
Seven done, 13 to go.
The second water point.
Front runners on their way back.
A baby seal came to greet us.
The turn around point at 10km.
Gerry providing some entertainment along the way.
Footprints in the Sand. Apt name for the event.
The wide flat beach makes for some lovely reflections.
Third water point.
The end is near.
Prize-giving at the Foxton Beach Surf Club.

I guess if you battle with motivation to do long runs on your own, it’s always a good idea to join some other runners for an event somewhere. Even it there’s only 21 other participants.

The Foxton Beach run is organised by the local Lions Club in Foxton, a small town on the west coast of the North Island not far from where we stay. We stumbled upon the event earlier this year and decided to participate when the time comes. Then we overheard other runners saying that they weren’t sure whether it was still on and thought the race might be cancelled. But luckily I saw it listed in the Runner’s World so we reckoned it must be on. Continue reading →

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Tongariro Alpine Crossing – 19.4 kilometres

At the start on a cold, windy, misty morning, Johann, Nettie, myself and Gerry.
Gerry and I. [Photo: J&N]
Reassuring to see the green light, but still a scary thought of crossing active volcanos.
View towards the west with Mangatepopo Hut just visible on the right.
The last toilet stop before heading up the mountain. No wonder it looks like a busy morning at the farmers market.
The scary sign before the big climb begins. It’s amazing how many holiday-goers still take on the mountain in jandals, t-shirts and jeans despite the warnings.
Everything is quickly frozen in the wind. Luckily we had a tail wind going up.
Still some patches of snow, just to remind you that it’s not summer yet on the mountain.
Grass icicles. [Photo: J&N]
We discovered a nice little bench (made from old sign poles) behind a rock sheltered from the worst wind. Was too cold to stay long.
An old wooden sign-post halfway up the mountain adding atmosphere to the walk.
It’s hard to imagine an icy 65km/h wind when you’re sitting in front of your computer. 🙂
Nettie and I having a bit of fun at the Red Crater saddle.
Ice, wind and mist combining to create an unforgettable experience.
Very very cold wind up there.
En route down Red Crater on the northern side.
Mist starting to clear a little to give us a lovely view of Emerald Lakes. [Photo: J&N]
Time for tea and a biscuit.
Next to Emerald Lakes.
With the mist clearing, we were treated to some wonderful scenery.
A view of Red Crater with the path we came down with visible on the right. [Photo: J&N]
Time for some fun in the snow.
Gerry at Blue Lake.
Looks like a beach made of snow.
Majestic mountain scenery. [Photo: J&N]
Quick lunch break, huddling between some rocks for shelter.
We only had little bits of slushy muddy snow on the track.
Te Maari crater that popped twice in 2012, causing a track closure, is stil fuming.
[Photo: J&N]
The last few kilometres through indigenous forest.
The finish at Ketetahi carpark on the northern end of the track, is a couple of hundred metres lower than the start.
These volcano warning signs feel a little surreal, but they’re really quite scary.
Happy to have had the opportunity to make the trip.

 

“New Zealand’s oldest national park and a dual World Heritage Site. The Tongariro National Park is rich in both cultural identity and dramatic, awe-inspiring natural scenery. Unique landforms, including the volcanic peaks of Ngauruhoe, Tongariro and Ruapehu ensure the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is considered a world-renowned trek.

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is heralded as the best one-day trek available in New Zealand, while others say it ranks among the top ten single-day treks in the world.

Many who complete the 19.4-kilometre journey will tell you the climbs can be steep and the weather unpredictable, though worth it in every aspect.” [http://www.tongarirocrossing.org.nz]

Since relocating to NZ a few years ago, we’ve wanted to do the full crossing. But every time something else comes up. Or the weather turns nasty. Or the mountain pops, causing a track closure for about nine months. You know how it goes. This time we had our hearts set on Labour Weekend when we could be joined by Johann and Nettie. Continue reading →

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Wairarapa Country Marathon

 

Gerry about 8 seconds before the start.
A beautiful morning as the sun rises over paddocks and lakes.
Henley Lake in the background.
Quaint letterbox. 🙂
Gerry on his way to the first water point.
With the sun still only just out, it’s hard not to also get the photographer in the pic.
Early morning wonderland.
Running in rural Wairarapa.
Between farms and cattle filled paddocks.
Signage to indicate where runners should go, as there aren’t many marshals en route.
Almost a quarter of the way done. I knew then already that the 32km trail run of the previous weekend was still in my legs.
First run in a while that I’ve ended up in a t-shirt!
For some reason a farmer dumped his lamb tails next to the road?
Hehe – couldn’t help but have a laugh at this sight!
First lap done, onto number two.
Over the Waipoua River.
Clear instructions along the way.
Crossing the Ruamahanga River.
Amusing rural distance markers.
Heeha!
Lovely scenery en route.
Only about two kilometres to go. Yey!
Prize-giving.

This is another of those events that we’ve been looking to do for the last couple of years. Being “reasonably fit” this year in our attempt to run 100km in February 2015, Gerry entered us for the Wairarapa Country Marathon as buildup towards our main goal. Being well aware that I haven’t remotely recovered from the 32km trail run of the previous week, we were entered and was going to push through. Neither of us are ill or injured and we need the mileage, so with no excuses we drove through on the Saturday afternoon.

Continue reading →

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Staples Rodway Cape Kidnappers Challenge – 32km

I guess you can call this a painfully funny moment. (Photo: Supersport Images)
Equally excited and worried about what lay ahead. A lovely Hawkes Bay morning despite all the severe weather warnings.
En route to the beach. The destruction caused by recent storms and high seas can clearly be seen on the side of the road.
A wonderful morning on the beach, with the early morning sun causing blinding reflections on the water.
It may be flat, but the uneven terrain ensured that you work for every kilometer gained..
Nice to run into fellow Manawatu Strider and friend June Wirihana along the way.
Wouna passing the majestic Cape Kidnappers cliffs, which we had only ever seen from a distance before.
On this section of the beach the sand gave way to large, flat rocky sections.
An early morning run along the beach with the wind at your back – life doesn’t get much better than this!
Out of breath but still smiling – near the end of a 120m ascent up one of the early hills. (Photo: Supersport Images)
Photographing the photographer, while I put up my best pose. (Photo: Supersport Images)
This photographer picked a great spot, catching runners at the top of a picturesque hill where even the most hardy competitors would be moving fairly slowly.
All gates had to be closed behind you, or scaled near the post, which sometimes proved the faster alternative.
Clear directions all along the route.
We noticed a caution sign ahead…
…and soon realised what it was all about – the gnarliest downhill, requiring some clever footwork.
Approaching the first water stop and transition point for the relay teams.
The complimentary bananas were a welcome alternative to our regular race diet of jelly babies (and occasional baby food).
Descending all the way to sea level again – no doubt a precursor to another giant climb.
The very novel checkpoint system, logging your splits along the route.
Running along the coastline on the southern side of Cape Kidnappers.
Enough to stop you dead in your tracks – the mother of all climbs (246m) shortly after Rangaiika.
Taking an involuntary breather.
Clearly Red John was here! 🙂
Relieved to be near the top (or so we thought!). (Photo: Supersport Images)
Despite the climb I still managed some on-camera silliness. (Photo: Supersport Images)
Like ants scaling an anthill.
Just when you think you’re near the top, another uphill appears.
Looking back at the majestic views behind us made the climb worthwhile.
Wouna doing some windsurfing in the 100+ km gales threatening to blow us back down the hill.
No matter how tired, the amazing views kept us energised.
A change of scenery, running through native forest along a jeep track.
Showing off my mid-race snack – some super-tasty chokolate custard baby food!
A rare mild downhill helping us regain our breath.
Approaching the second transition point, where we almost missed the water point as some confused official told us the water point for the solo runners were still further ahead.
The excellent route-marking made sure no-one could get lost.
Another scenic downhill amidst the blustery winds.
With the race happening earlier than in previous years, we passed lots of young livestock along the way.
Tiny specks of people on the opposite hill (with a huge valley in between).
An early river crossing, giving a taste of what was to come.
Up on the hill where we saw little specks of people earlier. Scary gale-force winds threatening to blow you off your feet.
The picturesque Maraetotata waterfall marking the start of our river-crossing section.
One of the few sections reminding us of our Tora experience from a few weeks back.
At least the muddy section was flat, helping you stay upright despite the slippery conditions underfoot.
One of many ankle deep crossings (or knee-deep, depending on your height!).
This looks idyllic, but the path underfoot was very slippery and we saw many spots where previous runners slipped off the path into the river.
A small makeshift ladder helping you get up the riverbank.
The “elbow-deep” river crossing coming up.
Wouna negotiating the best way down the riverbank. I cannot imagine how cold this marshall must have been, after standing in the river for who knows how long to help us poor runners across the water obstacle. (Photo: Supersport Images)
Co-o-o-o-l-d!!!! (Photo: Supersport Images)
Getting a bit more used to the cold, we were even able to smile for the very well-positioned photographer. (Photo: Supersport Images)
After the elbow-deep experience, mere ankle-deep crossings were a walk in the park.
I even tried running through the river every now and then.
Wouna finishing our final crossing before the last little stretch to the finish.
We ended on a short, flat tarred road section, which was most welcome after the preceding tough terrain.
Tired but happy – the end of a truly enjoyable run. (Photo: Supersport Images)
Our timing splits receipts – a great race innovation.
At the prize giving, where some amazing spot prizes were handed out. Not our day to win any, but still a great feeling to sit around with other contented finishers.

I don’t think anyone can blame us for feeling some trepidation in the days leading up to the Cape Kidnappers Challenge, a trail run on the Hawkes Bay coast near Hastings. This race came four weeks after the Tora Coastal Challenge – the mud bath we muddled through in early September. As with the Tora Challenge it was a 32km coastal trail run, taking place on the East Coast of New Zealand’s North Island. As with the Tora the weather leading up to the event had been pretty dismal.

Given our Tora experience, battling through 32kms of mud for 6 hours, we weren’t exactly expecting a fun day out on the trails as we set off to Hastings the Friday before the race. It was a miserable day – cold, wet and windy – and Metservice had issued a severe weather warning for the entire Hawkes Bay area for gale force winds over the weekend. We were clearly in for crazy weather. We even briefly contemplated abandoning the event – weighing up the cost of not doing an event we already paid for, against the added costs of travelling the 150+ km from Palmy to Hastings, paying for overnight accommodation, and risk having the race cancelled and losing our entry fees anyway (the race had a no refund cancellation policy). Continue reading →