T42 Central Plateau

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#2 T42

Date: 7 May 2016
Distance: 42.2km
Time: 5:27.32
Previous: 2011

Pink portaloos!
Waiting for the race to start, with our usual mix of excitement and panic.
Some nasty little hills on the 2km loop through the paddocks at the start helped to quickly spread out competitors.
Meet Chris, in red behind me. We managed to stay within shouting distance from each other for the entire race.
Enjoying the early morning sun as we ran along the logging track.
Happiness is running through the trails on a crisp autumn day.
Slippery conditions early on when we could still spot some other participants.
Beautiful views over the Tongariro National Park.
Nothing like crossing a mountain stream to keep your feet fresh and frosty!
The downhills were great for making up time, but hammered our quads.
Some downhills definitely felt safer on foot than we would have felt on MTB’s.
Taking a cautious approach on one of the wider crossings.
What goes down usually goes up again, so after some major downhills it was back to slogging up some never-ending hills.
The rain of the preceding few days made for some very slippery downhills.
…and muddy uphills!
Despite all the mud, the stream crossings helped keep our shoes uncharacteristically clean.
It required concentration and fancy footwork to keep upright on some of the more slippery downs.
The aid stations were quite far apart, so after miles of non-stop climbing this was a very welcome sight.
Speeding through the stream to limit the time spent in the chilly water.
Whenever we saw these signs we knew there was some exciting obstacle ahead…
…in this case, another icy stream.
Some puddles could be avoided, even though I’m sure the speedy front-runners charged straight through.
Many parts of the route looked completely unfamiliar, including this bridge.
One of the official vehicles, transporting the bicycles of some unfortunate MTB participants.
Signage (including the familiar blue TotalSports ribbons) was excellent, and we never felt we might be on the wrong route.
Taking a photo-break about 3km from the finish. Thanks for offering to take the photo, Chris!

 

Our second event in the challenge turned out much better than I expected – great weather, good physical condition, and manageable terrain. After a not-so-nice experience at Rotorua, I feared that things can only get worse. I was still tired from the Rotorua marathon, and on top of everything I’ve picked up a couple of niggles. Continue reading →

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T42 trail marathon – 7 May 2011

Gerry and I on Friday afternoon at the race headquarters – The Park Travellers’ Lodge – just after registration and gear check. Nervously brave.
The Park, where registration and gear checks were taking place.
Doing some carbo-loading at the Speights Ale House.
At the start, with a long queue at the porta-loos on the left.
Gerry, making his way through the DOC footbath, just to ease into running wet.
Foam coming from my shoes after the footbath. Remnants of my attempt to eliminate the pong in my shoes.
Hopping over a fence for a loop through a farm.
Gerry going strong on a grassy patch.
In the early stages of the race, when we could still see some other participants.
A wee bit of a view when the clouds subsided.
Running through the water makes it no less wet.
One of many river crossings. Forget about dry feet!
The widest and deepest river crossing en route.
Mud, mud and more mud. Imagine what the MTB’ers looked like.
Gerry enjoying the hospitality of some very friendly volunteers at the water point/aid station.
Some lovely stretches on gravel road.
More mud, with a very apt caution sign for the MTB’ers.
Not far to go.
Relieved smiles at an almost deserted finish.
Tackling another mountain – this time a Mountain Burger at the Speights Ale House. Much appreciated after a day of jelly babies and water.

On Wednesday, 4 May, we received the fourth and final email update from Total Sport concerning the T42 Central Plateau marathon. Things that were covered in the email, included:

  • Weather update
  • Event contingency date
  • Compulsory gear update
  • Event course update
  • Department of Conservation / Didymo
  • Safety on the course
  • Event start times & locations
  • Course cut-off times
  • Aid stations
  • Gear drop off at start
  • Transport
  • Registration at The Park
  • Post event at Owhango
  • Prize Money
  • Event Photos
  • Dinner & post event at The Park

Continue reading →