Palmerston North Half Marathon 2007
A report by Gaylene Phillips, but Poetic license by the editor!
We all know how to train for a half marathon, we have read the manuals, we have learnt a lot from coach Wells and have experimented with what works for us. Forget all that you have learnt, today you will learn a far more pleasant way of training. Gaylene is in her first (thirst?) year with the club and in normal circumstances as a newbie you listen to the more experienced members. Forget all that, read on and learn! The following extract is in Gaylene’s words.
On Saturday afternoon, Tanya and I set off for Ann and Ross’s beach bach at Kai Iwi (does that place name mean large group of people bonded together by an interest in food??? – if so we certainly fit the bill!).
It was pouring down while we were driving and we thought about our walking colleagues doing the race walk champs in such terrible conditions. That night with Ross and Ann, we prepared diligently for the following days half marathon. We relaxed our minds with a game of Yahtzee, good conversation and a fabulous restful environment. We fed our bodies with a delicious high carb meal (thanks Ann) and hydrated with essential fluid – in my case that was 3 glasses of red wine!! Comfy beds ensured a good nights sleep and in the morning, we dressed, had breakfast (Ann had her usual breakfast that she has before each event) and hit the road. Editor’s note, not sure is Gaylene and Tanya has the same breakfast as Ann?
Tanya, Ann and I managed to find Nick (Nick O’Connor, not joined the club yet, in his first season of training and first half!) in the starting line-up and exchange best wishes. We saw him again a short time later when he overtook us. All of us did great times with Nick coming home in 2 hours and 24 minutes, Ann in 2 hours 28 minutes, Tanya in 2 hours 34 minutes. I was hot on Ann’s tail in just under 2 hours 29 minutes. We all did our Personal Best times. Alan – I recommend a nice Cabernet Merlot as an excellent pre race choice.
Palmerston North put on a fantastic day for everyone. The weather was warm but not too hot, there was a gentle breeze in many places, and a lovely scenic route to follow. The Palmerston North Striders certainly organized an outstanding event.
Sandra Poh and Diane turned up unexpectedly with their tinsel wigs and rattling toys to cheer us on. It was so great to see them and to get that sort of encouragement. I am sure it played a part in helping us get those good times. Having witnessed their support at Wanganui last year I think you would go fast just to get away from them, what a noise – thanks girls!
So there we have it. Gaylene recommends 3 glasses of Cab Merlot the night before the half. I can see Julie Straka joining Mike in training for the next half. I think we need to try some alternatives, maybe a Pinot or Shiraz? Perhaps somebody could try some white wine – Sav Blanc versus Riesling – now hopefully I don’t have to do all the experimenting myself, but look out for my PB at the New Plymouth half marathon – especially if I have Ann’s breakfast as well!
