Speed Bump!

Just when my motivation returns....Typical! Had a bit of a moment on the Mountain Bike last week. Rounded a steep corner (On Smasher for those in Nelson) and over corrected on the exit. In the heat of the moment I unclipped and put my foot down awkwardly rolling it in the process. So a week later the x-ray has revealed a small avulsion tear/ fracture of the lateral maleolus (ankle bone in layman terms). 4 weeks in this super comfortable boot should see me right.

But there is a silver lining..... The next 4 weeks will include more paddling, weights and swimming than usual. Its a chance not only to get more focus into these areas but get organised for local races ahead that get me ready for Wulong Quest in September, yet another intense stage race. Above all though its about following Physio orders and keeping off the foot as much as possible. Piece of cake right?

Alpine Lodge Loop the Lake 2016

After taking a few months of light duties for mental as opposed to physical recovery I've been feeling more motivated than ever. Keen not to repeat mistakes of old however I've made a conscious decision to get back into things gradually. When the opportunity to do a running race around Lake Rotoiti it was a chance to enjoy a running race for what it is. No concerns for what multisport race is ahead, how training will be affected, or can I go 100%. Just go out there, run hard and enjoy the day.

So with no specific race prep and a build up based on old memories I took to the start line with very open expectations. At the start people asked my predictions for the race. My answer: I see it being a race of two halves. I'll go out like I'm 100% fit and most likely wing the first half. The second half will expose large holes in my fitness leaving me at the mercy of the trail. The chances of a grovel over the final kilometers is high!

And what happened wasn't too far off. I started off in the lead group for 3-4km but with no speed training, 5 guys slipped off ahead on the first climb up the Mt Robert road. I didn't expect to see them again. To my surprise however the start of the trail saw plenty of good technical running, my favourite. Slowly but surely I found my stride in the rooty, rocky terrain and started reeling in the runners ahead. Half way to the Southern end I was in 2nd with 1st well out of sight. By the Travers river crossing I was on the heels of Chris Dunell but definitely not hot. With a bit of a spook he surged away and my response was limited.

My lack of training was opening up as predicted. Despite this I kept a decent pace for the next 30 minutes and kept within a minute of Chris who was running well. This would end with 2 K's remaining and I heard the fateful sound of breathing behind me. Dave Keenand and Andre Bonny ran past like I was standing still leaving me to grovel over the line in 4th.

Despite a less than ideal finish I was really happy with my run. Six months of light duties and the hunger to race has returned. Its a good sign.

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