Walks

The Taupo Half Marathon

Suzanne

I love a good challenge!

What other reason do I need to become fitter and rid myself of excess energy?

If the truth is told, there are a few.

The most delightful reason is the surge of endorphins from getting out and about exercising. Be warned achieving goals and becoming fitter is addictive. Not least of all is the ability to indulge in a sweet treat or two after a good training session, I didn’t say I was perfect.

Taupo sunset
Lake Taupo

When did I start training and competing?

At 52.

I needed to lose weight.

I needed to be healthier and fitter.

I needed a challenge.

By the end of my 10th Half Marathon, I had reduced my time down to 2 hours 45 minutes.

Training

Training for a Half Marathon, whether you are walking or running, will consist of much the same content. You know how it goes; run/walk for a given period or distance, increasing the intensity and duration over time. Essential to remember at the start of your training to increase kilometres at a slow pace.

Do commit time to stretching before and after a workout.

Throw in some cross-training, and you have a basic formula for a training program. Each training program will be different for everyone. Get assistance from a qualified trainer and medical professional if you are just starting out.

A wise man once advised me, REST DAYS ARE AS IMPORTANT AS TRAINING DAYS and he was right!.

Keep a record of your training. Or buy yourself a GPS watch, they are great gadgets to have, and I now can’t be without mine. Research the best areas to run/walk.

Never miss your long-distance training day, a weekend day seems to suit most people.

The variation in the training programs comes with your own schedule, goals and directly relates to the intensity you wish to train. For my first one, finishing it was my only goal. The subsequent ones my goals went up a notch, and so did my competitive streak. I wanted to finish below my previous time. I achieved that goal.

Taupo Half Marathon
Happy I finished and being supported by friends and of course the Squire who captured the moment.

Check out the following links from the experts;
Half Marathon Training
Hal Higdon

What’s happening NOW?

I was to compete in this years Taupo Half Marathon which is in August and would’ve been my 11th Half Marathon and my third competing in Taupo.

Last month I pulled out.

Why?

One of the main reasons was that my head wasn’t focussed on my training, even though I am still exercising every day, the energy and focus that was needed to achieve another half marathon just didn’t seem relevant or important. Nothing much does at the moment only to spend time with the Squire. To family and friends that want to join us in our adventures? More the merrier.

As you know, we now have limited time together, and my energy would be far more productive organising fun things to do together. Such as a trip over to the Tropical North of Queensland for a longish roadtrip in a few days.

Best of all, I will be celebrating another road trip challenge with my biggest supporter and best mate, the Squire. What more could a girl ask for in life?

In sharing this post, it will hopefully inspire someone to take on a challenge that has been on their “to-do-list”, and I would love to hear about it.

What’s your next challenge?

Training for the (1)_edited

Published by Suzanne

Travel and Life Musings from New Zealand and Beyond. . . . . . .

36 thoughts on “The Taupo Half Marathon”

  4. My next challenge is 10k. I can do 5 without too much bother and 10 doesn’t sound too frightening. I might need one of those GPS watches, though, as I have no way of measuring how far I’m running.
    Well done on doing 10 half marathons, that’s impressive.

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    1. Thanks and well done to you April. I’m sure you will do it with more training. Keep going as I think it has more to do with mental strength than physical 😊 GPS watch is brilliant as I can keep an eye on how fast or slow I’m walking.

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      1. I think you’re right about it being more mental than physical strength. You’re also right about it being addictive. I cut my foot a couple of weeks ago and had to stop running for a few days to allow it to heal. I was so happy when I ran again.

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  5. Gosh. I once ran 10k and vowed never again. Walk it, yes, but there’s something about picking up those heels… so I’m jolly impressed by those stats. I didn’t know about the Squire and am sorry to read that. You’re right to head off on those trips and squirrel away all the memories you ca,

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    1. I think I had similar thoughts after doing a 10km and required a barley sugar. Now 10km walks a weekly thing. As long as you can convince your mind you can do it your feet will follow 😉 I used to pass most slow runners. Many walkers do.
      Yes, keeping our minds off what’s going to happen is important for us. Though we are open to talking about death and everything about what’s going on. He’s “ok” at the moment.

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  6. I understand completely Suz, your focus is elsewhere. We both wish you and the Squire a happy trip to our shores. I just wish we could have managed to meet up! A great achievement to have run 10 half marathons and I salute you! Take care xx

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  11. I hadn’t read your previous post, Suzanne. That’s really crappy. I hope you both have a great time on your Queensland trip. Enjoy the sun, warmth and the ice-cream. Take insect repellent. What would be on my F**ket list? Probably Wilsons Promontory, Marlo, Mallacoota in Victoria, driving up to Eden (the sun shining on the rocky cliffs along Ben Boyd National Park and the blue, blue water, sigh). But don’t tell anyone I told you.

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    1. We thought it was crappy too 🙂 Yeah, Mallacoota was brilliant and we could have stayed at that beach for much longer than the few days we were there. So many places could easily find themselves on our F**ketlist. We shall see how things go. Thanks for the good wishes Tracy.

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  12. That’s a tremendous achievement, but another road trip for the two of you together wins hands down over adding number 11. I hope it proves the best yet x.

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    1. Cheers George, we will enjoy it as we have gone up a notch in the luxury stakes. The difference this trip will be me behind the wheel for most of the six weeks. Will see how that goes 🙂

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  15. When you wrote in the beginning of your post you started training because you had excess energy and it would become addictive, I raised my eyebrows. No extra energy for me and how lovely if exercise became addictive… That all sounds good, but I guess I’m too exhausted these days and have other priorities. If I can get a longish walk in with the dog, I’m happy. But, so good for you – running ten half marathons! One day, my focus will shift. Maybe at 52. But, it won’t be running. 🙂

    I totally understand why you pulled out this year. When Mark was diagnosed with cancer and we went through it all, nothing else mattered either. Focus on the good and fun things together. That’s what’s important right now, and you are doing it! Enjoy the rest of your road trip in Queensland.

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