What has inspired you to take on the Rotorua Marathon?
Running a marathon has been on my "things to tick off" list for quite a while and the Rotorua Marathon fits perfectly. Well, close enough anyway as I get home from France three days before it. It's just a challenge to try to fit things in around my sailing schedule. It's just a bonus this is the 50th year of the event.
What is your running background?
In the past I have done a lot more cycling for fitness and have taken part in my fair share of mountain bike and road-cycling events, but after overdoing it on the bike in the last few years I needed a change ... I have been running on and off for a few years now, and it is far more time-effective to fit into my sailing schedule. Assuming that I can finish it, this will be my first marathon.
Are there any similarities between running and sailing?
Not that much to be honest. The running just gives me a good cardio base.
What do you enjoy about running?
I enjoy the simple pleasure of running. All you need is shoes, and on a nice beach not even those. Compared to the technicalities of sailing, it's a great change to just slip on my shoes and go for a run.
How has the training gone for your first marathon?
I have been training since about December after I recovered from a stress fracture I got while training for the Auckland Marathon.
Sailing does get in the way so I haven't really been able to do as much as I would have liked. I am currently in Spain having just finished a World Cup event, with another regatta in two weeks, so running has had to take a back seat.
What goal do you have for this event?
I really want to get under 3hr 30min but will see how I get on. It looks like the course is a little hillier than I originally thought.
Is it important to have things like this to break up the training as you and Polly prepare for the Rio Olympics in 2016?
I really like to have a few fitness goals as part of my year. It helps me to stay motivated in regards to the fitness side. There is nothing like knowing I am going to have to run 42km to make sure I get out for my morning run. As competition is part of my daily life, it's nice to be able to take part in events where the result is not all that matters for a change.