Athletics: Celene Aitchison has plans for long run

Rotorua's Celene Aitchison is looking forward to the 50th Rotorua Marathon in May. Photo/Supplied

Celene Aitchison couldn't wait to get back running this year.

The Rotorua Girls' High School student is in her third season running with the Lake City Athletic Club.

She is looking to improve her best time in a half marathon during the 50th Rotorua Marathon in May.

However, the Year 13 student does not really see herself as an athlete, more of a social runner who enjoys watching her own progress.

Aitchison started running with the club after her grandparents took her along to a fortnightly Trout Fly running event a couple of years ago.

Initially, she took part as a walker. She enjoyed it enough to go back.

"They told us that any beginner who did seven out of the nine Trout Flys could win a free membership with the club, so that was my goal."

Next the club started talking about the running clinics and her Nana introduced her to the convenor.

Aitchison wondered if she could aim for a 10km event. But on the first trial run, her pace placed her in Kerris Browne's group, who were all aiming for either a half or full marathon.

"I remember my first long Sunday run, we went forever out the back of the Redwoods down the Wash Rd. It took us one-and-a-half hours and then I learned we had done 12km already. I was really freaked out and buzzing."

Not long after, she gave the quarter marathon a go.

"I have learned to start out really slow and just gradually speed up as your body gets going. In March that year, I did the Kingsgate quarter marathon. I went slow for so long, just spotting people in front and slowly catching them. Then the last 3km I boosted it and sprinted the last 300m to the finish.

"I was really puffed but I did it in one hour exactly, so I was really surprised and happy."

Aitchison won her free membership with the club that year.

There is still time to join the 10km, half marathon or full marathon clinics at the Lake City Athletic Club, if you have been doing some running. For more information contact Jodie on (021) 970 482 or email lakecitymarathonclinic@gmail.com.