When I was in lying in Hutt hospital recovering from my head & neck surgery, I resolved that when I made it out, I would spend more time doing the adventures I enjoyed - simply because I could.
In particular, I set the goal of doing the Triple Crown mountain running series: three of the most adventurous & challenging mountain races in New Zealand; including The Goat (Tongariro), Toi's Challenge (Whakatane) and The Kauri Run (Coromandel). Great races, in great places.
This past weekend I completed that goal, running the final of the Triple Crown series - the Kauri Run in Coromandel.
It was everything I hoped for, and more. Of course, it was suitably gruelling (32km of mountain running, finishing in 31 degree heat).
More importantly, the whole experience was a thrill. Highlights:
A stunning buildup during the week leading up to the race, by bay-hopping up the Coromandel with my sister Bron, swimming at magnificent beaches and exploring beautiful scenery.
Late night pasta in Waikawau bay, the night before race-day
Listening to a memorable pre-race karakia before the start at the beach
Putting in my fastest ever race performance, to clock a top-10 finish and claim third place overall in the Triple Crown (this is a massive surprise - I don't where that performance came from, but I ran better than I'd ever run before).
Spending a thoroughly enjoyable time with the friends I've met along the way through the series - great people and great times.
So I feel extremely happy and grateful to be able to run the Triple Crown, and to finish it well.
Lots of people helped along the way - a big thanks to my superb support crew (Bron), my "light training" partner (Jason) and my all star medical team at Wellington Hospital (Rose - who thinks I'm crazy; Ruth - who is always so quick to help; Linda for help with the tricky nutrition questions, Jamie for always encouraging my running, and Swee for his consistently wise advice throughout the year).
I was thinking of you all, in those hills - thankyou!