Michele Allison: From Boston Marathons to Kona Ironman Triumphs

Michele Allison, a seasoned athlete, continues to excel in the world of competitive running and triathlons. Since beginning her running journey in **1981**, she has participated in numerous prestigious events, including the **Boston** and **New York** marathons. Most recently, she claimed victory in the **70-74** age division at the **Kona Ironman** held in October.

Residing in **Karori**, a suburb of **Wellington**, New Zealand, Allison admits her preference for warmer climates. Despite her love for heat, she acknowledges the charm of Wellington, stating it would be ideal if it were located about **20 degrees** further north.

Running Routes and Training Preferences

One of her favorite training routes is the **Mākarā circuit**, which stretches **33 kilometers** from her home. Though she does not run it as frequently now, she fondly recalls the many enjoyable training sessions with friends in preparation for marathons. This circuit offers a mix of terrain, including hills and scenic countryside views.

When it comes to swimming, Allison enjoys the **2.4-kilometer** race to the lighthouse in the harbor on calm days. However, she finds swimming in **Lake Taupō** particularly appealing due to the warm, clear freshwater. “You can see the bottom the whole way, and if you get thirsty, you can just take a gulp and you’re sorted,” she says.

For post-run recovery, Allison and her friends often indulge in cheese scones from **Rex Tremendous**, a café located at the local zoo. She humorously notes that these days, she would be content to skip the track workout and head straight to the café.

Community and Local Insights

Allison often takes visitors to **Wrights Hill** for breathtaking views and historical gun emplacements, making it an easy excursion from her home. She emphasizes the importance of selecting running routes based on wind conditions, especially in Wellington where the **Norwester** can be challenging. “There are many routes in the Western hills that help avoid the wind,” she advises.

On rest days, she stays active by tending to her garden, repairing training gear, or biking with her grandchildren. Although she doesn’t shop much, she highlights **Lifestyle Sports** in **Tawa** for quality running shoes and **Icebreaker** for merino clothing.

Allison’s approach to training is straightforward. “I follow the ‘window training method’,” she explains, choosing her workouts based on the weather each morning. She aims to incorporate one tempo session and one faster session weekly as she prepares for races, while also being open to kayaking on calm days.

Crossing the finish line brings mixed emotions for Allison. “How glad I am that it’s over,” she reflects, recalling the joy and disappointment of past personal bests.

With a hypothetical week as the mayor of Wellington, Allison would advocate for better cycling infrastructure. She believes current cycle lanes are poorly designed, posing risks to both cyclists and pedestrians. “Wellington is not exactly a cycle-friendly town,” she asserts, emphasizing the need for improvements.

Michele Allison’s journey reflects a dedication to both her sport and community. As she continues to compete and train, her insights offer valuable perspectives on both athleticism and local life in Wellington.