Runners Gear Up for Southern Cross Round the Bays Challenge

Participants are gearing up for the annual Southern Cross Round the Bays, an 8.4-kilometre fun run set to take place in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch in February and March 2024. This event promises to attract runners of all levels, from seasoned athletes to casual joggers, as they tackle scenic routes along the coast.

Personal Journey to Training

In preparation for the race, one local runner, who recently completed a 70-length swim at Karori Pool, reflects on their own running journey. Having participated in various races over the years, including half marathons and 10km events, they now face the challenge of improving their performance.

With memories of past races in mind, this runner acknowledges the importance of structured training. Despite their extensive experience, which began with a modest six-minute jog decades ago, they admit to a lack of formal training. “I run, that’s it; in every weather,” they say, highlighting their commitment to consistency.

The runner’s boss, also a participant in the upcoming event, is a constant reminder of competition. Having completed last year’s race four minutes faster, the boss’s challenge has sparked a renewed focus on training. The runner oscillates between adopting veteran athlete Michele Alison‘s relaxed “window training method” and a more traditional, intensive training regimen.

Training Techniques and Strategies

Alison’s approach emphasizes the importance of weather conditions, suggesting that one should only run when inspired. In contrast, the traditional method involves a combination of tempo and speed work, which the runner finds daunting yet intriguing. “After a warm-up, do 3 x 800m, with two-minute recoveries between each repeat,” advises Runners World, outlining a structured workout that calls for both discipline and determination.

Famed Kiwi coach Arthur Lydiard is also referenced for his innovative training styles. Lydiard’s emphasis on varied pace workouts and a demanding weekly mileage of 100 miles (approximately 160 km) is both inspiring and intimidating for many runners. While the local participant may not reach those distances, they aim to enhance their performance by incorporating quicker intervals into their training.

The commitment to running is evident, as this individual plans to maintain around 30 kilometres per week leading up to the event. They express enthusiasm for the upcoming challenge, stating, “I shall report back on progress, or otherwise, next Saturday.” With a mix of excitement and apprehension, they prepare to put their training to the test.

The Southern Cross Round the Bays is not only a test of physical endurance but also a celebration of community and fitness. To register for this popular event, interested participants can visit roundthebays.co.nz for more information.