ACROSS THE DITCH AND INTO THE DITCH

BEVE WITH BENN - EP50 - https://open.spotify.com/episode/12hJ7tgZd2iwcNLw30OKx9?si=20e94b5e76634145

went across the ditch to race the Tarawera Ultra Marathon and Shotover Marathon !! Listen to the recap of how some of their days unfolded and experiences of their events

Intro Song - Amsterdam - Nothing But Thieves
Welcome to Beve with Benn Episode 50
Beer of choice? - NIEPA - Good Folk Brewery
What happened last week and what's up this week

Segments

Training Talks
Weekly training review - Strava - Training Peaks
Upcoming Sessions
Athlete Interview - Tarawera / Shotover Marathon Athletes
Upcoming Races - Port Mac / Six Foot Track
Running Experiences (Bouddi Coastal Run)
Socials - 3 Day Bender in the Blue Mountains
Coaches Corner - Tarawera
Athletes Questions - Training Zones
QF’s with Benn - Elise Troyer
Outro Song - Motivation - Jebediah

WELCOME - NEW ATHLETES

Des Huelmo

TRAINING TALK

Last week's training sessions (Strava)
Strava Leaderboard
Training Peaks - SNL Group

UPCOMING SESSIONS

Next week's Sessions
Refer Training Peaks
Sunday Long Run - Glenrock Loop

RACE RESULTS

Shotvoer
Tarawera Ultra Marathon

RACING CALENDAR

2024

3/3 Runfest Port Macquarie
9/3 Six Foot Track
15/3 Australia Alpine Ascent
22-24/3 SNL Blue Mountains Bender
22-24/3 Buffalo Stampede
23/3 Noosa Ultra Trail
6/4 Jabulani Challenge
7/4 Canberra Marathon
7/4 Mt Solitary Ultra
7/4 Hill 2 Harbour
21/4 Newy Marathon
16-18/5 UltraTrail Australia

ATHLETE INTERVIEW - SHOTOVER MARATHON + TARAWERA

JACCI ALLANSON SHOTOVER MARATHON

What shoes did you wear?

Saucony Peregrine 12s

What went well?

I was in really high spirits and enjoyed this time a lot more than last. We paced well, and while we were tired/sore we felt good and could still run in the final kms. My av HR for the event was 136bpm, which means I kept to my plan of slow and steady

What didn't work or went bad?

The race started 10 minutes late, at 8:10am. We were told we had 6 hrs to get to the cutoff, however, they didn't adjust the 2pm cut off by the 10 minutes, so Dad and I missed the Marathon cutoff and were redirect to the 37km course - which turned out to be 39km- cutting out the ridgeline running that I struggled with the most last time I ran Shotover.

We also elected to start at the back in order to not get swept up in everyone else's race. However, in doing so, we were held back a little too much. This could have lost us minutes that, had we started mid-pack, would have meant we made the cut off

Also, the sandflies made stopping for any length of time at aid stations a bitch

How did you overcome the challenge?

I am a little disappointed I didnt get to try the ridgeline again, however, it's a very high, very technical part of the course that would have been slow going. Knowing Dad was already confronted by the distance, worried about his knees and the 1km of straight downhill to get off the ridge is super tough on knees, I was happy to be with him and help him achieve his first ever "marathon" on an undeniably advanced course

What was the best part of the event?

Running down The Scree Hill into the river. I was looking forward to this part of the race so much. It's about 18km into the run.

Running with Dad

Actually enjoying the event this time. Several times I thought "Wow! I'm actually back at shotover!" I never thought I'd be back with the first being such a horrible race experience

Did you celebrate?

With food and bed!!

What’s next?

kunanyi Mountain Run 25km in 33 days!!!

NIKITA BUCKNElL 102KM

What shoes did you wear?

Topo’s which I have been loving.

What went well?

In general I stuck to my game plan and roughly did the pace we had planned. I was extremely surprised at how well my body took the distance. I kept saying I was gonna slow down at each aid station but I managed to keep chugging along until the last few km (race was 107.4 this year) and I kinda fell apart then.

What didn't work or went bad?

I have issues with my pack and rubbing and at the 57km aid station and first time seeing my crew, I had to get them to pretty much patch my whole back. It was completely red raw and bleeding but the patch held for the rest of the race. The funny thing was I am allergic to the tape used and by the time I finished was covered in a rash! I also felt a blister on right heel and didn’t let anyone tape or blister Band-Aid it and now I have a huge sore. I wear my shoe looser on that foot and think that was what caused it. I was also felt like vomiting the entire race 🤣🤮

How did you overcome the challenge?

Patching the back really helped for the last 50km. It saved it from being a lot worse. I just kept accepting how sore my heel was and sitting in the good old pain cave with it. With the nausea it was harder and I just kept making myself have little snacks and drinks and pretty much being like if you throw up you just gotta walk while you do it 😂

What was the best part of the event?

Definitely having my family crewing me and seeing my little nieces on the course. I also loved the glow worms on the side of the cliffs in the last 16km. My brother also paced me for the last section and it was so special to have that moment with him crossing the finish line. He lives in nz and it really made it feel so great to have all the whanau there.

Did you celebrate?

Not really - I just wanted to sleep and lie down. I’m all about the naps.

What’s next?

UTA 100 which I am extremely terrified for now with those damn stairs and elevation! But ya just gotta put one foot in front of the other.

ANISSA STORY 50KM

1.HOKA Speedgoat,

2. My clothes and gear and hill climbing getting better

3. hands swelled up like the Michelin woman from about 35k also couldn’t eat food from 35k it was making me feel sick,

3. Raise my hands to try and ease the swelling and just drank Naak which did the trick and gave me enough nutrition

4. Shaz’s company and joining in her first 50k ultra marathon

5. Yes had cocktails and dinner and mud baths

6. Maybe the Sydney Marathon

SHARON TOOKS 50KM

1. Hoka speedgoats

2. Nutrition and hill work. (Thought about Scout Camp Rd as we went up every hill)

3. The worst part I didn’t go to the toilet before or during the race.

4. Physically very tired when we hit the last big hill at the 42km mark.

5. Sheer mental strength and determination got me up that hill.

6. Sharing the experience with Anissa.

7. We went to Hells gate mud pools for recovery in and dinner Sunday night.

8. Nothing planned.

ALEXANDRA RICHARDSON 50KM

What went well?

A lot of things. Felt mentally in a good place, had great weather and was just excited to be there. I ended up getting a sub 7 for my time which I was not expecting but was so happy about. It was also a spectacular course and very run-able which I enjoyed.

What didn't work or went bad?

I’d had problems with my knee leading up to the race which had me really anxious and it still wasn’t feeling great despite physio, releasing, stretching, ice baths etc; so I knew I was in for a level of discomfort. Got really tight during the hurty 30’s and the last 6km was hot and exposed through geysers. Also wanted to punch the guy that pointed out we only had a half marathon to go at some point along the course. Also felt sick around the 42km mark so ditched nutrition and just had water, luckily I didn’t have far to go so it wasn’t a big problem.

How did you overcome the challenge?

Strapped my knee the day before and just tried to keep myself calm. Took paracetamol throughout the race and it held. Paying for it now but grateful I got through it.

What was the best part of the event?

Reaching a lot of new milestones and seeing a few familiar faces at the finish line. I initially thought I’d be doing it solo but my friend came over last minute and Kita’s partner Joe was also there, so that was really nice.

Did you celebrate?

Another event buff good food, a few NZ beers and a soak in a hot tub and ice bath at the Secret Spot.

What’s next?

Once my blisters heal and a few toenails fall off; Newy marathon in April then probably look at some other 50km races before contemplating a 100km next year.

ELISE TROYER 21KM

What shoes did you wear?

Hoka speedgoats

What went well?

Most things, nutrition was good, weather was awesome.

What didn't work or went bad? I prefer to look at it as areas for improvement. Hydrate more. I felt lightheaded going into the endless fields of sulphur. I did hit that part in the middle day with full sun & no shade.

How did you overcome the challenge?

Drink more water/tailwind, if I do the event again I’m planning on getting to the finish line earlier so that I’m not out running in the heat.

What was the best part of the event?

Watching some awesome people achieve their goals.

Did you celebrate?

Yep, we cheered the others on home then smashed a burger & a cocktail.

What’s next?

Port Mac ½

SHARON NEWLL CLOUT 21KM

What shoes did you wear? Hoka Challenger

What went well? Happy with my speed and not falling at all.

What didn't work or went bad? The heat in the last 4kms coming along the sulphur flats was a hard way to end the race… had to take a couple of quick waking breaks

How did you overcome the challenge? Chatted to a few lovely locals that were running around the same pace… nice to have some friendly distractions and company

What was the best part of the event? Spending the week with lovely friends also doing the events. Watching some finishing 50kms and 160km was inspirational

Did you celebrate? Cheering on our friends first to see everyone finish then cocktails and burgers!

What’s next? Port Mac 36km in 2 weeks!!

RUNNING EXPERIENCES

Sunday - Bouddi Coastal Run
Blue Mountains - 22nd March 2024 !!! (8 weeks from event)
TRAINING PEAKS

SOCIALS

Sunday Runs - All welcome (Glenrock Loop)
Sunday Runs - Glenrock Loop

COACHES CORNER - Tarawera / Shotover Marathon

QF’s WITH BENN (quick facts) Elise Troyer

Favourite Race Experience?

It was at our very first running event. We watched Anissa complete Port Mac treble. I know she’s run further, hard races but I found her determination & tenacity inspiring. Still do.

Favourite race distance?

It used to be 400m or less, these days it’s 10km.

Race you want to do?

Jabulani

Best Learning and Running / Training Tip?

I don’t like running on sand & usually avoid it where possible. I was told recently it’s easier & you spend less energy, if you can use the footholes already in the sand. I guess that would only work for those of us who are not out the front breaking new ground.

Favourite Running Shoes?

I don’t have a favourite shoe, it’s like picking a favourite child. I can’t do it, I love all my shoes. I wear Asics GT 2000 or Kayanos, Mizuno Wave Inspire on road & Hoka Speedgoat or Challengers on trail.

Favourite Session of the Week?

I like all the group sessions, running is definitely 80% social for me.

Holiday Destination you want to travel to?

The dream is the Greek islands, or Mauritius, the reality is camping at Patonga.

Fun Fact / Something about you?

I enjoy watching kids animated movies. Some of my favs are The Emperor’s New Groove, The Lion King, The Incredibles & Tangled.

Thanks for joining me @ Beve with Benn. Stay tuned for updates. Post your questions and updates on racing

Stroke No Limits Coaching - stick to the mantra of my 3 D’s #desire #determination #discipline