Looking for a back up race. (Read 774 times)

I think that there is a reasonable chance that I won't get to waiheke with this injury. Rather than be depressed I decided to try to find another race in the events diary that might suit and I ended up really excited. This could be an ideal replacement if my injury takes longer to heal...http://www.totalsport.co.nz/events/coastal/event_pics.php It's described as a coastal adventure where you get to the finish line any way you can. Swim, run, rock-hop, wade, jump, crawl - there's really only one rule - No roads allowed! I'd be looking at doing the 11K (there are also 30K, 22K, 16K and 6K options) and it's on the 17th March. It's run at high tide so that you get to run thorugh the sea too and you can swim parts of it if you want! That's got to ruin your shoes! I like the look of it a lot though. In fact I like it so much I might just run it even if I am good for Waiheke. March is early Autumn here so the water will have quite a kick to it! I realised too that there are some incredible races available to me here in NZ. I'd love to do this one next year... http://www.thegoat.co.nz/tongariro/ And this marathon looks a whole heap more exciting than the Auckland marathon that I set as my original goal... http://www.iconicadventures.co.nz/Motatapu/Gallery/gallery.asp?GalleryID=4 This doesn't look too ugly either... http://www.coolrunning.co.nz/races/charlotte/ I like the look of this one but it's a plane ride away for me... http://www.paardekooper.co.nz/commInvolv/mtlyford.htm The iconic adventures marathon though might just blow the Auckland marathon out of the window for me! I want a piece of that! Claire xxx

First amazing health care, now fantastic races, and it's a beautiful place too... OK, I am moving to NZ. Ewa

That's interesting Bas - I guess that they are Dutch then! Hey does anyone have any experience of running through water. Obviously my shoes would be damaged by several of these events, salt water damages fabric really easily, but I wondered how tough it will be on my feet to be running thorugh water several times on an 11K run. Jake, you're a military man, you must know! I figured that my new shoes will be at the end of their life by March so I can kiss them goodbye with the coast race. This is day six of not running for me. It's driving me mad. Hubby is on his way home from work early (it's lunchtime) and we are going to hit the beach. That should cheer me up a bit. Maybe I can try running in the sea and get my knee a gentle work out. Claire xxx

First amazing health care, now fantastic races, and it's a beautiful place too... OK, I am moving to NZ. Ewa

...don't forget the volcanoes and earthquakes

That's interesting Bas - I guess that they are Dutch then! Hey does anyone have any experience of running through water. Obviously my shoes would be damaged by several of these events, salt water damages fabric really easily, but I wondered how tough it will be on my feet to be running thorugh water several times on an 11K run. Jake, you're a military man, you must know! I figured that my new shoes will be at the end of their life by March so I can kiss them goodbye with the coast race. This is day six of not running for me. It's driving me mad. Hubby is on his way home from work early (it's lunchtime) and we are going to hit the beach. That should cheer me up a bit. Maybe I can try running in the sea and get my knee a gentle work out. Claire xxx

Many of the trail races offer "water crossing" opportunities. I have run races where my feet stayed wet for 6+ hours without problems. I would recommend the Smartwool socks (finding wool in NZ might be a problem, ya think???), as they perform quite well in adverse conditions. As for the shoes, I wouldn't worry too much about them, just take care to let them dry out after the event. If salt water is involved, I would recommend rinsing them in fresh water thoroughly and then allowing them to day...stuffed with newspaper, not in direct sunlight should do the trick. Based on some of the previous posts about running in the rain, sounds like others like getting wet (as do I)... Good luck with it and keep us posted. Lynn B

That sucks about your knee. I didn't realize your injury was that significant. You've got a great attitude. I'll keep my fingers crossed that it's not a tear. On the other hand, a blanket on a beach isn't a bad place to nurse an injury. I'd gladly switch places with you, at least location. Although, we're not having much of a Winter yet, there's gray skies outside & 100% chance of heavy rain for tomorrow. I'd rather be wearing sunscreen than a raincoat anyday.

We want you to get back to running again, so don't run too much just yet! Please take your time and take it easy. I understand that's against your nature, but still... If you treat yourself well you are going to run all those races you planned, and many more! Did you consider running through water as a therapy? I don't think that would help. Water = more resistance = harder work for your legs. bas

Bas - harder work for your muscles but less pressure on the damaged cartilege and knee.

Ok! Good luck with your recovery. bas