Coaching Success Stories

 

Russell's blog of those he has coached as well as his own experiences of international endurance races such as Marathon Des Sables, Leadville 100 miler, Kepler Challenge, Heaphy 50 mile, Coast to Coast, Trans Rockies, Kauri Ultra and Tarawera Ultra.

Mike Shaw Completes Tarawera Ultra 100 (New Zealand)

Mikes goal of completing his first 100 km ultra run was achieved on the beautiful NZ course on 7th Feb 2015. This low altitude course takes you through beautiful tracks from point to point (Rotorua Redwoods to Kawerau) in the central North Island via several lakes and stunning scenery. We worked together for months beforehand taking Mike from a pretty handy off road marathoner to the next level of running 100 kms.

Mikes words...

"The course has a gentle profile on a stunning landscape. It's known for its atmosphere, buffet aid stations and fabulous scenery as well as great volunteers and supporters - 46 from my own personal perspective. I was happy with the way I executed the race in line with Russell's Coaching. Key were rehearsed nutrition, familiarity with the course and adherence to the pace and heart rate zones, particularly on the inclines. In hindsight I could have raced slightly quicker, though the distance was uncharted territory, so I stuck to the plan and it worked well. Km 60-80 was tough but the last two hours felt great and I had gas left in the tank so blasted through to the end. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will be back!"

Mike worked well to get his result, it's not an easy programme that I set but the training paid off and he enjoyed his race. It's easy to gloss over all that work and gym sessions and hill reps etc but as he mentions he felt great and could have gone quicker probably. He finished in about 13 hours and with this experience behind him could easily take over an hour off that time next time if he keeps up the training. Lots of people do not start this thing after entering it as the scale of it gets to them, lots more take many hours to complete the course... I think the last person came in at number 430 in 18hrs 40! Mike enjoyed his race, finished strong and was not utterly destroyed by the experience because of his prep. Thanks Mike for approaching me for help and it was a pleasure to assist, I hope you push on to additional run goals. Enjoy the trails ahead and congratulations after all the hard work.

For those of you looking to complete this race or thinking of getting some Coaching for Ultra racing please contact me. I can assist you. I have raced to a seventh place in this race previously and for overseas athletes am happy to provide additional help with suggestions on arrival, travel to the race, probable costs and training in the area.

Russell.

Candice Hindriksen
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