Club News

Pack run from the clubrooms, 1:45pm, 13 May

A couple of weeks ago the clubrooms were bulging and it looks like there will be a good crowd this week as well.  Talk will be around the fantastic day out at the University Relays last week, and of course the fine showing from the women's teams -- Masters a first (following winning at Shaw Baton) and second place for the junior and senior women.  A big shout out too to Crazyman competitors -- Nick Hegan got first masters in the duathlon and Lizzy and Kathryn Bunkenberg came second and third in the individual tri.  

 

Club Subscriptions are due
May is here and your Olympic subs are due.  You won't be able to run in the Vosseler if you are not paid up, so it is getting serious!    Sign up on the web page https://memberdesq.onesporttechnology.com/3228/org.   The club depends on your support to keep things ticking over.  We also apply for a good number of grants from community funders (which we often get, thanks Brian) -- that extra money in the pot means you get even better return on your investment!

 

Vosseler is just around the corner!

The first of the really big interclub races is in two weeks.  You need to register for the race with Athletics Wellington https://2017awwinterracing.eventdesq.com/.  The portal page lets you register for all four big Wellington races.  No charge to you and the club only pays if you actually run, so why not sign up for them all!  For details and rules see: https://goo.gl/y5jUx1. More important tho' is how to do well.... 

Secrets of a mountain runner

The 94th Vosseler Shield race is a WHAC hosted interclub event to be held on Saturday 20 May.  For those who have not encountered it – you’re in for a treat. Described as a combination of bush track and sealed roads, the race has show-cased some of the greats from New Zealand mountain running.

Barry Prosser, the “Father of Mountain Running” in New Zealand, generously agreed to share his tips on running the Vosseler.  (Check out his profile.)

“So it starts with a hill” said Barry “and you really want to be at the front of the pack on this first hill because after that the track gets narrow.” He recommends working your arms hard to keep the legs moving, and reminding yourself that everyone is feeling as bad as you are.

“The first people to the top have the advantage. Aim to get in front (or as close to it as you can) before the top”, concentrating on putting in as much effort as you can on each hill.

Barry recommends solid ups and flowing downs. “You don’t want to be staring at your feet on the downs but looking a little ahead and thinking about foot placement.  Ideally walk the course before the race and plan out your route around obstacles or steep declines.”

The Vosseler isn’t suited for spikes, Barry instead recommends trail shoes – something light with a waffle sole to maximise grip. Wherever you are in the race, watch the people around you, see who you can chip away at and overtake on the next hill. 

Barry warms up on the flatter sections of the hill near the start and closer to the race does 3 – 4x100 metre stride-outs. Then relax!

“Fridays before a race I do a light run to loosen up. Even on the Wednesday and Thursday I ease up, the last real training session being on the Tuesday before the race.”

His recommended race food: honey on lightly toasted bread – not too much butter – eaten 3 – 4 hours before the event.

 

Grand Memorial, May 27

The race out at the Pony Club on Boom Rock Rd is a celebration of mud and streams.  It is very familiar to many, but we hope to have a few new things this year too.  Main one is the anticipated representation from the Defence Force -- after all the race is named for club members who gave their lives in the First World War.  It is also the chance for past Olympic members to catch up, whether they still run or not!  If you know someone who might like to come please pass on the invitation to the day itself and to the afternoon tea at the Club afterwards.

 

North Island Cross Country at Taupo, 1 July

The Club likes to have an away event where runners and their families can have a fun weekend of running, and this is it!  Plan to save the date now, and more details will come in the next newsletters.

 

Next Runs

13 May Pack run from the clubrooms

14 May Children's Cross Country Race 1, Upper Hutt  athleticshub.co.nz 

20 May Vosseler interclub run, Wellington Harriers, Mount Victoria

27 May Grand Memorial club run at Boom Rock - bring a plate afterwards

Sundays 8:30am: A group of keen runners go for a longer run, usually around 5 min/km pace.    Watch https://www.facebook.com/groups/797068523644426/ where they co-ordinate locations and transport etc