The long course (20km) has a great mix of runnable, and technical terrain. Due to the above, and perhaps the appeal of the self proclaimed NZ Trail Running Championship the event attracts a unique blend of trail runners, road runners, orienteers, and various other forms of runners. Each brings with them a different set of skills, which makes for an exciting event to be part of.
It has been a few years since I (James Kuegler) last toed the line at Xterra Waihi, so, when the opportunity arose, it was great to be able to support the event, Total Sport, and the James Kuegler Coaching athletes participating in the event.
Owing to the solid training I have done in recent months, my fitness is certainly on the rise, though with targets coming up, I opted to train into the event without rest. According to the all knowing TrainingPeaks, it wasn't going to be pretty.
From the outset, I was at the back of a line of ten-ish runners, at what felt like a stupidly fast pace, as everyone panicked to try and get to the bridges (limited numbers at any one time) and tunnels (dark and narrow) as high in the pecking order as possible.
I dropped off the back of the group at the base of the climb (4km). I knew that my best result would come from running a time trial, rather than a race, and, I hoped that I would be able to mop up the pieces, as those in front imploded.
Max Oliviero and I kept each other honest to the top of the climb (11.5km). I pushed hard down the hill to try and get away from Max, as well as close the gap to whoever was in front.
By the Dubbo 96 Junction (16km), I had clear air in front and behind, and it was tempting to shut up shop at that point and cruise home. My 2014 Wings for Life experience taught me never to stop hunting, and this paid dividends catching Nick Hirschfeld at 17km.
I crossed the line in 1:39:29, finishing 9th.
Congratulations to all who took part in the event, and particular mention of Fiona Eagles taking out the Women's Marathon.
Xterra Long Course Results:
1st Daniel Jones 1:28:31
2nd John Mering 1:31:43
3rd Matthew Battley 1:32:10
James Kuegler
Owing to the solid training I have done in recent months, my fitness is certainly on the rise, though with targets coming up, I opted to train into the event without rest. According to the all knowing TrainingPeaks, it wasn't going to be pretty.
From the outset, I was at the back of a line of ten-ish runners, at what felt like a stupidly fast pace, as everyone panicked to try and get to the bridges (limited numbers at any one time) and tunnels (dark and narrow) as high in the pecking order as possible.
I dropped off the back of the group at the base of the climb (4km). I knew that my best result would come from running a time trial, rather than a race, and, I hoped that I would be able to mop up the pieces, as those in front imploded.
Max Oliviero and I kept each other honest to the top of the climb (11.5km). I pushed hard down the hill to try and get away from Max, as well as close the gap to whoever was in front.
By the Dubbo 96 Junction (16km), I had clear air in front and behind, and it was tempting to shut up shop at that point and cruise home. My 2014 Wings for Life experience taught me never to stop hunting, and this paid dividends catching Nick Hirschfeld at 17km.
I crossed the line in 1:39:29, finishing 9th.
Congratulations to all who took part in the event, and particular mention of Fiona Eagles taking out the Women's Marathon.
Xterra Long Course Results:
1st Daniel Jones 1:28:31
2nd John Mering 1:31:43
3rd Matthew Battley 1:32:10
James Kuegler
