Learning to run slow

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 486, 18 May 1993, Page 8

Learning to run slow

Eight weeks from now Staff Sergeant Geoff Robinson will be sleeping during the day and working at nighL Going into this reverse cycle while still in New Zealand is part of his build up for the World Ultra Distance Championships to be held in Belgium. SSgt Robinson will join the New Zealand team in Auckland in July for combined training before they leave New Zealand on 1 August. Right now he's getting his coaching by mail as he pounds the region's roads and tracks. "Waiouru toughens you up physically. There's no seasons as such. Every day is different - windy, rainy, cold or otherwise. It makes

you more adaptable," he said. "When I get to the race I'm ready for anything." He averages about 200 kilometres a week. An "easy day" means only 90 minutes on the road. Every fourth Sunday he goes for a long run - that's 80 kilometres. "My background is in marathons so I've got to learn to run slower and go further." A marathon runner averages around 16 km/h but Geoffs aim for the ultra distances is 14.5 km/h. His build up for the World Championships will include running in a 20- day, 1000 mile relay which a British Army team are doing around the North Island

to raise money for charities at their base in Hong Kong. SSgt Robinson is the only New Zealander invited. "I jumped at the opportunity. It doesn't interfere with my training and it gives me a chance to run on all sorts of different terrain," he said. He has also been invited to compete in a 24 hour track race in Auckland that will be televised live in New Zealand and overseas in the first weekend of October. In March he hopes to compete in the 100km race trials for the 1994 Commonwealth Games in Canada. 'Tm the newest member ultra runner in the New Zealand team but the manager says I've got the best potential. The fitness is all there but there's no substitute for experience. I've only got one 100km race behind me."