Simon Neate Communication Advisor Sport Bay of Plenty

Happy New Year!

I hope you all had a relaxing couple of weeks off work and managed to stay somewhat active.

After an injury in October and taking November off running I spent December making a slow comeback to training with a goal of running February's Foundation Clinic Mauao Half Marathon which includes three ascents and descents of Mauao and three laps around the base track.

The website describes the event as, 'A community focused fun run/walk which traverses one of the Bay Of Plenty's most iconic natural attractions … whether a competitive off road 'Mountain Goat” runner or someone just looking for a challenge with breath-taking scenery, the Foundation Clinic Mauao Half Marathon appeals to all”.

Having this hilly course as a goal has been of immense benefit for my recovery, forcing adaptions to my training, slowing things down, refocusing and seeking out big hills to run up.

As well as the usual local staples like Mauao, Papamoa Hills, Summer Hill and Otawa Trig I sought more of a challenge and initially had Mt Taranaki on the radar but the weather put those plans to bed and I opted for a quick drive over the Kaimais to Mt Te Aroha instead.

What a climb! With 900 metres of vertical elevation over just 4.25km distance this ascent had my heart racing and legs burning within the first couple of minutes and it became a near meditative experience just breathing through it and resisting the near overwhelming urge to take a rest.

The track becomes steeper the higher you climb and for me the run became a walk and the walk gave way to a four limbed scramble at times near the top. I'd love to say, 'The view from the summit was incredible”, but on this particular fog ridden Waikato morning the only sight to see was a small glimpse of Bowentown in the distance.

I've come to realise that wherever there is a hill or a mountain there's generally a track to the top and in 2016 I encourage you go out and explore, find a hill and climb it, push yourself, feel the burn, take pride in the accomplishment, do it over and over and reap the many rewards of increased fitness, health and vitality.