You've bought your Auckland Marathon ticket, now what? Danielle Wright finds out it's not just a case of throwing on a pair of shoes, running is a skill to be learned.
Jogging was invented in Auckland by reluctant athletics coach, Arthur Lydiard, who established the Auckland Joggers Club in 1962, initially for men recovering from heart attacks or who were just generally unfit. It became a global phenomenon, outlasting many other fitness trends.
Four years ago, women surpassed men in numbers entering the Auckland Marathon and there's been a revival in the sport.
This year's Auckland half-marathon sold out in just 13 days. Last year it took five weeks and the year before, two months.
Jogging has also become a social event.
Time-poor Aucklanders are using it as a way to catch up with friends and get fit, and most mornings you will see groups of runners (that's what joggers call themselves when they've signed up for a race) pounding the pavements and beaches.
Unlike swimming or riding a bike, you can do the sport without being taught, but to be able to safely complete a half-marathon running event, you'd do well to see a specialist for some tips first.
Specialist advice
Gaz Brown, founder of GetRunning Ltd, an events training company set up to train runners aiming for marathons and half-marathons here and overseas, is taking me through my paces on an autumn day in Victoria Park.
Brown pinpoints my weaknesses with uncanny precision and gives me simple exercises and changes in technique to improve my running. He talks about biomechanics, nutrition, breathing, and simple things like taking shorter steps. Some strengthening exercises are given and a training programme developed.
I've always enjoyed running, but this is my first running "lesson". Afterwards, distances that used to leave me breathless were much easier.
Brendon Downey, race director of Run Walk Ltd, also believes in developing marathon training programmes and says it's a mistake to think the more training you do the better. He adds that it's important not to start training too early, nor run too fast in training, nor at the start of the marathon.
Mark Guy, a personal trainer at Les Mills, also creates personal programmes. The gyms start running groups 12 weeks before the event, though he recommends a 16-week lead-up if you haven't been doing much running previously.
Which shoe is best?
No matter who you talk to about training for a marathon, there's one essential step all the experts agree on - there's no other option but to get your shoes professionally fitted.
Every 800km you need a new pair of running shoes and it's good to have your feet analysed each time because your gait can change, particularly after childbirth.
Shoe Clinic in Ponsonby Rd is run by Greg Thompson, who has been a competitive runner since he was 11 years old. An in-house podiatrist gives people feedback and advice on the best shoes for their gait and running style before purchasing.
He says that everyone has an imbalance of some sort and no two feet are the same, which is why you'll be given a footscan analysis to show where you might need support and cushioning. This involves running over a foot scanner and you'll see where you're putting the most pressure as you run.
Then you'll have your feet measured, a pair will be tried on and you'll have some treadmill video analyses. The focus is on injury prevention and comfort, not fashion, so don't come in with any ideas of buying that nice-looking pair you've seen in the window or the barefoot running shoes you saw Scarlett Johansson wearing.
I was fitted with Mizuno Wave Nirvana 7 and some thick Thorlo socks. While they weren't the most attractive pair of shoes in the shop and the socks seemed too thick to run in, I was once again reminded why it's best to trust the experts. After one run in them I could feel the difference. Better still, I had no knee pain for the first time after a run in years.
Because we take 3000-4000 steps per hour when we are running, if we're doing it wrong, or wearing ill-fitting shoes, it can have a big impact and will likely be leading to injury at some point. And, as every runner will tell you, the road back from recovery is a lot worse than the prevention.
What's it like to run in a group?
Running has always seemed something you do on your own. Author and marathon runner Haruki Murakami says: "When I'm running I don't have to talk to anybody and don't have to listen to anybody. This is a part of my day I can't do without."
But, increasingly more runners are joining training groups for the social aspect, as well as for support, advice and someone to drink cocktails with afterwards.
I meet Gaz and his team of about 40 runners early on a Saturday morning to see what running in a group is like. He's the most cheerful person imaginable at 6.30am, and this is made all the more remarkable when his wife, Lucia, who is running in my group, says he's been up all night doubled over in pain, following a bad car accident a few months ago.
At the 5km turnaround mark, he's waiting with drinks and encouraging comments. We're running up suburban hills on the North Shore and while at times I feel I could run faster but don't want to overtake anyone, at others I find it hard to keep up. When running in a group, it's not you who sets the pace.
When one of the runners trips over, everyone stops to help her up and make sure she is okay and conversation along the route is about work, changes and life. You can tell everyone looks forward to this run in their busy week.
Running is a great leveller and although each person comes from a totally different background, we all look the same in running gear and face the same struggles getting up the hills.
There are quite a few groups, staggered in starting time by how fast they can run, so there's plenty of room for the less-experienced runner. And even if it's pouring with rain, it's not an excuse: training must go on.
So, why do so many of us want to run a marathon? "It's the one sport that you can enter an elite level without being selected," explains Gaz. "It's something to be proud of when you cross the finish line and everyone is cheering for you - or at least it seems like it."
GetRunning trains Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings. It's $35 for a group session, $50 for an individual coaching session and they work in three blocks of 12 weeks. The next block starts in August.
What not to wear running
* Don't wear cotton socks. Man-made fibres work best to keep feet dry for fewer blisters in winter and cooler feet in summer. Thorlo socks are ideal and, like shoes, they come in different types - running, trail running, walking, etc.
* Don't wear ill-fitting running clothes. Buy items made of material designed for exercise. Merino is good because you can layer it, it's comfortable and you don't have to wash it so often because it doesn't hold body odour.
* Don't wait in line for a tiny cupful of water, breaking your stride on the day. Instead, consider carrying your own hydration with a water belt. And if you're using energy products, make sure you've used them during training.
* Don't be forced to use the Vaseline from officials at the top of the Auckland Harbour Bridge for people who didn't know they needed it. Try a product like Body Glide for chaffing instead.
* Don't wait to shop for your marathon shoes until the night before the race - apparently there are always a few.
Running trails
Choose from flat stretches, such as along Tamaki Drive with inspiring seaside views, or run through Auckland's oldest park, the Domain, with its 75ha of trees and fields.
Go bush with steep inclines and punishing hills in the Waitakere Ranges or admire the birdlife in Totara Park, Manukau with 216ha of native bush and farmland to frame your run.
Gaz's favourite trails are past the boats in Westhaven for a 5km run and from St Heliers to Glen Innes for a 10km run.
Before you leave home
Books to inspire:
Haruki Murakami: What I Talk About When I Talk About Running
Gaz Brown and Kerre Woodham: Short Fat Chick to Marathon Runner
Lisa Tamati: Running Hot (for when you need reminding that there are worse things than running a marathon, try 52 marathons in little over a month)
Arthur Lydiard and Garth Gilmour: Run to the Top Contains Lydiard's original marathon and half-marathon schedules.
Useful websites:
* aucklandmarathon.co.nz
Entries to the October 30 adidas Auckland Marathon and half-marathon are closed, although there are a limited number of marathon entries available through accredited service partner Run & Walk Events. As at printing date, there are still entries open for the Quarter Marathon, 5km Walk & Run and the kids' marathon (for kids aged 7 and up, now in its second year). All the information you need to compete in the race on Sunday, October 30, 2011.
* totalsport.co.nz
offers running events with a difference, such as the Lydiard Legend Marathon or the Speight's West Coaster from Bethells to Muriwai.
* runwalk.co.nz
holds a series of events leading up to the Auckland Marathon as well as 12-week training plans, also available here.
* Train for the next Kiwi marathon or head overseas with Jay-Jay and Dom to the Hawaii marathon on one of Gaz's running tours.
* Look the part at 101 Ponsonby Rd, Ph: (09) 360 6032.
Gaz Brown's top five tips
Tip 1: Get the right training gear. Make sure you have the right shoes, running top and pants. When it's cold and rainy, if you have the correct gear then it's great running in all conditions - a good thermal top is a great start in the winter.
Tip 2: Set yourself a goal. Make yourself accountable by writing down a race you are going to participate in. Make sure it's achievable and let everyone know, then enter the race so you don't pull out.
Tip 3: Get a bunch of friends together or join a running group, so there is someone to make sure you get up and do the training sessions.
Tip 4: Like any sport, running needs structure and technique. Get some professional advice from a coach, that way there is a purpose to your running and you will feel confident knowing you're taking the correct steps.
Tip 5: Make sure you enjoy yourself and reward yourself with something at the end of it all - like a new piece of clothing or celebration dinner. There's nothing like the sweet taste of reward for your effort.
Plan your route and distance
mapmyrun.com
mapometer.com
Just remember, they don't tell you how steep the hills are.
