Q & A: Ruby Muir

Ruby Muir. Photo / Supplied

Defending champion Ruby Muir, who won the 2010 New Zealand Triple Crown of offroad running (The Goat, Great Kauri and Toi's Challenge), offered some advice for runners heading to the Coromandel next weekend.

What advice do you offer people taking on the Great Kauri run?
I believe you need to train for your event. So do hill running and technical trails. For some people it can end up being a long day so it can be good practice eating while running.

What is the hardest part of the course?
Definitely the first hill for me. It's the biggest climb and is pretty early on so you don't really get much of a chance to warm up, but far enough in that the pre-race adrenalin has worn off. Luckily there is a very welcome aid station at the top of the hill offering out jet planes.

How much tougher is it running on this terrain compared to road marathons?
I think it's easier, the terrain's tougher and more hilly but it makes you use a range of muscles and your legs don't take as much of a pounding as they do on the road. Not to mention the scenery which makes it a lot less monotonous.

You have had a lot of success at a young age. What advice do you offer young women runners?
There is a lot of advice within the running community that suggests younger people shouldn't try to take on these longer sorts of events but really I don't see any reason why it could be an issue. If you're willing to do the training and put in the miles anyone can give it a crack, regardless of age. I run because I love it. Every day after completing a run I feel happier for having done so. I believe it's important that running stays that way, no matter what your goals are.