In June 2007 I decided to try something different and signed up for a beginner’s running course.

 

The course was a challenge as I had never run before. I would come home after each class and wail, “this is so hard and it hurts”, as I lay shaking on the lounge. I never dreamed that I would finish the course and be running 8km. I kept on running with a group which inspired me to train for some races.

 

Very nervously I started to sign up for races; 5km, City to Surf and then my first half marathon in May 2008. What a thrill and I was totally obsessed and addicted to running.

 

Like a bull at a gate I threw myself into my running. After 5 half marathons and 35km Bilpin bush race I tackled my first full marathon in Auckland in November 2009. Auckland was fantastic and I finished in 4 hours 44 minutes. I was hooked on doing another marathon.

 

I picked the San Francisco marathon (July 2010). My goals were to be stronger faster and no injuries (in the past I have had a few injuries from increasing my training too quickly). I achieved all my goals and did the marathon in 4 hours 29 minutes. Running over the Golden Gate Bridge was fantastic and “worth the hurt” (the slogan for the SF Marathon).

 

 My training for San Francisco has taught me the value of doing interval training (the dreaded sprints and hill sessions); the time trials (great preparation for a race) and the long runs with a group (to pull me through the last few kms on a 33km training run!). It’s the training and inspiration from all my running buddies that got me through (I had moments when my feet were so sore I was ready to pull out).

 

I would like to thank everyone that I have run with for all the words of wisdom and inspiration and company since I started running. Each and everyone you has given me strength to keep running.

 

Of course, I am contemplating my next marathon and I’m sure I’ll see you along the journey.

 

[Editor] – Toni is off on 12 March to run the Motatapu Mountain Marathon (42.2k) - good luck.