Picture this: I’m at work, it’s a normal day in Lululemon, stretchy pants are stretching and so on, then in walks Adrian. Adrian is a former ambassador of the company, and big runner. He’s achieved some amazing things in his time so far, from running ultra-marathons to representing New Zealand in the World Running Championships – a fine accomplishment considering he’s originally from Wales. At this point in time I had not had the pleasure of getting to know him well, but he is well known in Queenstown as the driving and creative force behind Active QT, a locally run sporting events company. Now, had I known him better then maybe I would not have ended up in the situation I did… but I didn’t. To those of you who are not familiar with Adrian, I’ll let you know now for your own benefit, that if you start a conversation with him you will end up running – somewhere, anywhere! You shall run. This is one very persuasive man.
So there I was, stretching a little here, educating guests there, when I unknowingly stumbled into a conversation with the man himself. Low and behold there’s a running event coming up, and wouldn’t it be great if some of us Lululemon girls got involved?! Caught in the moment, unprepared and like a rabbit in headlights, I somehow agreed to running in the Active QT Moke Lake Race the following evening. As Adrian left the store I stood, a little stunned, at what had just unfolded.
So I did my research… The Moke Lake race is a part of the Central Otago Trail Running Series. Eight races, eight trails, in eight months. I actually love the concept behind it – Adrian and Bill Godsall, from Sport Central, wanted to share their love of the amazing trail running around the Central Otago area, and it culminated into the series. A pretty cool idea, that’s progressed into an awesome local event. The best part about this one, you have the choice between 6km and 12km – there’s a silver lining after all!
The following day I awoke with that nervous feeling in my stomach. As much as I told myself (and others in a bid to convince them to join me in my involuntary endeavor) that it was just like any other run – when it’s a race it somehow feels like a bigger deal. Shortly before it was time to head up to Moke Lake, I got a last minute text – Jess had decided to join me in this crazy adventure! We drove up to the lake, just 20 minutes from Queenstown, talking the entire way about how it would ‘just’ be a gentle 6km jog. Admittedly, having biked the route a month before, I knew fair well that it wasn’t “gentle” the whole way. But best to keep that as a surprise hey!
We received our numbers and transponders (time trackers) and made our way to the start line. With about 50 people running, it was a small race in comparison to many, which created a great atmosphere filled with comradery – there was an awesome community vibe in the air. With Jess’s words, “Don’t worry about me, go at your own pace” echoing in my ears, I set off as I would on any normal run, and tried to keep to my pace rather than get caught up in the set off rush. With beautiful views all around us, it was easy to forget we were even running a race (until the hills of course) and as we neared the half way point I turned around to see who it was I could hear running close behind me – Jess. With a big grin, and a thumbs up of encouragement I turned back and together we powered on up the never ending hill climb.
From then on we were together until the end. Crossing the finish line at the same time, it soon became apparent that out of the Women’s 6km race we had come in joint second! Somehow, at that moment in time, out of breath and sweating - a lot, it all seemed worth it. So although I wouldn’t necessarily have chosen to spend my Friday evening running a race, I’m stoked that I did it, and that we made a good time! And to think, non of it would have happened without that little bit of encouragement from Adrian, and the conversation that I stumbled into.
So there I was, stretching a little here, educating guests there, when I unknowingly stumbled into a conversation with the man himself. Low and behold there’s a running event coming up, and wouldn’t it be great if some of us Lululemon girls got involved?! Caught in the moment, unprepared and like a rabbit in headlights, I somehow agreed to running in the Active QT Moke Lake Race the following evening. As Adrian left the store I stood, a little stunned, at what had just unfolded.
So I did my research… The Moke Lake race is a part of the Central Otago Trail Running Series. Eight races, eight trails, in eight months. I actually love the concept behind it – Adrian and Bill Godsall, from Sport Central, wanted to share their love of the amazing trail running around the Central Otago area, and it culminated into the series. A pretty cool idea, that’s progressed into an awesome local event. The best part about this one, you have the choice between 6km and 12km – there’s a silver lining after all!
The following day I awoke with that nervous feeling in my stomach. As much as I told myself (and others in a bid to convince them to join me in my involuntary endeavor) that it was just like any other run – when it’s a race it somehow feels like a bigger deal. Shortly before it was time to head up to Moke Lake, I got a last minute text – Jess had decided to join me in this crazy adventure! We drove up to the lake, just 20 minutes from Queenstown, talking the entire way about how it would ‘just’ be a gentle 6km jog. Admittedly, having biked the route a month before, I knew fair well that it wasn’t “gentle” the whole way. But best to keep that as a surprise hey!
We received our numbers and transponders (time trackers) and made our way to the start line. With about 50 people running, it was a small race in comparison to many, which created a great atmosphere filled with comradery – there was an awesome community vibe in the air. With Jess’s words, “Don’t worry about me, go at your own pace” echoing in my ears, I set off as I would on any normal run, and tried to keep to my pace rather than get caught up in the set off rush. With beautiful views all around us, it was easy to forget we were even running a race (until the hills of course) and as we neared the half way point I turned around to see who it was I could hear running close behind me – Jess. With a big grin, and a thumbs up of encouragement I turned back and together we powered on up the never ending hill climb.
From then on we were together until the end. Crossing the finish line at the same time, it soon became apparent that out of the Women’s 6km race we had come in joint second! Somehow, at that moment in time, out of breath and sweating - a lot, it all seemed worth it. So although I wouldn’t necessarily have chosen to spend my Friday evening running a race, I’m stoked that I did it, and that we made a good time! And to think, non of it would have happened without that little bit of encouragement from Adrian, and the conversation that I stumbled into.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE RACES CHECK OUT:
http://activeqt.co.nz/event/central-otago-trail-running-series/
UPCOMING RACES
RACE 6 –
6th February 2016
12M Delta, Queenstown
5km & 9km
RACE 7 –
12th March 2016
Sawpit Gully, Arrowtown
6km & 12km
RACE 8 –
16th April 2016
Albert Town Tavern, Wanaka
5km & 10km