Land of the Kiwis A runner in New Zealand

Beach Day. Spring Break?

Mt. Mangonui Beach party (taken in the waning evening hours)

Today was a full, luxurious day on the Mt. Mangonui beach. And what a day to pick. Coca-Cola happened to be hosting an all-invited, good old-fashion beach party, complete with live bands, inflatable twister, volleyball net, and spirit team (you know, attractive employees they hire to make sure the atmosphere is fun and energetic). It was like the classic spring break scene I always hear about, but never quite experienced. Side note: I would in no way ever give up the more intimate training experiences I've had with the Williams team, but it was nice to get a taste of a more typical beach event. Also, not that I'm complaining, but why are there so many young people here (primary reason it feels so much like spring break)? Is it like this all summer? I suppose I could see Kiwis focusing all their energy (and funds) on summer break more than the spring one. True story? Along the same lines though, do you suppose Kiwis have the same reckless abandon for spring break "experiences" we do in the states? Where's Sherlock Palmer when I need him...

Whatever, I just enjoyed the sensation of summer sun and a rocking crowd.

Earlier in the day, however, I did get in the daily aquajog. I simulated a 400 workout (not very well) by doing 1 minute on, 30 sec off with 30 sec frog-kick rest in between each and 20 total.

More concisely:

10min warmup

20x400@1500 pace. 30s rest. Obviously it was a bit easier in the water... but I was quite exhausted by the end, and I finished none too soon! I was 2 minutes into my cooldown when people on the pier got quite excited and started point at the water near me and mumbling to each other. Fortunately for me, some kind soul took the moment out of his day to mention, "Mate, you might want to be careful. I think there's a sting ray in the water somewhere round there." Well I sure booked it out of there! So 2min, 3sec cooldown.

I should mention that every day I've been doing a pretty extensive balancing, core, and flexibility routine. I honestly don't know why I haven't mentioned it before. Mitch, let me know if you want exactly what I'm doing. I think I'll skip the intricate details for now. Save my fingertips.

Check out these dressed up pieces of meat.

The other big highlight of the day was Ian cooking us some ridiculously gourmet burgers. These beasts also broke new barriers in quantity of juices that don't make it to your mouth. Haha, thanks for the delicious meal!