Taupo Half Marathon Preview by Jess Ross

Jess talks about her buildup to this weekends Taupo Half Marathon

About three months ago I decided to set myself some fitness goals. I have always kept myself in shape but never pursued my passion for running. I did the Auckland Half Marathon 3 years ago without training but that’s about it.

I did the Tauranga Half this year with a friend. After getting a comfortable time of 1:45, again without training, I thought why not get myself a coach and go for it! I happened to stumble into Craig Kirkwood after the race; we arranged a coffee date and our relationship blossomed from there. Well you know, he started writing my running programs and putting me through hell at the track every Wednesday and he made me get up early on the weekend to train. I wondered what I had gotten myself in to but then I started seeing it was something awesome.

Thanks to Craig, I’m finally achieving my goals. I knocked 10 minutes off my Tauranga Half time when I did the Mount one, only a month after I started training. This weekend I am running the Taupo Half and hoping for a time of 1:30! Never thought I would have the guts to set goals like that. A big one I mean, so cheers Craig for making the difference. You’re a great coach.

Jess