Running around our region

Adrian Bailey is an elite runner who is now involved in event management for running challenges around Aotearoa. He’s done many races around the country, and worked on events including the Motatapu Miner’s Trail, Godzone Adventure Race and the Peak to Peak.

Originally from Wales, Bailey first travelled to New Zealand in 2001 to take part in the Coast to Coast multisport event. He was so moved by Kiwi culture and our spectacular training playgrounds that he then emigrated to Queenstown in 2002 after competing in the Queenstown Marathon.

“What I love, particularly about Queenstown, is our accessibility to the mountains and the lakes. We’re spoiled – we’ve got such an amazing playground,” Bailey says.

Here are his top tips for runners:

1. Having your own personal goal: your goal is going to keep you motivated, and it needs to be in line with your ability and interests. There are so many different events happening in our region, but Bailey says it’s just about “immersing yourself into doing something and having a go”. Sometimes you might surprise yourself, too. 
2. Keeping a bit of variety in your routine: with our beautiful landscape and array of trails, we’re spoilt for choice and it’s easy to mix things up. “At the end of the day, if it’s the same thing day in, day out, you’re going to get bored, you’re not going to be motivated, so keep it varied.” 
3. Incorporate a little strength training: a big misconception is that people believe the only way they’re going to get fast is by doing intervals, but having reasonable endurance is an important component, too. “If you go straight into intervals, you’re just not going to be able to maintain it. You’ve got to build up that endurance, that strength and stamina, and build into that before you start taking on anything like intervals.”
4. Rest and recovery is vital: “When the body’s tired, people need to be a bit more mindful. Your body is telling you something and sometimes rest is as good as anything – I often believe sometimes the best form of training is listening to your body and giving yourself the chance to recover. If you don’t feel like going out and doing a run, jump on the bike, go for a swim, keep it mixed, because the last thing you want is to get injured and then struggle as a result.” 
5. Have fun! Most importantly is for you to enjoy what you’re doing. If you’re excited, it’ll keep you motivated. Even on days where you may be short on time, you’ll be more likely to head out for a short run, or some cross training.

If you’re looking for something to train towards, the next big event in our region is the Peak to Peak Winter Multisport Race, at the end of August.
There’s also the Godzone Adventure Race in Marlborough in November, or the iconic Queenstown Marathon in November, too. If you’d like to find out more about Adrian Bailey, and what he’s working on, head to activeqt.co.nz