A tribute to Ginger Nuts and Harden Up pills

The Mt Terako Extreme Challenge was a real tough one this year. The event is based from the Mt Lyford alpine village in North Canterbury 1.5 hours north of Christchurch and offers four courses with several categories including the original 9km mountain run, a shorter 4km race for newcomers, a 3km kids course and now the jewel in the crown, the 20km Vasque Extreme Mt Terako Challenge - confirmed as "New Zealand's most challenging 1 day mountain race".

When we started , the hills were covered in mist and it was freezing cold already at the start line. After 1000 m of elevation, I was still cold (bad sign) and I was so happy that I made the decision to put on thermals and my rain jacket.

Many people gave up due to the cold weather and poor visibility. The track follows a ridge line which became very icy from all the mist. Many had enough of the cold winds and a total 21 of the field of just over 60 runners turning back before reaching Mt Lyford.

All runners came out of the mist with icicles on their hats and in their hair (including furry legs). My favourite part was running down Lottery Stream, 8 km pure river running through didymo (slime) infested water which could throw you out of balance in a second.

I felt great that day and new that I had managed to shake off a few female runners. I was very surprised when one marshall told me I was the second woman (out of 14 I think in the start up line). I was so sure I had misheard him when I passed another woman running down the stream, as I never thought I could be first.

I focused and did my thing, had a cracking day and loved the challenging weather. In the end it paid off and I won!

Read more about the event here.

The event organiser is always describing the race as :
Mountain Running and Walking at its very best with spectacular 360° views of the Kaikoura and Amuri Ranges, the Pacific Ocean and down the Waiau Valley.
I must say that over the two years we have done the race, we have seen nada of the stunning views.! Maybe next year...