James is an online running client from New Zealand. Aged 28, he is training the most consistently he has for many years, and as a result is regaining his best form. An extremely enthusiastic runner, James is also building a successful coaching business. It is always wonderful to see young coaches getting involved in helping others achieve their dreams.
James is building towards the Melbourne Marathon in October and the 60km Kepler Challenge in December.
From April- June, James built up his mileage and included some low key local racing. In July, James ran the Gold Coast Marathon in a time of 2:43:22, finishing near the pointy end of Oceania competitors. He showed incredible powers of recovery, as later in July, James won the 26km Captain Cook’s Landing Trail Race in a time of 2:02:39, five minutes ahead of his nearest rival. This was an amazing run on an extremely demanding course.
In mid August, James tested himself against New Zealand’s best middle and long distance runner in the NZ Cross Country Championships. Even though he is focussing on a 42km race in October and a 60km race in December, it is important to work on your speed in sessions and shorter races. James ran well over the grassy slopes of Auckland’s Domain to come 36th over the 10km.
In late August, James teamed up with Mike Small and Andrew Mowlen to take overall line honours at the Coromandel Classic. This is a famous multi-sport race in NZ.
On September 10, James had a very solid race in the Whangamata half marathon. With spectacular views of the ocean and constantly climbing over monstrous bush clad hills, this 21.1km is not for the faint hearted. James ran brilliantly to come 9th in 1.21.43
James is now in the final weeks of his preparation for Melbourne. Watch out for this Kiwi and give him a cheer is you see him flying around the course or at the finish line on the hallowed Turf of the MCG.