Last year I approached Russell and asked if he would coach me to run the longest distance I've ever run by far - 70km in the Taupo ultra marathon. I decided I wanted a big hairy goal for myself and that would be it. I didn't know life would have other ideas for me, and pretty early into my training I received the news no one wants to hear - I had a large tumour in my abdomen and it might be cancer.

I went for a big walk to clear my head and called Russell, he was fantastic, encouraging, supportive and kind. 'Don't worry, do what you need to do' he said, and we can talk later on when we knew more. Well, long story short, it WAS early cancer, but thankfully they got it all out and told me I would be fine. Unbelievably lucky. So I got through a big operation, 6 weeks recuperating at home, then decided I needed to start planning for something more realistic than the original 70km. I was in touch with Russell throughout this time, we eventually agreed on a reduced distance of 24km distance (same event).

The gun went and we were off. I took it super easy for the first 45 minutes, a lot of that first 6km was uphill (actually all of it!) and I fast hiked a good amount of this, everybody passed me. I stuck with the plan, biding my time until I could up my HR a little. The time came when I got to the top, and I settled into a comfy run, the trail was AMAZING, undulating through gorgeous bush, and the odd peep of Lake Taupo twinkling in the sun. I found myself smiling frequently, god I love this I kept thinking to myself. Meanwhile I noticed I wasn't being passed so much. At this point i was just hanging out to 'open it up' around the 18 km mark and leave it all out there. Turns out I couldn't wait that long, at around 16-17km I was just feeling too good so decided to up the HR a little and 'give it a nudge' as they say.

Soon I noticed I was the one passing people! More and more! I couldn't believe that, that was a damn good feeling I'm not gonna lie. The end was in sight, only around 1km of flat ground to the finish line, it went on and on, I didn't have much left, but finally got over the line, only to hear sweet music to my ears 'Kazza, just over 3 hours!' unreal! I've never been a fast runner, so just assumed it would take me much longer, in the end I was 12th in my age group (40s) and in the top third(ish) of the field! My friend came and grabbed me in a big hug and I have to tell you I felt a bit emotional and even cried a little. It's been a big year, and with Russell's support I didn't give up, I pivoted! And now I've decided I need MORE so Russell has will coach me to the TransRockies in Colorado August ‘24 (200km over 6 days at altitude). I can't wait!

Thank you Russell. More than a coach you've been a mentor and friend during the hardest part of my life so far. I couldn't have done it without you! Bring on Rockies 2024!

Coaching Success Stories

24km... a step on the way to the Trans Rockies ultra