CHANGING paces
FLEUR MEALING FINDS HER STRIDE IN QUEENSTOWN
Despite being 5ft 2 [1.57m] I have always had quite a stride. I would argue it’s my mum’s doing, often recounting to moaning slowpokes that if you didn’t walk fast in my household you would get left behind.
Naturally, she was the first person that came to mind to come with me on an exciting, yet daunting, trip down south to Central Otago for the Air
New Zealand International Queenstown Marathon.
Although we both lead active lives, neither of us had ever participated in a marathon, nor did we feel up to running it, but several family members assured us that walking the Cigna 10km was more than achievable.
Arriving in Queenstown at least a day before was essential. With a 5.45am start on race day, it was great to get to the hotel and settle in at least 12 hours prior. As I waited for my mum, who was driving down from Christchurch, I made myself at home in Hotel St Moritz Queenstown.
Well and truly in active relaxer mode, I donned a cosy wool blanket, gobbled up the cheese platter that was delivered to my room on arrival and all too easily fell asleep on the couch!
Although stormy weather from the day before had threatened to make another appearance, at 6.30am on raceday morning all was calm at Queenstown’s waterfront.
As we waited for our water taxi to ferry us to the starting line, we couldn’t help but marvel at how still Lake Wakatipu was, and it only got more spectacular once we were actually on the water.
Speaking to a few people who had done the Queenstown marathon before, the one thing they all raved about was the atmosphere. And sure enough, there was an electric energy as people of all ages, sizes, abilities and nationalities lined up to complete the course.
Predictably, Mum started off with a hiss and a roar prompting a puffed “slow down!” from me. But as we reached the 2km mark, we both hit our stride alongside a group of new mums with babies attached in front packs. One eager woman had even brought her five-week-old along for the ride.
The scenery was stunning and being able to walk along the lakefront at sunrise makes for an unforgettable experience. Plus, having someone to chat to along the way makes it all go so much quicker.
By far, the best part of the marathon was crossing the finish