Michael Hale

It all started for me… in 2004. Two mates and I presented for duty on a beautiful clear late summer morning. Without a great understanding of what we were embarking on, we ventured forth on the first wet course Full Monty.

Armed with goggles, plenty of spandex and squeegies we brave adventurers took on the beast. Within 3 hours we would endure a rollercoaster of emotions: the thrill at taking the lead for over half an hour, the childlike euphoria of jumping from rock to rock competitively, the searing pain of removing strapping tape without first shaving your legs and the devastation of running out of gas 3k from the finish and being caught while trudging painfully slowly.

Classic moment / story / best part of the course… In my first race in 2004 I had been running at the front with two guys, Todd and Nick for over an hour an a half when we come up to a chasm in the rocks, about the size of a shipping container side on. I sized it up and elected to climb down, run across the sand, then climb back up, ie the slow and safe way. I look up to see Todd charge full speed and soar across the gap, like Jordan from the free throw line. In stunned awe Nick yells “You’re an ANIMAL”. This scene has become part of our training folklore.

Newbie advice… Get to the start with a good 45 minutes up your sleeve. Enough time to register, warmup and let out a nervous turd, if need be.
Lube yourself. Groin, feet and nipples are a good start, feel free to get creative from there.

Take energy gels if your race is going to be over 1hr 30 minutes, eat them every 30 minutes with some water.
Take a drink at every drink station.

If you’re doing the Full Monty, take goggles, if the 22k or less, don’t bother.

I keep coming back because… it’s the best combination of endurance and adventure in a run. It’s a great thrill running along the rocks, picking out a route and trying to push the pace. The scenery is also amazing - watching Rangitoto get closer and seeing a whole range of beautiful North Shore beaches you don't normally venture out to see.

In 2010 I'll be tackling the… Full Monty 33k - I cant wait!

Final comments / parting words… The Full Monty is the most fun of the lot. You definitely need to be confident in your swimming for the two estuaries however. If you haven't logged any runs over 90 minutes or are a bit nervous in the sea then I recommend you enter a shorter version (my pick would be the 16k version from Browns Bay).

That way you get to enjoy the coastal running experience without being in so much pain that you loathe the whole thing and throw away your shoes. Finally, if you're not able to run at all, then may I suggest you come out and spectate.

The course is stunning, your cheering is always appreciated and I guarantee it will motivate you for your own training.

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