Rotorua Marathon 2015

 

By Rachel Grunwell

TV1 presenter Greg Boyed and I co-guided blind Invercargill runner Hannah Pascoe through the Rotorua Marathon. 

It was a tough, but amazing race. I loved it because I shared the journey with two friends. I also got a kick out of the beautiful day and looking out onto Lake Rotorua as we lapped it – Mokoia Island looks magical in the middle of that glistening water. I love thinking of the famous Maori love story that island is famous for too every time I lay eyes on it. Rotorua is a special place.

Anyhow, marathon day turned out to be a mint day, full of sunshine, smiles, and sore legs of course! But we conquered that race together and so we’ve got awesome bragging rights! As does anyone else who finished that 42.195km distance. She’s tough.

It was an accidental marathon for Greg. He planned to help me guide Hannah for half the race (as he had only trained for a half-marathon distance). I was so grateful to have him along for the journey to help with guiding Hannah. It meant there were two of us to make sure Hannah was safe during the race (ie that she didn’t fall over a curb or another person etc!)

But Greg ended up going the whole distance of the marathon with Hannah and I (us girls gave him a bit of a nudge – or you could argue we ganged up on him!) But seriously, he was more than strong enough to do the marathon and we decided to finish this race together as a team and help each other through it – however long it took. Greg ended up doing a lot of the guiding and holding the tether rope attached to Hannah. While I did a lot of the verbal cues for Hannah and acted as a tourist guide ie I love to talk and so I was constantly describing hurdles to avoid and the stunning scenery etc. I think I use my mouth more than my legs when I run!

Greg was as ecstatic as Hannah to finish that race. We did it a nudge under 5-hours. There’s something about conquering a marathon that gives you confidence. I think if you’re brave enough to take on a big goal like this then you realise that you can smash other life goals too. It’s tremendous.

It was a beautiful day: The best day. I was blessed to share it with two friends. I think we’re still on that runners’ high from that race. Greg and I have vowed to take on the lake again next year! And we’ll be twisting some more Achilles members to join us. So see you there if you can make it too!

After the race, Hannah gave me an unexpected gift. A blessed greenstone necklace. Of course it left me in floods of tears – it was too wonderful a gift and it means so much to me. I’m so grateful for the wonderful friends I have in Achilles members – that is the greatest gift.

rotorua marathon thank you necklace

Meanwhile, here’s a newspaper story I wrote on what it’s like to be a guide & about Hannah – you can read by clicking here

I also included Hannah’s amazing Rotorua Marathon mission in my weekly fitness/health & wellbeing column on www.stuff.co.nz – to read it click here. 

* Greg and I are both ambassadors for the Achilles NZ charity, which helps disabled Kiwis nationwide to take part in mainstream events. Anyone is welcome to join. If you want to know more info, check out the Achilles NZ  website www.achillesnewzealand.org  

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