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Leith Lasses take to the trails
Sunday, 1 August 2021
by Leith Lasses
With only six weeks left until the Dunedin Marathon Leith lasses Siobhan McKinlay, Gaya Gnanalingham and Rach McKinney took their Sunday long run off-road this weekend and headed out to the trails around Ross Creek. The foundation of any marathon training program is the long run but smart training means mixing it up and after a few weeks of steadily building up to a 32km road run last week, this week was a designated ‘easy week’.
As a bit of a local trail newbie Rach was treated to a masterclass in pacing the uphills by Siobhan who has clearly spent plenty of time tackling the ‘vert’ around Dunedin. Siobhan led the group around Ross Creek, Woodhaugh, McGouns, Redwoods and a few other spots that seem to feature in other people’s Strava feed on a regular basis, while Gaya recalled that this had been her first run as a member of Leith.
The other key to good marathon training is time on feet and there’s nothing like a few hundred metres of elevation to slow the pace and extend the run time. And hey what’s a bit of uphill walking between friends.
Conditions were great if a little muddy and there were plenty of folk out and about enjoying this wonderful natural resource we have right here on our doorstep in Dunedin. One final bonus if any more were need … no headwind on the trails!
We bade farewell to Tadhg Ryan Charleton
Monday, 19 July 2021
Tadhg Ryan Charlton, who sadly leaves this week to return to his homeland, Ireland and a new University in Belfast, completed a year in Leith Colours. His first race, the 2020 Otago XC Champs, he finished 12th in 40:50. And yesterday, Sunday, in his last race the Otago XC Champs and on the same course he finished in 38: 30.3. All the best Tadhg, and may your Research and running continue to flourish. We will miss you indeed and thank you for your contribution Leading, Training, Participating and inspiring others. Tadhg hands over the Leith Men’s Captain tag to the very capable Richard Campbell, who helped the MM35-49 Team win at the Otago XC Champs on Sunday.
Otago XC Champs, Sun 18 July 2021
Chisholm Links, 16 Tahuna Road, Tainui, Dunedin 9013
Leith’s Janus Staufenberg wins the Otago Senior Men’s Title. Check out some more Leith wins here >> Otago XC Champs 2021
SOUTHLAND CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPS, Saturday 3 July 2021
Southern Field Days Site, Waimumu Road, Gore
We thank Southland Harriers for inviting us to participate in the Southland Cross Country Champs
A traditional Cross Country Run with flats, hills, forestry, creeks and mud!
Distances from 3km for Juniors to 9km for Open and Master Runners
Leith Athletes participated in this awesome cross country event.
Janus Staufenberg led from start to finish in a fantastic display of cross country running. He was first across the line in 34.16mins. Don Bate said it was one of the best cross country courses he had run on and we must definitely get our club members to compete in this event – a bus load of Leith athletes.
Check out Don Bate’s report >> Southland Cross Country Champs 2021
Edmond Cup, Sat 26 June, Report, Results
Check the full report and results on the Leith Website
Mt Difficulty Ascent & Rustic Run Events, Sat 12 June 2021 >> Lydia Pattillo wins and sets record
Read all about Lydia’s awesome achievement
Harjinder Singh Chander successfully climbs Mt Everest (up and down Baldwin Street 139 times), Sat 5 June 2021
Check the ODT reports below on Harjinder’s effort to raise awareness of mental health issues, particularly among farmers
Like climbing Mt Everest for mental health >> ODT Online News Article, Monday, 7 June 2021, by John Gibb
Steep effort for mental health >> ODT Online News Preview Article, Wednesday, 2 June 2021, by John Lewis
Starting at 5.30am on the Saturday, Harjinder initially ran the equivalent of a marathon (up and down 57 times) but then feeling good, he successfully climbed Mt Everest (up and down 134 times, in fact he did a little extra – 139 times in 28 hours and 25 minutes) finishing by 9.30am on the Sunday.
Congratulations to “Harrie” on this magnificent achievement. Thanks to all those who gave him support and encouragement.
