GUTBUSTER EXPERIENCE
Well done to all those who have their first fitness goal set for 2010, the Gutbuster is an event that will leave you with a lasting memory of the challenge of mountain running but also the beauty associated with running through nature and the wonderful fitness benefits that will be gained in the process.

Recently I returned from running up the Empire State Building , 86 floor and 1576 stairs, the physical and mental challenge of this event was tough work but the view at the top and the sense of satisfaction knowing that I had pushed through those mental and physical boundaries made it all worthwhile. The strength I gained from event will be with me for the rest of my life. That is the beauty about taking on new challenges and stepping outside your comfort zone, it only leads to good things and a wonderful growth of you as a person! The Gutbuster will leave you with the same experience.

Goals are paramount when training for an event and are such an important way to keep you motivated. When I set my Goal in December last year of racing up the Empire State Building, it immediately actioned me to organise with the security of Wellingtons tallest building to train up it. I planned a timetable of when I would train and it made those punishing repetitions up the stairs bearable, all because I had set that goal in place and knew that if I put in a little of that hard work it would all pay o ff and give me that extra confidence on race day.

I am a great believer in breaking an event up into manageable stages and so have done this for the Gutbuster event for those who have not yet experienced this amazing course: 

5 Sections of the Gutbuster to visulise when you are out on your training runs

PART ONE:

PART TWO:
Undulating track along the sanctuary Fence of about 2km, you will experience a panoramic view of Wellington from the Hutt to the South Island. This is what mountain running is all about so take in the view.

PART THREE:
Wow you have made it to the Wind Turbine and you are on your way home! There is a water station so take some onboard! The track is slight flatter with just a few sharp, short climbs, this is about 3km worth of running/walking.
You then drop down an undulating then steep hill into the Sanctuary car park.

PART FIVE
1KM zig zag climb in the bush to the Karori side, this is your last climb and yes it does require you to dig deep, remember success and satisfaction in a goal is never easy .

PART FIVE:
WOO HOO down hill to the scout hill and km on the road downhill to the finish!!!

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