Monthly Blog – Whatnz.com

Race Results and Training Insights for 2026

Posted on 9th Dec 20259th Dec 2025 by Baron in Monthly Blog

Looking Ahead: Training Plans, Race Results, and Big Goals for 2026

After a steady build through the second half of this year and some confidence-boosting race results, I’m heading into 2026 with more momentum than I’ve had in a long time. Between sharpening my speed, aiming for new PBs, and preparing for a full marathon later in the year, it’s shaping up to be a big year.

The foundation feels right: consistent training, no injury issues, and clear goals. Now it’s about putting the pieces together and seeing how far I can go.

Recent Races: Cambridge Half & Round the Bridges

Cambridge Half — A Goal Executed Perfectly

I set out with a simple plan: run 4:45/km from start to finish.
And for once, the day cooperated.

I crossed the line in 1:39:50, right on target. This was also my first race in carbon plates (New Balance SC Elite v4), and they worked brilliantly — smooth, stable, and noticeably efficient without feeling extreme.

It gave me a lot of confidence not just in my fitness, but in the direction my training is heading.

“Crossing the finish line and seeing 1:39 felt like a quiet confirmation that the work I’ve put in is paying off.”

“Runner completing Cambridge Half Marathon holding medal, with family after the race” — Cambridge half marathon, after the event

Round the Bridges — Five Minutes Faster Than Last Year

Round the Bridges was another big checkpoint. Training had gone well, I felt great on the start line, and I managed to run five minutes faster than my time last year.

That’s a big step forward, and a sign that both speed and endurance are trending the right way.

“Standing on the start line this year felt different — calmer, more confident. I actually trusted the training.”

“Those two races highlighted exactly what I needed to focus on, which shaped how my training looks right now.”

“Round the Bridges 2025 finish area with family” — Round the bridges 2025

pukete school team at round the bridges 2025 — Round the bridges 2025

Training Structure: What My Weeks Look Like Now

My routine has settled into something that feels balanced and sustainable. A typical week at the moment includes:

6 runs per week, usually totalling 50-65 km, depending on the block
One interval or threshold session, such as:
- 6 × 1 km at threshold
- 400 m/800 m repeats for sharpening
One long run, currently 14–18 km and building steadily
Zone 2 aerobic runs to strengthen the engine, normally around 10km
Strength training twice a week, focusing on core, glutes, and single-leg stability — usually 20–30 minutes of squats, rows, overhead press, bench press, deadlifts and lunges
Mobility work twice a week, including floor exercises and single-leg squats — this routine completely solved my IT band issue

This mix keeps me improving without tipping over into burnout. The combination of structure, recovery, and consistency has made the biggest difference — more so than any single workout.

Travel & Running: Australia and a Change of Scenery

A recent trip to Australia gave me the chance to train in completely different conditions. Most of my runs were along the boulevard in Surfers Paradise — flat paths, warm mornings, and long stretches where you can just lock in and go.

Travel can sometimes disrupt training, but this trip did the opposite. It was refreshing to break out of my usual routes, and I found the change of scenery genuinely motivating.

I’ll include some of the beach and sightseeing photos — not running-specific, but definitely part of the journey.

How do you handle training while travelling? Do you run more, run less, or treat it as a break?

“With travel behind me and my routine settled again, I’ve been able to map out some ambitious but realistic goals for 2026.”

2026 Goals: Ambitious but Realistic

Hamilton Half Marathon in March — Benchmark Race

Last year I ran 1:45 at the Hamilton Half.
This March I’m returning with a very different goal: to assess where my fitness is early in the year and set a clear baseline for the marathon build.

A strong run here will be a great confidence boost.

Chasing 1:30 for the Half Marathon

My next major target is to bring my half marathon time toward 1:30. Maybe it’s ambitious, maybe not — but it’s something I’m excited to chase.

Cambridge showed I can run sub-1:40 with good pacing. Closing the gap to 1:30 will take more volume, more strength, and continued consistency, but it feels within reach.

Breaking 20 Minutes for 5K

This one has been on my mind for a while: sub-20 for 5K.

It will require sharper speed, stronger threshold sessions, and more biomechanics efficiency, but the progress I’ve seen in the last few months makes me feel closer than ever.

If you’ve broken 20 minutes, I’d love to hear what workouts helped you get there.

End-of-Year Marathon

The big goal: a marathon late in 2026.

It will be my first, and I want to do it properly — not just finish, but prepare well, stay healthy, and enjoy the journey. The plan is to build mileage gradually through summer and start a structured marathon block once the base is solid.

What’s Been Working for Me

Keeping easy runs truly easy — it makes the hard sessions count.
Doing mobility even when I don’t feel like it — it’s the reason my IT band hasn’t flared up again.
Setting realistic weekly mileage and building gradually.
Picking one or two key races per block helps keep training focused.

Final Thoughts

With recent race improvements, consistent training, and renewed motivation, 2026 is lining up to be a huge year for progress. I’m excited to see how far I can push both speed and endurance — and finally take on the marathon distance.

If you’ve trained for a marathon, chased a sub-20 5K, or set a big goal for a new year, I’d love to hear your experiences.
What worked for you?
What surprised you?
What would you do differently?

Looking ahead — and onwards.

Recovering from Injury: My Journey Back to Fitness

Posted on 20th Jul 202523rd Jul 2025 by Baron in Monthly Blog

Pleased to say I’m feeling better after being laid up for a month or so with IT band injury, then the flu, and to top it off covid. Not much fun to say the least. As a result, my fitness has dropped off – V02 going from 56 down to 50, still good, but the difference is noticeable. Speed has also taken a fair hit. I’m very keen to get back into it all, it’s certainly tough on the mind when you can’t get what you want to do done.

I’ve been constructing a mobility routine for my glutes, legs and hips to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility, with the goal of preventing injury. I plan to make a video outlining this routine, as well as another featuring the dynamic stretch routine I use during my runs. All nice and easy, step downs, leg raises, weights ideas, etc., which can be performed quite quickly. Hopefully, I’ll sort that out in the next few weeks. Strengthening and mobilising the hips and glutes will help the rest of the leg muscles stay injury-free.

So from the start of July I’ve been back into it, still easing into it, so if its just a walk then that is fine, ill build up to the full routine again soon so im well prepared for the Cambridge half marathon in September, hopefully with the new routines i can aim for improving on the 1hr45min I achieved in Hamilton. Managed my first interval session on Wednesday, really enjoyed it, great getting the heart rate up there even if still not at full strength.

Out to the new Parkrun at Te Awa yesterday, I took it easy with Hannah. We managed to get across the line in her best time, just over 38 minutes, which was more of a jog and walk combo. This is fine, as it fits in well with my training. It was a very chilly zero degrees Celsius, our hands were very cold, but beyond that we were fine, really nice track, will be super fast in nicer weather, well organised, everyone super friendly, I think there was just short of 100 people, so pretty good turnout for a new event.

Flying out to the Gold Coast for a holiday today, hoping to get a run in most days or at least a walk. Can’t wait to be in warmer weather, just a holiday, though; will be plenty of relaxing happening.

A few pictures from training over the past 3 weeks, the river is high, we have had a fair bit of rain, I’ve found that jogging in light tracksuit pants works well, but even a light jacket gets hot.

If you have any helpful training tips or ideas, contact me and let me know.

Achieving Fitness Milestones: From Strain to Strength

Posted on 1st May 2025 by Baron in Monthly Blog, Uncategorized

Well it’s been a busy time, facing new challenges and trying things out, so far this year I’ve participated in two half marathons – Hamilton and Karapiro, I set goal times of 1 hour 45 minutes to complete these and I’m pleased to say i was right around there, 1.44.52 and 1.46.07, pretty good. Since November I’ve seen my V02 increase from 42 to 55, so I feel I am a lot fitter and confident with my progress.

Activity

My next planned half marathon is Cambridge in September, a little bit away, but after Karapiro i strained my hamstrings, over training and getting back into training too quickly after and with too harder sessions, so i haven’t been running at all for two weeks, finding other things to keep active, weight sessions, Hakarimata steps, cycling and walking parkruns. I’ve also delayed any marathon plans until next year. I’ll build into it properly, this gives me plenty of time to recover, plenty of pavement time, and I think it’s smarter than just going for it and sustaining an injury.

Pictures

Some pictures of the past few months, Hamilton half marathon, Cambridge parkrun, Adidas Auckland fun run, Karapiro half marathon.

Goal progress

I’m pleased to say I’ve hit my goal weight and maintained there since December, so the focus has been on stamina and muscle gain, both of which are going well.

Next Steps

So the next step of the journey will be building back up properly to finish the Cambridge half marathon. I’ll set myself a goal of 1 hour 40 minutes, I think, this gives me something I think I can achieve, but still a challenge, I’ve been researching heaps of ideas for training plans, with two main running days, an interval run on Wednesday along the lines of 6x1km at my 5km pace with 60 seconds rest between, slowly building it up to more intervals and longer distances and a long run on Sundays something along the lines of 20 minutes easy, 40 minutes half marathon pace and 20 minutes easy, maybe split up more than that, with warmups, cooldowns and stretching built in too., with recovery runs, easy runs mixed in on other days. So I’m confident with what I’ll start and continue with, hoping to also mix in a good amount of strength training and other things beyond running, bush walks, swimming, and cycling. I’m looking to start this within the next few weeks, once I feel my hamstrings are ready to go again. I don’t want to get back into it too early, only to have them strained again.

Something to look forward to

I’m counting down the days to my holiday trip to Australia, most of the itinerary is pencilled in, with a mixture of fun activities, relaxing, theme parks and shopping. I think it’s needed to get away from the stresses of work and day-to-day life and just have some time out.

Feedback

Have you got any training tips you would like to share? What’s your favourite run for the week? Ideas for future content?

AI Running Program Success and Upcoming Challenges

Posted on 11th Jan 2025 by Baron in Monthly Blog

Seasons greetings. It’s been such a busy time of the year, with Christmas, New Year, and school holidays. I’ve been very busy completing an AI running program to make my 10 km faster, participating in Parkrun, spending time with the family, doing hikes, walks and runs.

The AI running program was great all through my watch/phone app, it had me working a lot on low heart rate runs, pace, distance and frequency. My V02 raised around 5 points and now says its at 46.

I’ve just started a new program for a half marathon, I’m on day 6 of 70, 5 days a week, with a goal to complete the event in 1 hour and 45 minutes. Hopefully achievable! The last program i managed to finish every day except the very last day because I went on a hike with a group to the Pinnacles Summit. So not like I had the day off, the app wouldn’t let me postpone it, but all good. It was six days a week for 6 weeks, I really enjoyed it, I recommend using one if you are not sure where to start or what to do, helped me a lot.

Hikes Review

The Pinnacles Summit was really good, featuring swing bridges, a rock climb and plenty of steps, great views from every angle, a long day but well worth it I’ve also done the Karangahape gorge track this was really cool, seeing the old gold mining equipment and walking through tunnels, Hakarimata steps such a good workout, the Tama lakes in National park, this was really great scenery, a real challenge and a long day (as Tongariro crossing was cancelled due to bad weather and the trail from the Hakarimata steps over to Parker Road. If you would like anymore information, send me a message

Karangahape Gorge

Pinnacles Summit

Goals

This year has a few goals set already, including my first half marathon, in Hamilton, New Zealand in March, also I’m looking to do my first full marathon in November, so once the half is done. The next training plan will kick in, I haven’t decided which marathon I’ll do, but I have looked at the Queenstown one and the Auckland one. Both look good, I guess I’ll look at which one will work better for me.

In November I finished the Round the Bridges event in Hamilton, a 12 km race in which I managed to get a time of exactly 1 hour. I was so happy with this. I put a lot of effort in and it kick-started my training effort, proving to myself that I can do things if I set my mind on them. Thanks to those who encouraged me along the way!

Some Holiday pictures

reflection

A great time of the year, with awesome weather and good experiences. I’m really enjoying the new challenges I’m setting myself. The hikes have given me a huge confidence boost. The training program has given me structure and I’m thoroughly enjoying trying new things. I’m really looking ahead to what this year will bring.

Let’s make some changes

Posted on 18th Oct 202418th Oct 2024 by Baron in Monthly Blog

From June through to now, I’ve faced some significant challenges, prompting a deep reflection on myself, my goals, my future, work, health, and well-being.

Myself: I’ve needed to explore what truly makes me happy. This has involved focusing on self-care, taking time to reflect on my needs, reading books, starting a journal, and reaching out to peers, friends, and co-workers for support and guidance. It’s been important to just have people to talk to.

Goals: I’ve set various fitness and personal goals. I have the Tongariro Crossing coming up in about three weeks, followed by the Round the Bridges 12km run in Hamilton, New Zealand, the week after. I’m also considering entering the Hamilton half marathon in March next year. Additionally, I’ve set specific time goals for 5km, 10km, and the Hakarimata Steps walkway, along with the objective to walk and run 100km each in October through workouts. So far, I’ve completed about 70km walking and 80km running so far, with 12 days left to reach my goal. I’ve established targets related to weight, muscle mass, VO2 max, body fat percentage, and BMI, and I am making good progress towards these ambitions.

Future: I’ve been creating plans and budgets for the next 18 months to secure my future.

Work: I’ve started training some staff to upskill into my position, allowing me to progress into a new role that will transition me from shifts to a daytime position.

Health: I’ve reassessed my eating and exercise habits, making significant changes to improve my health for a brighter future. I’ve cut out snacking, ensuring I eat fruit daily, along with porridge and protein.

In September, I walked 130km and ran 16km. My VO2 max has risen back to 42, I’ve reduced my body fat by 2%, increased my muscle mass by 2%, and lost around 6kg over the past two months.

Training walks are ongoing in preparation for the Tongariro Crossing. I’ve ascended the Hakarimata Steps about seven times now, with my best time being just over 40 minutes—walking up and running down. My goal is to finish under 40 minutes. I also walked up Mt. Kakepuke with friends, and this weekend, we plan to walk the Hakarimata trail, which is approximately 9km, including the steps. I’ve been running every few days, completing a 10km run in 54 minutes today, mixing it with walks and some weight training. Last Friday, I experienced hill runs for the first time!

Here are some photos from the past month or so.

Exploring New Zealand’s Scenic Hiking Trails: Mount Te Aroha, Wairere Falls, Hakarimata

Posted on 23rd Aug 2024 by Baron in Monthly Blog

Hey guys, it has been a busy couple of months, had a bit of the flu and it’s been a pretty cold winter have managed to get out for a few hikes in preparation for the Tongariro crossing which we are going on in early November. I’ve put a few videos up on YouTube of the hikes. We took daypacks on the hikes so as to be used to carrying a pack.

Mount Te Aroha

First up was Mount Te Aroha, a very challenging hike, apparently we decided to do the hardest one first, awesome walk, with some climbing parts, well worth the reward of reaching the top with great views. Took just under 4 hours, approx. 12km there and back. Take some lunch to have up the top and plenty to drink. From up the top you can see all the way to the sea and Mt Maunganui, we couldn’t see much the other way because of cloud cover except the peak of Mt Pirongia.

Wairere Falls

Next up was Wairere Falls, a much easier walk, but still a good challenge with great views up the top. Good car park, with facilities. very enjoyable Took approx. 2 hours, 8.5km up and back. Mostly native bush and outlook over farmland, the trail is fairly well maintained, plenty of stairs.

Hakarimata

Next up was planned to be Kakepuku near Te Awamutu, unfortunately the day picked ended up being quite wet and miserable, and the track we had heard would be quite muddy, so it was decided that we would walk up the Hakarimata steps to the summit and down the loop track instead. As this walk was fairly close, it was easy to get to. 1350 stairs going up, and then the loop track had a bunch more. Hard work going up the stairs which took around 50 minutes from the carpark, nearly 3km up, and then another 6 or so km around the loop track which was another hour and a half, some good views up top and great scenery mostly native bush, but there is an old dam, and a few benches to stop at and look out over Ngarawahia towards Hamilton, quite a popular walk, we saw plenty of people going up and down the track. 2 hours 40 total and 9.75kms all up.

See the videos

Share your hiking stories, by leaving a comment.

June Update – trips, chillis & projects

Posted on 18th Jun 202418th Jun 2024 by Baron in Monthly Blog

Hey guys, it’s been a while since I’ve posted an update, I did recently update the events and trips page with details from the trip to highlands motorsports park, all the day’s events and experiences.

Here’s a link to the you tube video i made of the day ——> link

I’ve been keeping up to date with my fitness goals, last week I ran 30km during the week and about 10km of walks too, my V02 has just gone back up to 41 which is good, so I’m getting a lot of activity happening in preparation for the Tongariro crossing later in the year. The treadmill is looking a bit worse for wear and needs a new belt sooner than later.

Chilli season has all finished and we had a great harvest this year, i ended up giving a lot away to workmates as I already have plenty in the freezer and preserved.

I’ve been working on the cnc machine, changing over the mainboard that I’ve been using, tidying up the wiring, designing and printing up some parts.

I managed to go on a short-day trip to Auckland last month to pick up some pedals for my sim rig, on the way back I stopped in at Hampton downs racetrack for lunch and a look around their car showroom. Was nice food, not very busy on the day.

Anticipation

Posted on 8th Mar 202418th Oct 2024 by Baron in Monthly Blog

Only 5 days away from my trip to Christchurch and then to Central Otago, getting pretty excited about it. The itinerary is pretty much all buttoned up, I think there is one free day and all the rest filled up, we have a full day at Highlands Motorsport Park, a 3-hour ziplining adventure, luge, paintball, gondola, a boat trip, a hill trek, daily walks, brewery trips and more. Very busy.

I’ve been a bit sick in the last month with the flu of some sort, so exercise had to slow down for a week while I recovered, back into it now, doing a walk and a run each day totalling over an hour most days. Possibly planning on doing the Tongariro crossing in November with a group, so I’ll have a goal for my fitness.

Chillis are growing well, we had quite a dry spell here, but have had some good rain in the last week, so lawns have bounced back, so far we have had about 10 jalapenos off the plants, really good sizes.

Hectic January

Posted on 5th Feb 202418th Jun 2024 by Baron in Monthly Blog

January for me was flat out, exercised every day except the day I went to see the super sprint event at Taupo, check out the new “Events” tab above to see my coverage of that day.

January exercise consisted of 103km running, 54km walking, some weights days, and a few sessions on the bike and rowing machine. My V02 has gone up again to 42 which is awesome, going from 35 in December 2022 to 42 now this has also seen my weight go down approx 10kg, and my ability in running and weights improve a lot.

Chillis are starting to come in, we had the first few jalapenos off the plants this weekend in a curry, maybe we added too many as it was quite hot but still nice. most of the plants have quite a few chillis on them except for the super hots, but they are looking very healthy

Looking at going to the pools this week for my first session, I’ve been waiting for the school holidays to finish so it’s not too busy, planning on walking there, spending an hour in the pool and then walking home, maybe a 4km walk to get there, so should be a pretty active session.

Holiday to Central Otago is coming up pretty fast, with just over a month to go, getting pretty excited, we have been sorting through some of the final details this week. Looking forward to seeing the racetrack and getting out on it. Should be awesome fun.

Christmas 2023

Posted on 28th Dec 202328th Dec 2023 by Baron in Monthly Blog

Merry Christmas all, and all the best for the holiday season, I am currently on a break from work, but keeping up to date with fitness, today I went for an 11km walk down by the Waikato River, yesterday I ran 12km on the treadmill, and I guess tomorrow will be another run.

I was lucky enough to get a concession ticket for the local swimming pools for christmas, so once im back at work ill start using that on my spare day each week. i guess ill start by trying to swim 500 metres or something, see how i go at working out a goal when i get into it.

The salsa from the recipe page has proven quite popular, I made a batch just before Christmas and it was all eaten pretty fast, I used serranos instead of jalapenos, possibly needing a bit more kick, but still great.

Ive put a few short videos on youtube, just walks and gardening, also did a bit of testing with the action cam at home too, while having chillis and beer, ooh and a couple of tequilas..

Youtube - @Whatnz

The link above for the youtube channel, adding things a bit at the moment