13/02/2026
A Q & A with Dr Shelley and Dr Hannah, both are running the Tarawera Ultra trail tomorrow (the 14th Feb) T50. Sam will post some updates over the day!
How long have you been running?
Shelley - I have been consistently running for 2 years.
Before my running adventures I did a fair chunk of Triathlon training in my late teens/early 20s, then was into gym weight training and was dressage rider since a child.
Hannah – I have gone for the odd jog here and there for around 5 or 6 years, but never further than a few kms, and never very fast.
My sport interests always used to gear toward something a bit more ‘easy’, like mountain biking or skiing. Last year my other half convinced me to run my first ultra, and having never even run a half marathon, I figured it was a great idea and bought a ticket to Oct ’25 Taupo 50k. In the midst of emigrating to NZ I did very little training, but found that I am incredibly stubborn, and have pretty good endurance, completing 50k in 9 hours – yes, I ran/walked a good chunk!
Why would you want to run 52km?
Shelley - It’s cheaper than horses or drugs? Just kidding. I love the challenge. Seems cliche but I don’t want to be an old lady and wonder ‘what if’ about anything. I hope I get to the pearly gates with battle scars and worn out knees after living life to the fullest.
Hannah - I’m not really sure. I like the challenge (and the snacks).
My mind works a lot better when I keep fit. I have lots of friends who are now unable to do these sorts of things due to life changing injuries. There are lots of little reasons why I like this sort of challenge, but it all boils down to making the most of the time we have. I read a quote in the lead up to the last 50k that said, ‘mindset is the difference between an adventure and an ordeal’, and that fits for all aspects of life.
How much training is involved for a race like this?
Shelley - It never feels like you have done enough, but for the last few months I have been doing 5-15hrs a week, 30-80km a week depending on where I am at in my training plan. This is a mix of long slow runs, medium slow runs, shorter runs where I try to run fast, but am still slow… and hill runs (that are actually slow hikes).
Hannah - Way more than what I have been doing. I roughly follow a plan in an app called ‘Runna’, which helps with knowing what to do, how much, and when.
What will you eat during the race?
Shelley - I have been practicing eating more than in previous races. I think I have been under fueled previously. I am using running gels (30-40gm of carbs) electrolyte water with sugar (carbs) and a few roam peanut butter sachets to buffer the gels. At 35km I plan to have some kumera, feta and olives and a cold coke. Then more gels to get me to the end. I find it hard to run with too much solid food in my tummy, I find it best to be light high carb, I am aiming for 60-90gm of carbs per hour.
Hannah – I have yet to work out how many carbs per hour I need but I try to eat every 30 minutes. I intermix OSM bars (forced down with a mouthful of water), peanut butter dates, and a few running gels. I have 2 water bottles, one with water and one with electrolytes to avoid the dreaded muscle cramps. From trial an error I found that I work best on real food, rather than lots of heavily processed running specific gels. However that being said, I can stomach a few for the longer runs.
How much fluid do you take in over this distance?
Shelley - I have recently done a sweat test, I weighed myself in my running clothes, ran for 1hour at race pace, drank 1L of fluid and weighed myself after - to see how much fluid I lost. I learnt (in this instance) I loose 1.2L of fluid in 1hour (give or take). I plan on trying to take in 1L of electrolytes every 10km (depending on the weather). If it’s really hot I might make the electrolyte mix stronger and take some salt tablets. I also monitor my urine color to manage my intake. I am a very ‘sweaty runner’ so I have had to learn to manage this or I would cramp up.
Hannah – Shelley is far more scientific than me on this one. I drink as and when I get thirsty! I carry 1L in my running vest and tend to drink the lot between aid stations, which is at roughly 10k splits. When I’m at an aid station if I feel I need it I will fill a bottle, drink the lot and re-fill it before I skip off.
What are you most looking forward to during the race?
Shelley - I love running with other people, the energy and excitement and the event hype. It is so amazing to be surrounded by other people who have been training so hard, all thinking about the same event and so much life sacrifice to get to the start line.
Hannah – The vibe at races like this is incredible. It doesn’t matter whether you get over the finish line after 5, 10 or 20 hours – there will always be people there at the end cheering you on.
What are you most looking forward to after the race?
Shelley - A massive hug from Sam and Mojo. Seeing Hannah and debriefing how we went. The biggest, coldest cider in Rotorua we can find and hot chips! And just being proud of getting a major goal done.
Hannah – Laying on the floor after traveling 50k by foot is one of the best feelings! Hopefully whilst I’m on the floor considering my life choices Shelley and Sam will be handing me a beer! My other half is running the 100k, along with my sister in law and it’s her first at that distance. I think, if all goes to plan I will be at the finish line first so I get to see them both through the end.
What’s next on the running agenda? And what is your bucket list/life dream race?
Shelley - I am aiming for Faultline Ultra in Wellington late April, Taupo Ultra and then considering the 160km (the miler) Tarawera next year. My bucket list depends if I win lotto! I would love to do The Great Marathon Race, 7 Marathons on 7 Continents in 7 days (it’s NZD100K so I’m dreaming) Or UTMB in Europe. If I’m realistic, I’d love to do some races in Aussie, that would be epic.
Hannah – I actually have no others in the calendar, but I’m sure Shelley will convince me to change that. I’d like to spend the rest of this season working on my pace and hit a few goals there, then next summer implement that training and take a good chunk of time off what I get this year. I have no specific life dream races, but I’d love to be able to do a 100k or 100mile one day, or an iron man… who knows… feel free to throw any ideas my way!
