Pulling a hamstring three weeks before today’s Queenstown Marathon was not ideal, but broadcaster Wendy Petrie early this week was still hopeful she would make the start line.
The 54-year-old television presenter has run two marathons, in Auckland in 2017 and Queenstown in 2019, and was encouraged to enter again when MC’ing a function for event sponsor New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty.
‘‘I mulled it over and at first thought I couldn’t commit to the training, but then I changed my mind.’’
Then, finding time to train became even more challenging when she and husband Ross Peebles – who is running Saturday’s half marathon – bought a signage business in Albany, Auckland.
However, Ms Petrie should not be too underprepared as she has been an inveterate runner since taking it up after having her three children, who are now 21, 19 and 15.
‘‘I began as it was an easy way to get some exercise while the kids were little.
‘‘I love the feeling of running, the endorphins and how it clears my mind.
‘‘I never thought I could run a marathon, though, so it was a big challenge.’’
She runs first thing most mornings and builds more distance according to a plan made for her by running coaching service, GetRunning.
‘‘I love getting outside, even if it’s raining or cold, it still feels great.
‘‘I often have my best ideas when I’m running.’’
As for her hamstring, she was ‘‘very disappointed’’ with the timing, having done her big three-hour runs in the build-up, but if her time was a bit slower as a result, ‘‘that is just fine’’.
‘‘The Queenstown marathon is so picturesque, I can just take my time.
‘‘When I set out to do something, I really want to do it.’’
