New Year is a time of great optimism, with goals still unsullied by less than perfect outcomes and the prospect of perfect races ahead.
If you're a creature of whim, why not celebrate by rolling up for the Shoe Clinic 10 kilometres at Monaco tomorrow. The course is almost entirely off-road, using the walkway which heads north towards the airport, before swinging south on to the old railway reserve, then back to the start via the walkway along the coast.
You have the choice of the walk at 3.30pm or the run at 4pm. Entry is $5. Just allow yourself time to get signed up before the race starts.
You have already missed the opening swim of 2010 - the 2km Eyebright Mile race was this morning - but the Port Nelson sea swim series continues from next Thursday until March, with a swim every Thursday night. The series is growing year by replica clothing year, with up to 140 participants turning out in each race so far this season in short or long races or just to have a swim in the non-competition event. Details: see nelsonseaswims.co.nz
A lot of other events are happening weekly around the region and are open to all, including Tuesday bike races (see starandgarterwheelers.co.nz), Wednesday 5km runs (waimeaharriers.nelson.org.nz) and Saturday runs of about 7km (athletics. nelson.co.nz).
If you have been dabbling in triathlons and duathlons, there is a tougher challenge at Lake Rotoiti on Sunday, January 10, with the Philip Wareing Memorial Multisport Triathlon. Options include a swim triathlon over either the sprint or standard distances, a multisport option where the 1500-metre swim is replaced by an 8km kayak, and duathlons over two distances. If you're not up for the whole thing, try a team approach. Details: see nelsontriclub.co.nz
Closer to home on the same day is the Trevor Ruffell Tusk Trophy half marathon in the Maitai Valley. This race is a lot of fun, since you have to run or walk cleverly, not necessarily quickly.
rolex replica When you enter, you have to submit a time, and there are several start times, with the slower competitors going off first.
No watches are allowed and the winner is the person finishing closest to their estimate. Find out more at nelsonevents.co.nz
There is another triathlon-duathlon option at Rabbit Island on January 24, with races over the sprint distance as well as a shorter option. The twist in this race is that the 20km bike section is run under cycling rules on a 4km loop course, with drafting legal. That is the format used worldwide for elite racing and it will make for a thrilling event if you have the nerves for it. A few teams
embroidered patches with specialist cyclists will add further spice to the prospect, although it's the individual challenge that the sport is built on.
If you have longer-term goals, consider a cruisy bike ride from Lake Rotoiti to Rabbit Island in the Lakes to the Sea Ride on Waitangi Day as a lead-in to the 106km Rainbow Rage on March 20 (rainbow rage.co.nz) or the 100km Grape Ride, March 27 (graperide.co.nz).
Coming into autumn, it'll be time for the Port Nelson Blokes Day Out and the Taylors Women's Triathlon, followed by the Shoe Clinic Moutainbike Duathlon Series at Rabbit Island.
So many races. If you want a full list with links to websites, check out the Fitness Zone blog at nelsonmail.co.nz - click the blog tab at the top of the page.
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