Injuries hinder fitness promotion

A torn hamstring and an injured tibia part-way through her epic challenge meant that Lisa Tamati was running a day later than planned on her Running Hot tour of New Zealand when she arrived in Kaikoura last week.

Despite the injury Lisa was still battling through the run, although it had meant she was taking it slower and covering less distance than anticipated, and was not running to schedule any more.

"I'll still complete it," she said.

"Just not maybe in the time I had originally set out to do it in.

"There were times back there where things were looking pretty desperate but I'm now moving forward and that's the main thing."

But the injury did not stop her from covering an impressive 40kms on the day, some of which she had managed before she even arrived in Kaikoura at 9am, having left Goose Bay at 6am.

She went on, with local runner Carolyn Vasta, as far as Hapuku School, where she spoke to the students, including visiting students from St Joseph's School, about the importance of keeping active, before taking a run around the grounds with the children.

She also met up with Taj Smith, Hapuku School student who is recovering from a rare form of bone cancer, which she said was one of the highlights of her day.

Lisa gave Taj two of the bandannas that she had designed for CanTeen and Taj gave her a koha from the Hapuku School community.

Lisa described her visit to Kaikoura as a wonderful experience which had really lifted her spirits after a low point following the injury.

"Kaikoura really turned the weather on and the kids and school were awesome."

Lisa said that although she had a very funny running style at the moment, the injuries were starting to heal themselves, and a trip to Kaikoura Physiotherapy had also helped a great deal.

Not to mention the hospitality shown by Mark from Take Note Kaikoura who had organised some seafood and crayfish for her and her crew, which they were enjoying that evening overlooking the mountains.

"A big thanks to the people of Kaikoura for making me feel so welcome!"

Anyone who would like to read more about Lisa and her adventures, and buy her biography, Running Hot, at Take Note, and her current challenge can be followed on www.nzrun.co.nz where donations can also be made or people can sign up to do their own challenges to raise money and awareness for CanTeen and Cure Kids.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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