Two sleeps left.

Ding, dong, ding dong.

It was that familiar ring tone again. One that started as a pleasant wake up alarm months ago that descended into a gruelling reminder of how early it was.

While the regular monotony of the tolling bells was starting to get dull, there was only thing crossing the mind. Sunday morning would be different. There would be a different time to get up, a different motivation. 

A different mental space.

--

Finishing my first half marathon was a long term goal. Having heard about it for the first time in 2007, I became interested but never committed further than uttering fluffy words that were more associated with daydreaming than reality.

This year would be different.

I came across the idea of running the half marathon almost on accident. An acquaintance posted tickets to another of her friend's on Facebook. I felt like I was almost prying into a conversation, but it was enough for me to get excited. As if it was me she handing the ticket to.

Excitedly, I booked a ticket online the following day. Five days later the field of 8000 would be sold out. A couple of month later, the marathon field sold out. That's when the scale hit me. What have I got myself into.

Training started well. Running 4 kilometres was my first significant achievement and one that reminded me of the task ahead of me: Do that five times without stopping.

Injuries became frequent, though not through running at all. Playing football was something I enjoyed, but I understood that if I was to have any chance of getting fit enough that I would have to give it up. After two pulled hamstrings, two rolled ankles and a big blow to the confidence, I gave up football for the season and haven't looked back.

Four kilometres became eight. Eight became 12. Then 12 became 16. Each stride bigger than the first. The confidence was back.

I triple checked the rules just to comfort myself and stumbled upon something that almost left me more motivated than ever. There are time restrictions – two of them – that would separate me from running 21km or running bits and pieces and taking in the rest from a bus shuttle.

Determined, the only way I knew I would be certain would be to run the opening 9km of the course. The hill-laden opening would determine whether I'd get through it alright or not. The test of five months of running, sweating and working hard in the gym. Thank goodness I passed.

The hours are ticking down. One-and-a-bit days until one of the toughest physical challenges I've undertaken. Whether it's done in my pre-set time (2:35:00) or not, I'm determined to cross that line victorious. To signal that I'm more of a runner than ever before.

--

Ding dong, ding dong.

Time to get up. Time to organise things before Sunday. 

Time to prepare.

Bigger strides; all eyes on the prize

"The sum of the whole is this: walk and be happy; walk and be healthy. The best way to lengthen out our days is to walk steadily and with a purpose."

Charles Dickens certainly knew something about what is an everyday activity, something still relevant to a 24-year-old bumbling down the dimly lit streets of Mt Eden and Balmoral in the late-night hours of crisp August and September nights in 2013.

I've taken to walking as part of my buildup to my run as a way of shedding a couple of kilograms en route to the date of that glorious occasion - the Auckland Half Marathon - on November 3, 2013.

The walking has been a blessing, almost therapeutic. There's something incredibly cathartic about walking in a darkly lit street listening to an assortment of songs that projected a variety of emotions. And memories.

In fact, it's the memory-recollecting music that had my mind blown. It's incredibly funny to see what thoughts dominate your mind when you have plenty of time at hand.

If there is one thing that I enjoy the most about walking that I hadn't considered earlier was that it helps soothe you. It helps to take your mind off anything going on at present. While the halfie is only some eight weeks away there's absolutely no doubt I'll be walking more after I finish.

--

I had the honour of speaking to some of AUT University's newest bunch of student journalists last Friday and it was an absolute blast.

The prospect of having an impact, a fleck of influence on a group who pride themselves on seeking information was a little intimidating, but I was rapt to do it alongside two fellow outstanding AUT journalism alumni in Kimberlee Downs (TVNZ) and Vaimoana Tapaleao (NZ Herald).

What was particularly eye-opening for myself was the genuine interest shown by the students at the conclusion of our presentations. It was up to the overseeing lecturer Dr Allison Oosterman to bring the forum to a close, something that in my own year was instead halted following a few brief questions.

I was then shoulder tapped by a couple of students eager to learn more about my time in the Cook Islands. I was so rapt that people showed a genuine interest and was more than willing to share any nuggets of gold they were after. Hopefully they were easy to take in.

--

The marathon training has been a big learning curve mentally as much as physically. With some eight weeks to go I could probably say I'm a little late to the party in starting to run longer distances, but it's better late than never. From this week I start running 9km courses for a fortnight before increasing a further few kilometres a week ahead of the big day: November 3.

Am I nervous? Shit yeah. Am I scared of being underprepared? Most definitely. Am I going to give up? Pfft. Get out of here.

--

I've also started with a nutritionist, who gave me the idea of walking at night, and I've created a new phrase in order to help me keep on track with my weight loss goals: Lean Maori Lean. Cue the forced laughter.

It goes well, however, with my other phrase as I eye the halfie and one that I will leave you with today:

"I took on this challenge
To improve myself
And to prove others wrong."

Take care, and until next time stay safe and please stay in touch :)

M

The long and windy route

Week three of my new intensive routine, and things are going well. Well, at least, I think they are.

Rugged up late on a Tuesday evening doesn't sound like a fun time to be exercising. And it isn't.

I'm writing this at my dining table, decorated with a reversible Cook Islands-patterned tablecloth, in the middle of another cold night.

It's early May. The nights are darker, more susceptible to comfort food and relaxation. It can be easy for motivation to freeze up as temperatures dip with the setting sun, but determination always wins out.

I'm into my third week of my new training schedule at Bodytech Mt Eden. It's a schedule that sees me going six times a week - three cardio sessions and three weights sessions.

It's been an interesting experience to say the least. I previously did around five minutes cardio before a weights session three-to-four times a week in my old programme.

The new programme includes 10 minutes before and after my circuit session days, while my cardio days involve a 20minute run, 10 minute walk and 20 minutes of interval work.

It won't get me over the line for the half marathon, but I have just under half a year to get match fit. I'm revisiting the programme each month and increasing the training accordingly.

Here are a few reasons as to why I decided to take up what it proving to be a massive task:


BACKSTORY

For those who aren't completely clued up, In late March I decided that it was time to do something almost unimaginable a year ago.

I have been hitting my gym, Bodytech, since mid-February, a few weeks after returning from Rarotonga.

Going three-to-four times a week became part of the routine and while I was enjoying the thrill of increasing the weights and making progress, there was just something missing.

Then it hit me in March as pre-season training for my football side, Underground FC, took place. Unfit, and struggling to keep up with the rest of the team, I decided it was time to get fitter. How was I going to do that? By preparing for a half-marathon. Sounds barmy right? Well, it sort of is at present!



Despite the mind-numbing decision, there are a few reasons as to why I chose this as opposed to any other sort of personal goal in 2013

1. Challenge accepted.

One of my biggest challenges to date was working in a foreign environment and soaking in a thriving Polynesian culture when I worked at the Cook Islands News midway through last year.

On my plane ride home I sat and gazed out the window. One of my biggest challenges was now over. Despite waving goodbye to one of the toughest things I had set out to do, the thrill and adrenalin that comes with tackling objectives was something I wanted to continue.

As a result, I have decided that every year I will set myself a challenge that will be able to be measured with a seemingly impossible task. For me, that involves running 21kilometres. Non stop. A test of endurance, a test of stamina and a test of how bad I really want to do something. Is it enough to overcome midwinter evenings come June, July and August? You bloody bet.

2. Fitness and health goals

New Years Resolution #4: Get fitter this year

It's a goal that always ends up in my list of ambitious resolutions, but it's hard to really understand what 'get fitter' means without an end and, just as importantly, a journey.

 It's a journey that I hope will include better nutritional choices and more exercise. It's not just about running 21km, for me it's about ensuring it is a catalyst to living a more healthy life one day at a time.

I've always been referred to as 'big guy', 'big fella' or 'big boy'. I don't really mind, I've got a thick skin so I just laugh it, off but underneath an accepting facade is a 24-year-old looking for confidence.

By eating better and doing exercise, culminating in the Auckland Half Marathon on November 3, 2013, I'm hoping to put an end to the 'big' stereotypes. :)

3. Inspiring others and conquering judgment

"You don't need to prove yourself." "I don't think you can do it."

Tough statements like the two above are also what I'm hoping to conquer by doing this run. Everyone knows I'm my own harshest critic, and with this race I'm looking to counter my sceptical side with my ambitious one.

Fingers crossed.

AUCKLAND HALF-MARATHON
DECEMBER 3, 2013
7AM START

Some 8000 half-marathon runners will be lining up at 7am in Devonport hoping to achieve their own personal goals. For some it'll be conquering something that has been lingering on the bucket list for years, for others the race will conclude a lifetime of doubt, while others will be using it to tune up for future challenges.

For me, the race is all about three things: Accepting challenges and striving towards conquering them, working towards a healthier state and conquering any lingering fears of scepticism.

That certainly sounds like something to strive towards, if you ask me.

---

I'm also working on a wee video on my motivations/music/inspirations as we speak and should be up in the next few weeks :)

Regardless, I hope you've at least soaked in a bit of insight into why I've decided to take on this challenge.

Stay safe,

MW

Life in Dunedin seems pretty cool

It's a chilly night in Dunedin, not so unusually chilly as to force a compulsory allocation of shoes, pants, and three jackets, but crisp enough to go for a brisk walk and soak in the fresh air.

Fresh air was exactly what I needed after almost a week in this beautiful city.

Thoughts of a thoroughly active weekend outside of work swirled through my head as I sat on a grassy paddock in front of my favourite parts of Dunedin, the clock tower at Otago University.

I sat there, Just Juice box in hand, just sitting thinking about my job, how fortunate I am and the challenges that will not be revealed unless I feel comfortable enough to tell you in person.

Anyway, back to the clock tower.

I had the absolute privilege of walking through the university every day en route to my working location for the week, the University Oval.

It was almost a subconscious feeling of going back 100-odd years or so and witnessing what it would have been like first-hand to attend university in its early days.

Architectural designs of buildings aren't usually my thing, but I could've sworn I felt right at home as I walked through the archway dissecting two streets I strolled twice a day to and from the Oval.

I had the absolute honour of meeting, and freestyle rapping, with someone I consider an idol: Dual international Suzie Bates and her Otago Sparks cricket team.

Having represented New Zealand in basketball and cricket, both of which I'm notoriously awful in, I was floored at the chance to finally meet her after countless tweets.

What an opportunity, then, to hit up the ol' karaoke and do some freestyle rapping! Never thought I'd say that this season will be theirs, but if you say it, you've put it out there huh.

And to the others there that night – Crowley, Stiven, Liv, Lis,  Jimmy (haha) and anyone else I've left out, thanks for a mega time. Hopefully the first impression of me wearing a Sparks top to one of your Auckland games has since been erased.

 

 

As for the cricket, I don't think there really is anything to take out of it aside from the fact that we can bat on a flat wicket.

On a track offering nothing we managed to find someone who can score 170-odd on a flat track that everyone got starts on. This is significant, but will not be anywhere near as flat as the one in Wellington.

Wellington's pitches traditionally favour pace bowlers, and it'll be interesting to see whether Bruce Martin has done enough to keep his spot at a ground not favourable for spin.

As for how they go I think this Test is where we will really see if they have learned lessons from their horror showing in Paarl. England got themselves all out for 167, and we shouldn't expect them to do it again for the next four innings, so application and perseverance with set gameplans will be just as important as winning the toss.

 

 

I reckon I'm going to miss Dunedin. In my first trip where I've had a significant amount of time to take in the sights, sounds and smells of the area, it's safe to say that I quite like this place.

Just remind me not to bring my jandals next time.

 

Kia manuia, Rarotonga

Sitting alone in my two-bedroom apartment, having recently finished having a few friends over for breakfast, it suddenly hit me.

In just over a day’s time, my tenure in Rarotonga will come to an end.

As I sat on my deck eating tropical mangos and passion fruit, the realisation came as a bit of a shock.

Seven months of researching, writing, interviewing, fact-checking and photographing the stories of people from all over the Cook Islands ends tomorrow.

It’s a fact that has crept up on me almost without warning since I resigned ahead of Christmas.

The subsequent six weeks have been a mixture of sweet and sour, each completed by a rapidly ticking clock.

It has been a time of trying to escape being alone, a time of avoiding scenes of reminiscence – highlights, lowlights, lessons learnt.

While the 42 days since were filled with activity, there was still an urge to think of memories past and store them.

Then last Saturday, while cleaning up post-breakfast, the Rarotonga memories couldn’t hide any longer.

--

While not all memories of my time here are sweet and dusted with desiccated coconut, Rarotonga itself has been very kind to me.

One of my favourite past times now in Rarotonga is strolling the golden sands of the Social Centre in Nikao.

On every occasion, one can hear the joyful cheers of laughter interspersed with the dulcet tones of water reaching the sand.

It’s this joy and feeling of content that will be called upon a number of times in the future.

That and the tropical fruit, of course.
--
Food aside, the past seven months have seen me take on a number of challenges and fulfil a number of goals I’m proud to have achieved.

In my short term here, I helped cover the 2012 Pacific Leaders Forum, the national side’s Olympics campaign and a number of other Rarotonga-based events.

Of all of those events, the one that stood out was watching the Cook Islands host the Pacific-focused meet with distinction.

Leading by example with the establishment of a large marine park, the Cook Islands shone alongside US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who attended parts of the meet.

Then in December, the Cook Islands again made international news with the confirmation of the second largest shark sanctuary in the world (behind French Polynesia).

Steered by the Pacific Islands Conservation Initiative, the Cook Islands’ project has been hailed internationally as a milestone for shark protection.

These are just two events that have given the Cook Islands a significant amount of profile, and a similarly high dosage of credibility from the international community.
--
I’ve been fortunate enough to have had a chance to get to know just what makes people in the Cook Islands tick.

The best avenue hasn’t been through reporting, or photographing people – it’s been through getting into their community.

This season I played for the mighty Titikaveka Titans in the domestic T20 competition here.

What was a rocky road was made easier by the bond shared by all players regardless of background or ability.

This bond has resulted in countless hearty stories that would have gone unnoticed to anyone on the outside looking in.

To Hori and the boys, thanks for the season fellas and I look forward to hearing of more success in the future.
--

In this final post I want to pose what has become an all-too-familiar question: How comfortable are you in your current situation?

My pastor here at Celebration on the Rock put it nicely at the last service I went to here in Raro.

He said that “we are here today because of the decisions we have made in the past”.

It’s not a new phrase per se, but it really hammered the thought home:

I came to Rarotonga wanting a change in lifestyle, a chance to seek heavenly counsel and to develop as a journalist.

Whether this season was to ensure lessons are learnt and taken home remains to be seen, but there’s one thing I can vouch for right now.

I’m a changed man.

Gone are the days of laziness and easiness, the days of shyness in the sports media environment and the inferiority complex.

The days to come won’t feature a Matiu Workman who is too shy to ask dumb questions, or a Matiu Workman whose cultural heritage is only shown in his first name.

It's now a case of working hard, playing hard and being proud of my Maori heritage more than ever before.

--

Helping re-connect with my Christian faith was a key factor in my decision to move to Rarotonga, and in hindsight I certainly think my walk has improved.

While I’m nowhere near becoming St Matiu of Lower Hutt, I have certainly noticed that God has instilled in my heart a greater conviction when sinning.

It’s certainly a timely reminder that anything wrong or non-Christian like pains him, and that for me is a big stepping stone to not only reducing the offences, but breaking them completely.

I’d like to quickly thank pastor Jonathan Cargill and his team at Celebration on the Rock for challenging me and my faith and guiding me spiritually over the last season.

I’ve certainly felt a benefit and look forward to improving further back in New Zealand.

To Brian Aitken and his family, my thoughts, prayers and sincere thanks also go out to you.
--
While I’ve thanked a few people already, I want to humbly acknowledge all of the Cook Islands people for your hospitality, your aroa maata and your generosity.

The Cook Islands is a country where culture, rather than capitalism, is the main driver of the economy.

It’s a country where traditions of centuries past co-exist with modern day technology, and whose love for their families and friends is strong amongst each of the 15 stars.
It is to you people that I give my final words:

Meitaki maata e kia manuia.


Matiu Workman