Husband and wife run into good form

Press, 19 November 1977, Page 12

Husband and wife run into good form

The husband and wife marathon team of Susan and Graham Taylor provides a notable example of what can be done to enter a tough competitive sport of distance running, when over 30, by the applications of, and gradually increased, training. Both joined the St Martins Athletic Club shortly after their introduction' to running through training for the “Christchurch Star” City to Surf community run last March. “Both answered a circular put out by the St Martins club inviting City to Surf runners to make a start in club running and it has turned out an outstanding success for both of them” said the St Martins club secretary, Mr Phil Law. “It has really shown what perseverence in training can do. They began training regularly with the St Martins club training school, led by the Canterbury marathon champion,'Don Cameron. “It was not long before both were handling runs of 23 to 35km on Sunday morning runs on the Port Hills with the group which leaves Don Cameron’s house each Sunday morning. Both Graham and Susan concentrated on club running and Graham ran his first marathon in the Christchurch club’s open event on October 22 with a good beginner’s time. Last Saturday, he added an extra achievement by winning the St Martins Lion Breweries 25km event. Susan followed Graham all the way on her bicycle to encourage him.

Susan did not run with her husband in this race because her training schedule included a 35 km run on the hills with Graham the following day. This outing was to help prepare her for her first marathon, the DB Great Westland on December 3. Graham says he may decide to. stay back with Susan in this event to help her through to the

finish; on present form, this wll prove no difficulty for either of them. After that, Susan has her sights on the women’s half-marathon on December 10, sponsored by T. J. Edmonds, Ltd. “It has been an outstanding example of how the community runs like the ‘City to Surf’ and ‘The Press’ ‘Park-to-Park’ runs are bringing newcomers into the sport and these two are setting a fine example to other married couples on what can be done in so short a time,” said Mr Law.