The Physical Performance Show: Zane Robertson – NZ Marathon Record Holder 2:08:19, 59:47 half marathon, Comm Games Bronze (5000m, 2014), Olympian
In episode 170 of The Physical Performance Show Brad Beer shares a conversation with Zane Robertson – NZ Marathon Record Holder 2:08:19, 59:47 half marathon, Comm Games Bronze (5000m, 2014), Olympian in this featured performer episode.
Zane Robertson debuted in the 2019 Gold Coast Marathon with an impressive 2:08:19 just an average of 3:02 per kilometre to set a new New Zealand Marathon record. Zane took 3rd place in the 2019 edition of the Gold Coast Marathon and this added to his record list. Zane’s other records include the Oceanic Record for the half marathon running a swift 59:47, the 10km road Oceanic Record of 27:28. Zane has also been a Dual World Championships Finalist, a 2016 Rio Olympic Games 10,000m track finalist. Zane was also the 2014 Commonwealth Games Bronze Medallist in the 5000m at Glasgow.
But what makes Zane Robertson’s success so unique is not just his remarkable results but the story that underpins how Zane Robertson has achieved what he has. Zane and his identical twin brother Jake at just 17 year old laid it all on the line. By moving to East Africa in Kenya 13 years ago in order to become the best runners they possibly could. They moved to East Africa to train with the best distance runners on the planet.
During this episode you will hear Zane share around some of the hardships that he endured as a Junior Runner. The bullying at school growing up, classmates and also even teachers. The studying that he and Jake did to learn and understand what it would take to be a world class runner. The pressures of being an unsponsored athlete including at the time of recording. The heartache that comes with injury including 2 sacral stress fractures that cost Zane a 2018 Marathon Debut at the Commonwealth Games. The emotions and feelings Zane was experiencing in the lead up to his Marathon Debut at the Gold Coast Marathon. The training insights of the Kenyans and the Ethiopians, strength and conditioning principles, the importance of training tendons and Zane lays down a physical challenge to us for the week. At the time of recording, Zane now calls Ethiopia home, having married Baeza his Ethiopian sweetheart and this is a little insight into the world of Zane Robertson, New Zealand Distance Running Star.
To listen to Episode 170:
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Listen in as we delve into the following:
- Introduction to Zane Robertson
- How Zane discovered his talent in Running
- Where his drive came from
- Experiencing Bullying throughout school
- His injuries and how it impacts his life
- Why he has lived in East Africa for the past 13 years
- How he approached his first Marathon
- How he conquers his fear during Marathons
- Differences in training from the East to the West
- His advice in overcoming bone injury
- High moments in his career
- Darkest days of his career
- Zane on strength and conditioning
Show Sponsor Gold Coast Marathon
Like the Physical Performance Show, the Gold Coast Marathon encourages runners of all ages and abilities to push their boundaries and strive to complete a personal challenge.
The Gold Coast Marathon is held annually on the first weekend in July and is a must do event for any budding athlete, weekend warrior or family looking for a challenge to complete together.
Run for the good times at the Gold Coast Marathon. Visit the Gold Coast Marathon here.
Quotes:
“Space out” – Being in the Zone
“Aggressive” – Racing Style
“There is no magic mileage figure. Magic is not in a figure, it’s in an effort” – Best Advice
“45 second wall sits” – Physical Challenge
“Work on talent that counts.”
“Everyone will have their day.”
“The more body weight you put into the ground, the more return you’ll get if your using your body right.”
“Training your tendon is a must.”
“Easy days go; easy, hard days; go hard.”
“Learn to read your own body not someone else’s.”
“Find what makes you happy.”
“Differences of Training in East Africa and NZ”
- Pacing: Easy days are easy – effort and easy effort.
- Diet
- Rest
To follow Zane Robertson
Instagram: @zane_robertson_nzl
Twitter: @runninelvis
Facebook: @Runninelvis59
Physical Challenge Exercise
Timeline:
00:00 Start
02:19 Introduction to Zane Robertson
06:05 How Zane discovered his talent in Running
15:05 Where his drive came from
16:07 His injuries and how it impacts his life
19:30 Why he has lived in East Africa for the past 13 years
20:40 How he approached his first Marathon
22:50 How he conquers his fear during Marathons
24:55 Differences in training from the East to the West
28:37 His advice in overcoming bone injury
36:15 High moments in his career
39:40 Darkest days of his career
45:13 Zane on strength and conditioning
49:23 Performance Round
57:30 Physical Challenge
1:06:07 Finish
People Mentioned:
Mo Farah – British Distance Runner
Matt Fox – Sweat Elite – Train Like the World’s Best (ft Matt Fox) Episode 136 of The Physical Performance Show
Alex Hutchinson – Author New York Times Bestseller ENDURE Episode 123 of the Physical Performance Show
Bernard Lagat – Kenyan Long Distance Runner – Episode 77 of The Physical Performance Show
El Guerrouj – Retired Moroccan middle-distance runner
Don Willoughby – Coach
Related
Zane Robertson’s 2.5 weeks leading into his debut Marathon where he ran 2:08:19 at the Gold Coast Marathon on July 7th 2019. Zane spent this time at his training base in Sululta, Ethiopia (2800m/9100ft altitude) where most of the training runs included undulating hills. The below was a snippet of Zane’s training diary as published HERE>> by Sweat Elite
Wed Jun 12
10 x 1km hard/moderate on road 3.21, 2.51, 3.22, 2.56, 3.21, 2.57, 3.25, 2.52, 3.20, 2.51, 3.17, 2.50, 3.14, 2.50, 3.16, 2.50, 3.16, 2.49, 3.13, 2.47 / / afternoon Gym heavy weights + plyometric sets between sets
To learn more about Easy African training tune into Interest Edition featuring Sweat Elite Founder Matt Fox in episode 136 of The Physical Performance Show HERE>>
For questions and comments about this Episode
Send to the show host @Brad_Beer (Twitter) or @brad_beer (Instagram)
