About Me …
I am a passionate endurance runner who had a late start to the sport.
In my twenties, I started competing in marathons, and over the next 25 years or so, I competed in at least two a year, sometimes more. Most of these were in South Africa.
Then a move to New Zealand in 1994 meant that I faced completely different conditions for my running.
Mobile seconding along the Addo Elephant Race route!
One night I was surfing the internet and I came upon fellow runners’ comments about a 100km race in Mongolia. One runner suggested that it was the best possible event for anyone considering such a long distance. I have always had a fascination for out-of-the-way places, and this wonderful race became the first of my more intrepid running adventures.
It also introduced me to the unique pleasure of preparing for an ultramarathon and being able to enjoy the race itself combined with an unforgettable travel experience.
Below is a list of the ultramarathons I ran in the subsequent three years:
Refreshment tables along the route in Mongolia. Every table had a doctor present, in case of medical mishaps.
2005 : Six Foot Track (45km) in the Blue Mountains, Australia
Running at altitude was not fun because I struggled with my breathing all the way.
2006 : Two Oceans (56km) in Cape Town, South Africa
2007 : Antarctic Marathon (42.2km) (2nd place)
Freezing blizzard conditions made for a real challenge.
At each of these events, I met so many interesting fellow runners, for whom the pain, pleasure, challenge and joy of endurance running is a part of their daily life.
No silly comments like “You must be mad!” or “Why on earth would you want to put your body through that?”
The Atacama Desert - very different to the green of New Zealand!
At this race, I became aware of other runners who were using the event to raise funds for their chosen charities. It didn’t take me long to decide that I would like to raise funds for Hospice (Eastern Bay of Plenty).
This proved to be a great motivator because I was obliged to publicise my efforts in order to encourage donations, and once this happened, I was very aware that I simply had to give my next race my best shot. In 2009, I entered the Racing the Planet race in Namibia and this blog was started in order to share my journey with interested members of the community and fellow runners.
That race went well for me : I achieved my three goals. I finished in the top ten, I won my age group (50-60 years) and most importantly, I managed to raise more than $10,000 for Hospice.
At the end of the Namibian race with my son, Craig, who was a volunteer with Racing the Planet.
Now it is 2010, and I am back in training. I have entered the Racing the Planet Gobi March … another 250km, self-supporte race in the Gobi Desert.
I have the same three goals … and if you are reading this, I do hope you will help me achieve the $10,000 fundraising for Hospice. We have made it easy for you : just go to http://www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/jo4hospice and make a donation. Every cent will count, so small donations are welcomed.
I hope you will enjoy following my journey towards the race …
Jo Petersen
Perhaps the genius of ultrarunning is its supreme lack of utility. It makes no sense, in a world of ships and supercomputers, to run vast distances on foot. There is no money in it and no fame; frequently not even the approval of peers.
But as poets, apostles and philosophers have insisted from the dawn of time, there is more to life than logic and common sense. The ultra runners know this instinctively. And they know something else that is lost on the sedentary. They understand, perhaps better than anyone, that the doors to the spirit will swing open with physical effort.
In running such long and taxing distances, they answer the call from the deepest realms of their being – a call that asks who they are …”
(David Blaikie)
Jeanne Robinson Baker said
Jo:
I am Ned and Mardy Robinson’s daughter, and Erica’s “sister.” I was reading your’s and Ann’s Christmas letter, and was interested in your adventures. So just thought I would let you know that I had fun reading your website and about your running adventures. I am a post-50 triathlete, although a half-ironman is my longest. Not sure an ironman is in my future, but I like the variety of training for three things. (My brother Brooks and I are both Hammer nutrition fans…you mentioned either Sustained Energy or Perpetuem in your blog. I have successfully used both. We refer to the grit, slop, gruel of various products)
Mom always speaks so fondly of you and Ann. My folks are aging gracefully. They say they are as busy as ever; just don’t get as much done because it takes them longer to do everything!
I’ll check on your progress occasionally, and isn’t the world getting to be smaller! You are always welcome in California when you want to do an ultra-endurance event in North America (only two continents left for you to compete on…)
Jeanne
jo4hospice said
HI Jeanne,
Ann Petersen here, Jo’s wife. I thought you might be interested in the fact that Jo is doing another one of his 250km adventures. I was sorting out early blog entries and came across your comment written in January 2009. What a long time ago … so much has happened since then.
He also has a facebook page which I am updating. “Jo Petersen Ultra marathon runner”.
Are you still doing triathlons?
Even you aren’t too worried about reading about Jo’s race, I still wanted to say hi!
Ann
dee cawcutt/milford said
Hi Jo
You were in my thoughts today and wondered how the count down was going and when you would be passing through SA. Two Ocean racers came through Fish Hoek early this morning.
Sorry I am such a poor communicator – but do know that you and Ann are often in my thoughts and would love to have you visit if you are ever down south in SA.
Much love and strength
Dee
jo4hospice said
Thanks for your support, Dee. You’ll see from my latest update that I am really looking forward to the race now. I’ve basically done the hard yards, so it is just a case of keeping up my training for another couple of weeks and then resting up before the race.
I will be in CT (mainly Kleinmond) for a couple of days after the race. Craig and I head down South on the Sunday (25th?). You could always get hold of me at my Mum’s for a chat … that would be great!
Cheers,
Jo
Penny Brooks said
Good luck Jo from Alex and I.
I had not realised that the race was so close, but our best wishes go from New Zealand with you.
Regards
Penny Brooks
jo4hospice said
Thanks Penny!
Dave Walker said
Hi Jo
I stumbled onto what you are doing when sitting in a physio waiting room reading a magazine article about your endeavours. I got the lady at the desk to photocopy it for me I was so intrigued!
I too am a late starter to Ultra marathon, havig just completed the Brazil “BR135″ this year.
Infact I think the article referred to you wanting to run in Brazil, I’m not sure if its the one I did or another you wish to run. I wish you all the best with Namibia and your endeavours for Hospice.
PS. I’m heading back this Jan to do it again and hopefully have a crack at Badwater July 2010, (if I get in)
Look out for an article I’ve written for Endurance Mag, next month
Dave Walker
jo4hospice said
HI Dave,
I am managing the blog while Jo is away, but will make sure he reads your comment when he next has access to the internet. Thanks for writing … I am sure he will be interested in your article. There are not a lot of endurance ultramarathoners around!
Cheers,
Ann Petersen
Jan Morgan said
Your such a legend Jo, a huge congratulations, an amazing achievement.
see you when you get back home… we need a ticker tape parade
I can see you with cheer leaders sitting on the back of a 2 seater convertable….
deeply indebted – Jan.
Glen and Eddie Vowles said
Welcome home Jo. We have been following your progress and have been fascinated by the reports from you and Ann. We are pleased to make a small donation to Hospice and only wish it could be more. Congratulations on winning the 50-59 years age group and coming 6th overall.
Kind regards Glen and Eddie
Bonita said
JO!!!!!!! Thank you so much for carrying me to the loo on the day that I couldnt walk (Sand dune day) and we loved having you as the honorary member of our uber cool tent!!!!!!!!!!
Russell said
Just a quick line to say pretty much, I was glad you deffected to our tent! If you fancy swapping the odd title for books or what not, or even your upcoming races, I’d be very interested to hear.
Namibia tour was a hoot! Saw quite a bit of the country in the end: Sossusvlei, Okahandja, Etosha, Swakopmund (which I liked very much) and the Skeleton Coast up to Cape Cross.
Hope you’re recovered,
Cheers,
Russell.