While many people have been enjoying a slow and relaxing summer, the same can't be said for Christchurch-based 800m runner Angie Petty.
Angie Petty has been training 10 times a week. Photo: RNZ / Joanna MacKenzie
The 26-year-old has her sights set on the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games and has been training 10 times a week in the lead up to the event.
After competing at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and 2016 Rio Olympics, Petty is hoping in 2018 she'll run faster than ever.
The 26-year-old started competing in athletics when she was 10 and found her strength was in the 800m discipline, with the need for both speed and endurance.
New Zealand's Commonwealth Games team hasn't been named yet, but Patty has met the qualifying time of 2 minutes 1 second and is hopeful she will be given the opportunity.
She placed fifth in the 2014 Commonwealth Games and said she would love to improve on that.
"It all depends on how you go on the day, but I know that I'm getting better over time," she said.
"I'm hoping for a really good result and to give it everthing out there."
Petty and her dog Tux Photo: RNZ / Maja Burry
Petty's husband Sam - also a runner - and their dog Tux often train with her. She does about 10 training sessions a week including endurance and speed work, as well as working out at the gym.
Petty said being an 800m runner in Christchurch had its challenges - the only all-weather athletics track in the city was lost in the 2011 earthquake, so Petty trains on a grass track or has to travel elsewhere.
It's hoped around 250 athletes will represent New Zealand at Gold Coast in April 2018, making it the country's largest ever Commonwealth Games team.
