Eight Days Until the Rail Trail Walk Begins

I did the home - town - Mt Cargill - Upper Junction Road - Home circuit. I left home at 6am and did the 20km loop at 9.50am.

Timimgs - Logan Park 1 hout, Halfway up Mt Cargill Road 2 hours, Near bottom of Upper Junction Road = 3 hours

No serious aches and pains. However it is now only 8 days until I start the Rail Trail.

Roof Painting

Since school finished on 21 December at lunchtime I have been consumed with painting the roof. The first two days included water blasting and painting on one coat. On the 3rd day I only managed 2 hours as the rain came. This meant no walking on the three painting days.

On Christmas Day we went to Vic and Trudy's for lunch. For tea we went to Shirley's with friends. Denise and I decided to leave the car in Helena Street. We taxied home costing $27.

On Boxing Day I left St Leonards to walk and get my car. The 11kms took 1 hr and 50 mins.

Leith Valley Walks

1. Yesterday the Caversham Harrier's Walking Group met at Woodhaugh Gardens at 1pm on a very hot day (24 degrees). 8 of us walked through the gardens, via Ross Creek and around the McGoun Dam. FRom there it was all down hill to our starting point. The distance was around 12km.

2. Today I met Craig at Woodhaugh Gardens. We walked up Malvern Street, Patmos Avenue, crossed the motorway bridge onto Pinehill Road. We turned left at the shop and did a winding road to North Road coming out at Buccleugh Street. We did the short walk back to our strting point. It was a muggy day taking about 1 hour 5o mins. It was a slower walk so we probably covered 10km.

Grandchildren in Christchurch

Denise and I took Daneka and Shayla to Christchurch for the weekend to see Nadine. I stayed withLyn as there was not enough room at Nadine's. On Saturday morning I walked from Lyn's to Nadines which as a 8km walk.

On Sunday morning I drove to Hagley Park and walked around Hagley Park North. It took an hour to do the approx. 6km walk.

Rail Trail Necessities to take

• Plasters
• Suntan lotion
• Vaseline
• Panadol
• Sunglasses
• Electric Shaver
• Creative Zen mp3 player inc power adaptor
• Cellphone
• Torch
• Camera incl charged batteries
• Dictophone
• Notebook, pencil, pen

Clothing

• School brimmed sunhat
• Shorts (1) or (2)
• Socks (10)
• trainers
• underclothing (6) plus boxer shorts
• t-shirts (6)
• sweatshirt (1)
• blue nylon parka

Personal

• Toothbrush and tothpaste
• towel
• cake of soap
• shampoo (small bottle)

Aramoana

This morning Craig and I left Topedo Bay Mole at 9.10am in very warm conditions winding our way around to Aramoana. It took 90 mins to get to our destination. On the way back the wind changed and it was more overcast and cooler. Walking around blind curves proved treacherous.

Ran into Alan and Julie Anderson who were biking and later Glenda Thomas who was collecting seaweed with her daughter Tamera.

We got back in 88 minutes. The walk was 18kms.

I got chafed in the groin area so will need to think about this for the Rail Trail walk. No blisters or sore muscles.

First Summer Walk With Caversham Harrier's Walkers Group

Since the main season for the walker's group finished in October, I have not been able to do the fortnightly walk with the group. Today we (4 of us) met at the Royal Tavern (Green Island). We walked south and then past Sunnyvale until we came to Fairfield. We walked through the new sub-division back to the Main Road. It was then a turn left at Watson Road (Street) until we came to the Old Brighton Highway. We walked all the way until we came to the main road to Brighton. It was a left turn through Waldronville back to Green Island. This walk took exactly 2 hours and was about 12km long.

I found the pace tough as all the walkers could do sub 3 hour half marathon walks.

Central Otago Rail Trail

I thought I might give the Central Otago Rail Trail a go in the Christmas school holidays.

My plan is:

Sun 6 Jan - Denise would take me to Middlemarch and I would stay with Noel and Rebecca at their new B and B.
Mon 7 Jan - Middlemarch to Hyde - Noel may walk this leg with me. Stay at Otago Central Hotel. $45 pn - $4.50 deposit
Tue 8 Jan - Hyde to Ranfurly. Stay at Ranfurly Lion Hotel. $50 pn
Wed 9 Jan - Ranfurly to Oturehura. Stay at Oturehura Hotel. $45 pn
Thu 10 Jan - Oturehura - Lauder. Stay at Lauder Hotel. $45 pn
Fri 11 Jan - Lauder to Chatto Creek. Denise to join me overnight.
Sat 12 Jan - Chatto Creek to Clyde. Denise to walk with me to Clyde.

22km round trip

Craig and I left Logan Park at 8.40am intent on doing the 22km circuit up to Uppper Junction Road, down to Roseneath and along the Port Chalmers Highway, back to our cars.

We crossed diagonally over Logan Park to Harbour Terrace. Turned left onto Dundas Street and left onto Leith Street. We walked through the Gardens and along North Road until we reached Baldwin Street, known as the steepest street in the world. Craig was keen to walk to the top which we did.

When we got back to the bottom of Baldwin Street we proceeded along North Road and up Mount Cargill. About 20 minutes up Craig started to feel the affects of Baldwin Street and decided to walk back to his car. I continued up Mount Cargill Road until I got to Upper Junction Road. I walked down until I reached the Port Chalmers Highway. It was a slower walk to my car.

The whole trip took exactly 4 hours.

Labour Day

After the wedding celebrations we took Ngaire and Garry to the airport. On the way back Denise dropped me off at Lookout Point and I walked all the way home - 13km in 2 hours. I put on the pace in the closing stages as I wanted to get back in 2 hours.

Labour Weekend

During this Labour Weekend, we had Kirsty and Paul's wedding. I did two 12km walks. To Port Chalmers and return on Saturday and on Sunday I walked to Display and Sell and back home.

Club Closing Day and Hill Free Walk

It was the end of season walk for the Club. 21 members left the clubrooms, walked up Mornington Road to Elgin Road. Turned left and walked down towards the traffic lights at the bottom of Caversham Valley Road. It was up the hill to Corstorphine and then the clubrooms.
Distance 7km.


Sunday was the Hill Free walk around Outram. Picked up Craig Currie at 8.35am and away we headed to Outram. It was rainy and quite cold. I managed a good pace. I suffered from Shin splints until I warmed up. Hit 5km at 43 mins. I decided I would try and catch up with Craig. Did so at the 2km to go mark. I increased the tempo and did the walk in 1 hour 23 mins and 16 secs. I was 42nd home out of 170 walkers. I was the 2nd male in my age band to reach the finish.

The walk was followed by a great lunch and presentations incl spot prizes. Craig won a masage.

Caught Up With An Old High School Mate

On Friday, Craig and I did the Townleys Road loop of 13 km taking about 2hrs 15 mins. We Parked our cars at the Kaikorai Valley College Gymnasium. We headed south to Townley's Road until we came to the Mt Grand Road. It was very steep until we came to Dalzell Road. We turned left at Three Mile Hill Road, through Halfway Bush, Wakari until we came to Kaikorai Valley Road. A great workout.

I had planned to go to Christchurch but did not need to. I went to the Clubrooms for the walk. I ran into Warren Tweedie whom I was in the same class for four years. I had not seen him since 1969. We walked the route together and it was wondeful catching up.

The 10km walk saw us go down Emerson Road to Concord, onto Kaikorai Valley Road, Townleys Road (again) but instead of turning right onto Mt Grand Road, we turned left onto Reservoir Road. Did a loop around the reservoir and came back. Instead of Emerson Road we came up Stevenson Road.

Last Day of September

It has been 3 weeks since the Moro 1/2 marathon and a month since walking with Craig.

As it was the first day of daylight saving Craig and I met at 9.30am in Portsmouth Drive. Craig chose the route this time.

Walked along Portsmouth Drive and turned right into Portobello Road. Walked along Queen's Drive, then Victoria Road to St Clair. Up Cliffs Road until we got to Aberdeen Street. Turned onto Allandale Street and walked to Forbury Road. Walked along Forbury Road until we reached Jacob's Ladder. Turned left onto Easther Crescent and back onto Victoria Road. Down Hillside Road to Portsmouth Drive. 11 kms taking 1 hour 50 mins.

2nd Year of Walking Begins

As it is school holiday time I will try to do 10 kms each day.

25 Sept - Home to Display and Sell and return 12 kms
26 Sept - Home to Port Chalmers and return 12 kms
27 Sept - Home to Blanket Bay (5km), Home to Ravensbourne (6km) 11 kms
28 Sept - Ricoh Copiers, Hanover St, Castle Street, Gt King St, Gardens, North Road, Normanby North Road continued up Mount Cargill to Upper Junction Road, Blanket Bay Road, Port Chalmers Highway to home 16 kms (2 hrs 40 mins)
29 Sept Caversham Harrier's Walk - Down Green Island Bush Road then up Blackhead Road - 11 kms - 1 hour 50 mins. Pleased with speed I walked up Blackhead Road.

A Year of Walking

Today is an important milestone for me - 365 days of walking. Yes, a year ago I starting this walking programme. The stats are:
319 days of walking
46 missed days (15 of these were in North America when doing my sabbatical)
1864km covered.

Today is the first day of the holidays so I walked to the North Dunedin Post Office via the Ravensbourne walking track. I then went along Great King Street to the North Ground, down Dundas Street, past Logan Park High School, along Butt Road and turned left onto the Port Chalmers Highway. I continued along SH 88 until I got home. Distance 15km, Time 2hrs 30 mins.

Yesterday we had Daneka's, my grand daughter's 5th birthday at Chipmunks. I walked home which was a 9km walk.

To Ravensbourne and Back

The Harrier Club Walker's Group (only 8 this time) met at the Logan Park bus stop. We walked along the new asphalt track beside the sea to Ravensbourne. We walked up to the top of Ravensbourne and back down Athol Place. We then walked along the main road back to the bus stop. The walk was around 9kms and took 90 minutes. I walked in front for the last leg.

It is now only 2 days until I complete one year of walking. I am so proud of achieving this and with joining the Harrier's group. It is nice meeting new people like Martin George and getting to know Stephen Hopkins better.

It's Been a Quiet Week Walking Wise

Six days after the half marathon and its has been quiet, walking wise. The first three days following the 21km walk I had meetings at school so it was convenient not to walk. The blister on my left foot is annoying more than painful. On Thursday and Friday I did a quiet 5km walk each day, but the blister was evident. As I wanted to go for a walk with the Cavy Club I decided to lance the blister with a needle. The amount of liquid that came out was amazing. However the uncomfortable feeling went away instantly.

Today we met at the clubrooms and we went alongside the St Clair golf course and down to the saltwater pool. We went along a no exit track beside the sea and back to the pool. We went beside the beach, Kettle Park and Victoria Road until we hit Prince Albert Road. Bayview Road, Surrey Street, Macandrew Road and up Jacob's Ladder leading past Frances Hodgkins Retirement Home. We hit Easther Cres, onto Middleton Road and back to the clubrooms. 1hr 40 mins which I estimate to be 12km.

I found the steps challenging and this maybe, because I am still recovering from the big race.

It was nice to mix and mingle with fellow club members over a cuppa.

I Did It?

It is very satisfying to record that I completed my first 1/2 marathon walk in 3:06:58. This has blown me away as my first goal was
1) to complete the course under 3 hours 30 minutes
then
2) to finish in 3 hours 10 minutes

We started outside the Edgar Centre at 9.30am as a group of over 600 walkers. I decided to start nearer the start so I would not get stalled with too many walkers in front. The course went down to Orari Street, back up Portsmouth Drive to the start and then again north down Portsmouth Drive. This took 2 kms and we were told me were doing 9 minute kms.

I was very happy with my pace doing the first 5kms in 45 minutes and the next 5kms also in 45 minutes. My third 5kms was a shade over 45 minutes as well. I realised I could do the race in 3 hours 10 mins. My legs felt great and it was not until I got to Port Chalmers that my feet started to develop blisters. I still had 4kms to go.

The last 4kms involves walking around the back beach with a tricky hill. However I suffered the pain and was elated with my finish.

Denise and her friends Shirley and Janice were at the finish and we went away for a lovely gourmet lunch/picnic at the back beach.

Apart from my feet my body feels quite good. Denise organised a footbath consisting of hot water and gel. It helped immensely. I had a very long and hot shower.

So some stats:

200th overall, 25th for age group 50-54 yrs, 8.52min/km. There were 619 who finished out of 693 who started the walk.

43rd man, 7th for age group

My next aim is to compete in the Master's Games 1/2 marathon walk.

Second Day of Spring

What a great day to go for a walk with Craig. It was initially windy but as we headed away from the sea, the day was great for walking.

Met on Portsmouth Drive, up Hillside Road, David Street, Caversham Valley Road, Mornington Road, Eglington Road, South Road, Burns Street, Hillside Road and back to the car. Distance 12km, Time 2 hours.

Called into Craig's mothers house in Mornington Road for around 7 minutes.

Thrilled at my pace up Caversham Valley Road. Craig found this challenging. He is faster on the flat.

Purchased some socks for the walk from "Frontrunner" - $35.

One Week until the 1/2 Marathon

15 of us from the Caversham Harrier's Club Walking group met at the Wingatui Racecourse at 12.45pm and left for our walk at 1pm.

We walked along Gladstone Road towards the township. Just before the township we went up Joe Brown Drive and down a pathway back to Gladstone Road. Continued down Gladstone Road until we reached Riccarton Road. Turned right onto Factory Road and walked until we hit the lights at the intersection with Bush Road. Turned right until we got to the road of Holly Cross. Walked over the park through a residential area. Came to Haggart Drive and through the housing area of the horse trainers. Came to Wingatui Road and walked up to Gladstone Road and back to the Racecourse. Time 2hrs 30 mins.

Had a beer at Martin George's house.

Feet sore with a tender left toe.

I did not walk on Friday as I had no time with a meeting at the ERO after school

Back Beach

Just got back from walking around the Port Chalmers Back Beach. This is the last leg of the 1/2 marathon and I have never walked on this road before.

I drove down to the Waitati turn-off and parked the car. It was a glorious morning, weather wise for a walk. I walked to Port Chalmers (3.5km) then the back road. I wanted to know the exact route for when I do this in a fortnight's time. It was 4km long. Called into New World for an ice-cream and back to the car.

Total 11km

A Practice Walk

Today I decided to walk the same distance as a 1/2 marathon although it would be in 3 stages.

Stage 1. Walked from home to Logan Park, along to Harbour Tce, past the Hockey Turf, across Logan Park to the Hill City clubrooms. Distance 7km - time 1 hour 10 mins

Stage 2. Caversham were the visitors of the Hill City Athletics and Harriers Club for a combined walk and runs. The walkers group walked up to the Signal Hill Observatory, down the mountain bike track to Logan Park High School and over to the Hill City clubrooms.
Distance (up) 6km - 1 hour and down 3km - 40 mins. Total 9 km.

I was disappointed with the organisation of the walk. Steve, a walker from Hill City and myself were making steady progress in the middle of the field. The group behind, decided to go back and the group ahead was out of sight. It was suggested we go back when we were almost at the top. Steve and I decided to reach the summit.

The mountain bike track down was very steep and slippery with deep ruts. I was anxious I would roll an ankle but the worst thing to happen was landing on my backside when I slipped. Back at the clubrooms we had a cuppa and biscuit.

Stage 3. I left the clubrooms at 3.55pm and reached home at 5.00pm. Distance 6km

Total distance 22km

No aches, pains or blisters/ I feel I am ready for the 1/2 marathon.

Tomorow I plan to drive to Port and walk the last leg of the 1/2 marathon.

Weekend of Walking

Yesterday I walked from school to home in two hours following interviews for my school's Assisitant Principal's position. It was a nice walk to clear my head.

This morning Craig Currie rang and we decided to go for a two hour walk. We met in the carpark on Portsmouth Drive at 9am. It was Craig's turn to navigate his choesen route.

We walked along Portsmouth Drive , crossed into Shore Street and cut across
Bayfield Park to the bottom of Silverton Road. We walked up Silverton Road and Highcliff Road to the Rotary Park Kindergarten. We crossed over and walked back down Highcliff Road and turned into Duckworth Street until reaching Oakland Street. Walked until we hit Tomahawk Road and turned left into Stirling Street. I wanted to pay Derek Muir $540 for repairs to Glenelg Street but no-one was home. We walked back along Stirling Street until we reached Tomahawk Road again. When we got to Tahuna Road we contined until Royal Terrace, turning right. We crossed Anderson's Bay Road, walked through th BP station hitting Portobello Road. From there we walked until Portsmouth Drive and back to the car. The 12km walk took 2 hours and 5 minutes.

These Shoes are made for Walking

I am continuing to walk towards my goal of walking in the 1/2 marathon on 9 September. I have reached 1600 kilometres and by the time I reach 24 September which is one year of walking, hopefully I will hit 1800 kilometres by then.

I managed to insert images into another blog so I saved this one from the internet.

Four weeks to go .........

It is only four weeks until the City of Dunedin marathon when I plan to walk the half marathon. I am happy with my build up hardly missing out a day.

To date

284 days
1591 km covered
39 missed days since 25 September, 2006.

Today I walked to Port Chalmers and back covering 12km and taking just over two hours. When I get to Port I always buy an ice-cream at New World.

Fraser's Gully

I have just completed my second walk with the Caversham Harrier's Club Walking Group. We (15) left Moana Pool, walked up Stuart Street and down to Nairn Street. We walked onto Kaikorai Valley Road until we got to Ellis Park. From here, up Frasers Gully. I was very happy with my fitness staying with the front group. We walked along Dalzell Road onto the Three Mile Hill Road. We walked down through Halfway Bush until we reached Gilkinson Street. We turned left here and went down until we met the Halfway Bush sub-station. Turned left and reached Centennial Ave, Balmacewen Road to Maori Hill. Along Highgate and turned left onto Newington Ave, the onto Wallace Street and into the Green belt back to Moana Pool.

Distance 13km - Time 2 hrs 10 mins.

As we finished the rain came.

Caversham Harrier's Club

This afternoon I was invited to walk with the Caversham Harrier's Club by fellow principal Stephen Hopkins. Met at Stephen's place at 12.15pm, picked up Dianne and Martin George and hit the Wingatui Racecourse at 12.45pm. Around 15 people left at 1.12pm. We walked down Wingatui Road to Factory Road, behind New World and along the banks of the Silverstream until we hit the pump house. We walked back alongside the Silverstream until we reached Wingatui Road. We got back at 3.22pm and we think we walked 13km.

I felt tested by the walk but feel great because of it. It was nice to meet new people.

Next week the group plans to meet at Moana Pool at 1.45pm and go around Frasers Gully.

So far ......

From 25 September until 1 August I have

• walked on 273 days
• missed 39 days (15 of these was when I visited the States)
• walked 1513km

Introduction

On the 25 September, 2006 I decided I would walk 5km everyday to improve my fitness. This decision was reached as when I walked short distances around my school I got puffed. The decision to start on the set date came about as it was the first day of the school holidays. I felt if I get through 21 days without missing once, would set me into a habit.

If I lost weight that would be a bonus.

I keep a spread sheet as a record of how many days walked and how far I have actually walked during my fitness campaign.

As I got into a rhythm I then decided to keep going and enter the City of Dunedin Moro 1/2 marathon on 9 September, 2007.