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.