Yesterday I competed in my second Papatowai Walk in the Catlins. Four of us met at the Mosgiel New World carpark at 9am and we did the two hour drive to the walk. We stopped at Owaka for a stretch and to have a quick bite to eat.
Once at Papatowai we registered. Keiran Columb and I did a 2km walk to the township so I would prevent shin splints.
The recreational race started 15 mins late as there were a large number of late registrations. The weather was beautiful. I enjoyed this race two years ago for its diversity of terrain and scenery.
I managed to get away to a great start and was up with the leaders until we reached the bush. I was keen to get in the front bunch as it is single file along the bush track. When at the beach the gap widened between myself and the lead bunch. It was difficult finding solid footing initially on the beach. I felt I was making great progress along the sand.
We came to a goat track up a hill and once again I made great progress. When we hit the gravel road up a hill the blisters started to kick in. However few people passed me. While at the summit I hit the wall and the blisters deteriorated. However I stuck in there and got back in a PB (by 5 mins) of 2:09:26. The weather was ideal with a strong tail wind along the beach.
At the finish I could not believe the number of people I knew who had an involvement in education i.e. teachers, principal, ex-parents and pupils.
We left just after 3pm getting home at 5.30pm
Once at Papatowai we registered. Keiran Columb and I did a 2km walk to the township so I would prevent shin splints.
The recreational race started 15 mins late as there were a large number of late registrations. The weather was beautiful. I enjoyed this race two years ago for its diversity of terrain and scenery.
I managed to get away to a great start and was up with the leaders until we reached the bush. I was keen to get in the front bunch as it is single file along the bush track. When at the beach the gap widened between myself and the lead bunch. It was difficult finding solid footing initially on the beach. I felt I was making great progress along the sand.
We came to a goat track up a hill and once again I made great progress. When we hit the gravel road up a hill the blisters started to kick in. However few people passed me. While at the summit I hit the wall and the blisters deteriorated. However I stuck in there and got back in a PB (by 5 mins) of 2:09:26. The weather was ideal with a strong tail wind along the beach.
At the finish I could not believe the number of people I knew who had an involvement in education i.e. teachers, principal, ex-parents and pupils.
We left just after 3pm getting home at 5.30pm
NB The image was printed in the Star Community Newspaper, 26 Feb, 2010
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