Labour Weekend thoughts

It has been four weeks since my last posting, The walking club had its last walk a week ago and I managed to participate in 24 walks and missed four. The walks I undertook covered 209kms.

 

 

As of today I have walked 2043kms on 282 days. So far I have missed 14 days in 2013. As I am in fulltime work until mid April I thinks I will struggle to do 200kms per month.

 

 





2nd Coastal Classic

On Sunday 4 November I had the pleasure to take part in my second Coastal Classic in the Taieri Mouth area. I arrived at Livingstonia Park at 9.15am and was taken aback at the number of cars parked on the park. The mountain bike riders were taking part at the same but on a different course.

The weather leading up to the race day had been atrocious with heavy rain the night before. At our briefing we were told to expect muddy walking areas. Little did I suspect.

 



As per usual I got away to a good start and for the first three kilometres I was 2nd behind Julie who won the event in the previous two years. After we left the park and went down a road, we turned onto the beach. IThe sand was not too soft and I felt good. Once on the main road we had to walk up a hill unto we came to some farmland. The first part down to the drink station that also gave us a chocolate muffin (Seascape Cafe) was relatively easy.

 



The heavy rain made the next section of farm land soft and slippery. I tried to avoid the muddy sections but it was a waste of time. The mud was incredible. On two occasions I lost my shoe through suction. On the second occasion I had to use both hands to release my shoe. I fell over a couple of times and my appearance resembled a rugby player after a muddy game.

Once on the beach it was a relief to be walking on hard surfaces like rocks and sand. We had to go back onto some more farmland which was about a kilometre to the finish. I was 3rd male finishing at a time of 1:42:53 which was five minutes faster than last year.

 

Phil, Julie and Dave

 

My feet are on the far left

 



New St Leonards walking track

It has been another gap since writing a post for this blog. Yesterday, was entering our last month of winer walking for the Caversham club. It was promoted as a mystery walk with a 1pm start at the Ravensbourne harbour cycleway. Rather than have two walking groups the 24 walkers stayed together. When we got to Maia we were able to walk on the extension to St Leonards. It officially opened on Friday and it was a lovely addition.



Once at St Leonards we walked up Burkes Road to our home where Denise and I provided afternoon tea. We had worked hard to get the section is good shape for the hosting. It was nice to watch the reactions of the walkers as orange juice, scones and biscuits were consumed. We stayed at our home for just over 20 minutes and headed back. We walked to the end of Burkes Drive where it meets SH 88. It had been coned off for the Port Calmers Road relays. Once at Maia we crossed the road and did the last section of the cycle track to our cars. I estimated that the round trip was 10kms.



Brighton to Green Island 2012

I was not feeling much in the mood to compete in the club's annual Brighton to Green Island handicapped event. Although I had walked daily I had not extended myself. 29 clubwalkers started with the greatest handicap going to Julie on 25 minutes. Rosie Robinson, a New Zealand walking representative joined us on a 32 minute handicap and I have not included her in this summary.

My handicap was 12 minutes with 6 club walkers given a longer handicap. As I was the only 12 minute handicapped person I mainly walked by myself. I was pleased with how I started and felt I was doing under 7 minutes for each kilometre. It took ages until I could see anyone but around Ocean View I saw Katherine who was on a 10 minute handicap. I set her as my target and it took till the downhill part of the Waldronville Hill that I caught her. I managed to pass about a dozen workers and completed the walk in 1:10:31 which was 14 seconds slower that my PB in 2009. The winner was Debra who had a 5 minute handicap with Craig, also on a 5 minute handicap in 2nd place. Ian who was 3rd was on a 22 minute handicap and had the fastest time.

I now feel inspired to participate in the Clyde to Alexandra 10km walk next weekend.

It's Been A While

It's been a while since I last contributed a post regarding my walking. I continue to walk daily and still strive to do 200kms per month.

As the Moromarathon is coming up organised by my club Caversham Harriers, a Wednesday walk from the Caversham Physiotherapy Clinic started 10 days ago. I went on the first walk which was a 45 minute stroll from the Clinic to St Clair Beach and back. Six of us deviated from the route and came back via the hills of St Clair. It was such a lovely night for the middle of winter.

Last Saturday the walking club did a tour of a new subdivision by the golf club, down to St Clair, over Kettle Park, Marlow Street, Victoria Road, Forbury Road to Valpy Street. We had the torturous walk up Jacob's Ladder. before doing the last leg up Aberdeen Street onto Isadore Road. Once again our leader Kieran set a fast pace for the 9km walk.

Today Kieran was sick so I was asked to lead the fast walking group. We car-pooled to Fairfield and I took my group of 8 walkers along and up Flower Street until we reached a farm property 2kms into our walk. I was impressed we did this leg in less than 20 minutes. Thw walk on the farmland was uphill and we resumed on Flower Street till we met Chain Hills Road. We walked up and down this Road until we hit Morris Road which ran beside the souther motorway. We walked at a cracking pace to Fairfield. We met the medium paced group and did the last part to our cars together. We detoured from the main Fairfield straight to Martin Street onto Flower Street. The walk was only 8kms.

Club Walk/Run Relay

For variety the club decided to mix the runners and walkers into relay teams. One runner and three walkers would do a 1.7km loop starting at the clubrooms head north to Isadore Road, right onto Hillhead Road, past the new subdivision and right into Westgate. We went along the road until it came to a track heading onto Middleton Road and back to the clubrooms. While the teams were being worked out we all did a warm up around the course.

There were nine teams and my team included Gail (an excellent walker who ran), Anne, Patsy and myself. After the first leg we were third but by the time it was my turn to do the last leg we were in the last three. As the last walkers decided to run so did I and I believe we got seventh.

On the way home I decided to stop at Logan Park and do a loop going along Butts Road which was 2.5kms long.

It was a pleasant day but boy was it cold, waiting around.

Benmore Peninsula Track Circuit Walk

After everyone had gone back to Dunedin I had to stay an extra night as I was working at Waitaki Valley School in the morning. I drove west and saw three dams - Waitaki, Aviemore and Benmore. While at Benmore I decided to do the Benmore Peninsula Track which is a 3.6km circuit.

The starting point for the Benmore Peninsula Track is located at the second car park above the Benmore Dam near Otematata on the South Island of New Zealand.
The start of the walk is marked by gates and a DOC sign.

The walk starts out level. After a few minutes you’ll come to a junction, which marks the start of the Peninsula Circuit. The left track goes uphill, while the right track stays level for a while and then starts to climb.

You can go either right or left at the junction, but I suggest you do the walk in a clockwise direction, so go left at the junction. And here’s why…
The left track has only 3 major switchbacks before you reach a lookout where you can see Junction Island.

The left track is mostly a mixture of dirt and fine gravel, goes through a pine forest, and is steep in some places.

But the left track is less agonizing – in my opinion – than the right track, which consists of sometimes large rocks, rough gravel, and has quite a few high steps to climb up.
In addition, if you take the left track you’ll be rewarded with nice scenic views of Junction Island just after 20 – 25 minutes of uphill walking.

If you take the right track, you’ll have to deal with delayed gratification and views of the islands. The views of the right track are obscured by pine trees and poplars until you reach Junction Point.
But the positive thing about the right track is that you can see the road that goes over the Benmore Dam from between the pine trees.
The entire track goes through a mixed forest that has lots of pine trees, which smell really good on warm days – giving you the feeling of Christmas.

It can get a bit chilly, though, if you do this walk early in the morning in spring, autumn, or winter. So bring warm and windproof clothing.

At Junction Point, which can be considered the half-way point of the loop track, you can see as far as Mount Cook and the Southern Alps on clear days.

Kurow Hill



Over the weekend a group of us (24) spent a weekend at the Kurow Motor Camp in a lodge. Across the road is the entrance to the Kurow Hill. I decided I wanted to walk it twice in one go. The first time took 23 minutes to reach the summit and 15 minutes to get to the bottom. The second time was slower and I needed a few rest stops. My legs really ached on the second descent. The weather was wet for stages of the walk. At the summit (400 metres) the wind was strong but not cold.

Leading another Caversham walk

As our leader Kieran was away, I was asked to lead the fast group for Saturday's walk. I am not sure how many were in the group but we headed away with the slow group along Cortstorphine and Riselaw Roads. Once we reached Caversham Valley Road the slower group headed towards Concord as my group navigated across the motorway onto Lookout Point.

We walked along Mornington Road until we reached Barr Street. We also met one of the Harrier groups. It was downhill to Kaikorai Valley Road. We walked south until following the road to Concord. It was up Stevenson Road back to Corstorphine Road and back to the clubrooms.

At Concord I encouraged the faster walkers to go at their own pace back to where we started. When not the leader I tend to find someone to chat with and walk middle of the pack. When I lead I have to go to the front which can be a challenge. However we did the 8.5kms in 1:15 hrs whch was a good pace.

A Fast Paced Walk Over Flagstaff

Today the club did their annual walk over Flagstaff via the Pineapple Track. The slower walking group left at 12.40pm while the faster group of which I was part, left at 1pm. We had nine walkers at the starrt and two late starters joined us on the uphill part of the Pineapple Track. We set off at a quick pace taking only 20 minutes to reach the start of the Pineapple Track. There was no rest as we ascended the track. I was finding the uphill tough and was so pleased for the rest as we came to a clearing. The four fastest walkers took off from the remainder of the fast group.

We arrived at the Swampy Peak turnoff after an hour which was good going. Fifteen minutes later we reached the summit. From here it was all downhill. At the Bullring we caught up with the slower group and all left together for the last leg home. I caught up with Barbara an ex-parent from school and walked the remainder of the walk with her. I took 2hrs 20mins to get back to our starting point - the Wakari Union Church.

I had no aches or pains at the end but knew I had done a challenging walk. The club had drinks and hot chips to wind up a great day.

2012 5000m Walking Race

Saturday 12 May

Today was the Caversham Club's annual 5000m walking race held at Forbury Park. It was a handicapped race based on your performance in the 1500m walking race held three weeks ago. I did not participate in that particular race but I was given a 7 minute handicap. The highest handicap was 12 minutes.

The weather was ideal as myself and two other walkers headed off at our designated handicap. Gordon, a particularly fine walker was given the same 7 minute handicap as he had not done too much walking in recent times. He took off and I never got close to him. When I do this particular event I try to get home before the starters behind me. This year three of the later handicaps passed me on the final 500 metres.

However I was pleased with my walk in a time of 35:40 and was placed 7th overall with the 6th fastest time.

Those North East Valley Hills

Yesterday we met at the Caledonian Ground and sorted ourselves into two groups. When Kieran announced we were doing the North East Valley hills, the fast pack suddenly reduced to 12 walkers. We car pooled to the Dunningham steps starting at 1.50pm. We walked up the steps and down Buccleugh Street back to North Road. We headed north to Blacks Road and this was our first descent. Once at Signal Hill Road we headed north again and down Dalmeny Street which is reputed to be the second steepest street in Dunedin. This street goes into Calder Street and back to North Road. Again we headed north and up and down Baldwin Street, the steepest street in the world. It was north again for the last time and we climbed Arnold Street and back down to where we started the hill climb.

Kieran led us south back along North Road and we re-walked up (this time) Calder and Dalmeny Streets. Once we caught our breath we walked south along Evans Street and down Craigleith Street to North Road. It was a short distance to the Dunningham steps. We were caught off guard as we had to walk back up the steps and down again.

My legs were screaming when I got to the top of each hill. The 6.5km walk took around 70 minutes.

When I was dropped back at the "Cale" I wandered over to Logan Park to watch the Lovelock Relays. An annual event celebrating the gold medal effort by Jack Lovelock at the 1936 Olympic Games. Each Harrier Club enters teams of six runners. Each runner does four laps of the University Oval and my club Caversham has won the last two years and were after a three-peat. Caversham were 3rd after the first runner and moved to second place after the second runner. The team held this place behind Ariki until the last leg when Daniel Balchin overtook Calum Moody to win a great race.

Two Weekend Walks

Saturday 21 April

The annual 1500m walking race was heldat the Caledonian  but sadly I had a funeral to attend so missed out with competing. However when I saw the times of the first five walkers I would have struggled to get a place.

I arrived in time for the main pack to walk along Butts Rd, through the track that runs past the cemetery. Once at the Ahlambra-Union rugby ground, it was down Opoho Road to North Road. We went up a flight of steps towards Pinehill. Once at the top it was down a road back to North Road. We walked along towards Baldwin Street (but not up) and went up Deleny Street which was extremely steep. When we got to Signal Hill Road it was all downhill past the cemetery back to Butts Road. The walk took 1 hr 15 mins and was 6 kms long.

Sunday 22 April

Craig and I drove to Brighton and parked in McIntosh Road. It was a steady climb all the way around to Scroggs Hill Road. It was downhill all the way to the Main Road and then a shortish walk to the car. The 9.6km walk took 1 hr 50 mins.

A Walk Tinged With Sadness

I met my mate Craig at the Railway Station as it was my time to choose the walk. I had planned on a 10km course but last night another mate, Dave rang to put me in the picture regarding his wife dying in Madrid and the subsequent trials getting her home. As I wanted to see him and prepare food, Craig and I did a shorter 6.5km loop. We went up High Street, down Glenpark Avenue and Glen Rd to near the "old' Carisbrook" site. We walked up South Road onto Princess Street. We did a couple of turns until we hit the railway station. This walk of took around 75 minutes. The walk up High Street was challenging but good for the heart rate.

A Fast Paced Saturday Afternoon Walk

Another good sized crowd turned up for the club's weekly Saturday afternoon walk. Three groups were formed and I joined the fast pack. It was a casual stroll down to Green Island Bush Road. Halfway along this road a faster group took off and I was in the middle of the pack. The walk up Blackhead Road was also fast paced. When we got back I completed the walk under 99 mins which meant a 9km/hr pace for the just over 11kms course. We have so many able walkers in our club at present so the pace is always on.

Lawyer's Head

On Easter Saturday I was asked to take the main pack for a walk as Kieran, our walking leader was away. There would also be a slow pack operating. Both packs started together walking down to the St Clair Esplanade. The slow pack deviated to Second Beach while our 10 person pack walked over the fields to the start of John Wilson Drive. It is about 3kms long to Lawyers Head at the end. I was delighted that we made it there in one hour.

We continued at a good pace back along the drive, down Prince Albert Road and along Macandrew Road to the steps going alongside the Frances Hodgkins Retirement Home. Once again we made good time but the walk up the steps and up Easther Crescent to Middleton Road and back to the clubrooms was challenging. However we did the 12km walk in 2hrs 10mins. The weather was delightful during the entire walk.

http://www.mapmywalk.com/routes/view/80309135

Back to Sunday Walking

It has been a while since Craig and I have done a Sunday morning walk. It was changing back the clocks after daylight saving and we agreed to meet at the North Ground at 9am.

The weather was glorious as we walked north along the one way past the Gardens, all along and up North Road till we reached the intersection with Upper Junction Road. It was around 6.5kms to our end point and we managed it around 75 mins. I felt we made good time for the first half of our walk.

As we descended down North Road there was significant traffic on the road, probably the greatest volume I had ever struck. We reasoned it was our later start. It was noticeably hot and we were a bit longer on the second half. It was good to have two good walks in two days.

Opening Day

Yesterday was the Opening Day for the Caverham Harrier's Club Walking Group. Conditions were ideal for the proposed 75 minute walk. We started earlier as there was the official opening to attend to. Once again there were a good number of walkers split into two packs - main and slower pack. Around 40 of us did a circuit starting at the clubrooms, going dowm Corstorphine Rd, Sidey and Cole Streets into the Caversham suburb. We walked down South Road, along David Street and Forbury Road to St Clair Beach.

It was pleasant walking along the Esplanade with a lot of people basking in the sun. From here it was virtually uphill to the Clubrooms. As we climbed up Cliffs Rd and Aberdeen Street I decided to really go for it testing my fitness. Once on the flat Isadore Street it was a fast walk back to the clubrooms. The 6.83km walk took 70 mins and I was the 5th walker home.

2012 Christchurch City2Surf

I had committed to the Christchurch City2Surf walk earlier in the year not realising the inaugural Stadium to Surf 10km event in Dunedin was going to be held on the same day.

The Christchurch event was abandoned last year because of the earthquake and lack of time to prepare a new course. This year the walk/run started at Centennial Park and went for 14+kms to Ferrymead Park.

As I was staying with my sister Lyn, Denise had my car because she was staying with Nadine. On Saturday, the day before the event Lyn and I did a “dummy” run on the “Orbiter” bus that goes to Centennial Park on its circuit. The run took just over 20mins so we knew what time to get the bus on Sunday morning for the 9am start.

On the day of the run Lyn accompanied me on the 8.10am Orbiter bus to Centennial Park. There were a number of other competitors on the bus as well. When we got in the vicinity of the Park the bus was going at a ‘snail’s pace” so most competitors got off and walked around 1/2km to the start. There were large numbers of people milling around. For the start we were separated into three groups – in line skaters , runners, and walkers. I was assembled near the back of the runners pack so got away to a good start. The course followed the Avon River apart from the final 5kms. I was happy with my walking averaging just over 8mins per kilometre. This had me on track for a sub two hour walk. My body and feet felt good during the walk. When we hit Opawa we joined up with the 6km entrants. This slowed me down as I had to negotiate family groups, people with disabilities and slower walkers. When I hit the 1km sign the numbers intensified so was hard to walk fast. The last 400 metres was so congested that I resigned myself to doing over 2 hours. My eventual time was 2:01:30 which I was content with. The "Press" said 8,000 people took part in the event.

When we finished we had a long walk to a field where all the tents were and where I met Denise. We needed our cellphones to find each other. We also had a long walk to our car and a slow drive with all the traffic leaving the event.

Karetai Challenge # 5

Conditions were perfect for the annual Karetai Challenge leaving the Shiel Hill Tavern at 9am. It was overcast with no wind and reasonably warm without being too hot. Numbers were down as 30 of us set off. I was pleased to get to Centre Road (3.2kms) in 25 mins. Unfortunately I had shin splints for the first 40 mins but it did not hinder my speed. It was pleasing to see the Karetai Track so dry. It was reasonably easy to ascend. My mate Craig was waiting at the top of the track with much appreciated water and sugar dubes. When I hit Highcliff Road I was 5 mins slower than hoped and when I finished in 2:17:04 I was 4 mins slower than last year. However I was still pleased to finish the race feeling in quite good shape.

Rotary Park Lookout

http://www.mapmywalk.com/routes/view/72305646 On a cool windy Autumn day, 17 walkers from the Caversham Club left the Anderson's Bay Countdown just after 1pm. We headed down Portobello Road, across the causeway continuing along Portobello Road, past the Waverley Yacht Club. We headed up Doon Street till we reached the Scobie Road intersection. We continued climbing up Larnach Road then turning onto a flat Connell Street. Near the end of this street, there is a track that took us past Rotary Park School to the Rotary Park Lookout. The view from here is sublime looking down the harbour towards Port Chalmers.

After a five minute rest it was mostly downhill. We walked down Highcliff Road until it turns into Silverton Street. When we walked alomg Musselburgh Rise it was all flat. We went along Shore Street past Bayfield High School. It was back onto Portobello Road and then back to Countdown about 1:45hrs.

2012 Papatowai Challenge

On Saturday 24 February, I participated in my 4th Papatowai Challenge in the Catlins. I travelled down with Gail Sharp who was competing in her 14th Challenge and I believe holds the record for women walking in the event.

We arrived just after 11am for the 12 noon start. The weather deteriorated to an extent I made a last minute decision to wear a merino top under my t-shirt. It was cool with a breeze and the threat of rain. There were 427 participants and I managed to get away to a good start as it can get congested going along the bush track. Luckily on the beach we had a tail wind and the sand was hard.

Going up the goat track and unsealed road was a grunt but what I expected. When we got to the top and turned a corner for home the wind was a head one and it started to rain heavily. It was quite unpleasant. I managed to make up a bit of time over the last 5kms as I wanted to get back under 2:10 hrs and close to my PB of 2:07:01. My eventual time was 2:07:41 which was pleasing considering the conditions. I was 13th male and 28th overall so all-in-all a successful day. Caversham's Roger and Tom were 1st and 2nd respectively. Gail was the 4th woman home.

Caversham Club Master's Games Success

Women

Golds : Julie Edmunds: 5km and 10km.
Gold: Dianne Bartlett: Half Marathon.
Silver: @2x Bronze :Sandra Cromarty Half Marathon 5km @ 10km Silver : Monique Elleboode:10km Bronze : Donna Tumaru 5km and 10km.
Bronze: Patsy Mason : Half Marathon.

Men:

Golds: Roger Leslie: Half Marathon, 5km @10km
Golds: Neville Shanks: Half Marathon @ 10km Gold : Ian Dick : 5km @10km
Gold: Craig Currie: Half Marathon.
Silver: @ Bronze Dave McWhinnie: 10km @ Half Marathon
Silver: Tom Cockerill: 5km

Master's Games10km Walk

Once again the weather was ideal for my second Master's Games event - the 10km walk. I managed to get away to a great start leaving the Caledonian Ground. I covered the first 5km in 34 minutes and was on track to do a sub 70 minute time for the first time. As I went out fast for the first half I felt the effects as I tried to keep up the pace. It was tough going up the Ravensbourne Bridge steps.

However I managed to finish in 69:32minutes a PB and good enough for a silver medal. There were five walkers in my age band.

Rail Trail Section - Daisybank to Hyde

28 January

On the last Saturday in January the Caversham Walking Group pooled cars for driving to Hyde initially then further pooling in cars to Daisybank. We walked on the Rail Trail from Daisybank to Hyde a distance of 21kms. Twenty walkers from the club make the trek in fine conditions. A feature of this section of the Rail Trail is the viaduct and tunnel. The walk took just over two hours.

We stopped at the Otago Central Hotel in Hyde for a drink before heading home.

Master's Games 1/2 Marathon

It has almost been three years since I participated in a half marathon walking event. My expectations were to do a time under three hours and a PB of 2:52 was unrealistic. My mate Craig and I had done quite a bit of training for this event although a week In Surfer's Paradise put paid to much training.

Numbers were down as opposed to 2010 with a round 60+ competing. I was in the 55-59 years band. The conditions were almost perfect. A warm day with no wind and very overcast. The sun came out on the last 15 minutes of my walk.

I walked the first 5kms with Danny and Maree in 38mins. I was very happy with that. My walking partners took off so I did the next 5kms with Grant, a workmate of Craig's. We went through the 10kms in 78mins. Again I was delighted with that. The next 5kms were a challenge. It was a long straight down School Street and I was passed by a number of walkers. However when I went through the 15kms mark in 1hr 58 mins I knew I was in sight of a PB.

This motivated me over the final 6kms and I worked hard to maintain around an 8 minute one kilometre pace. My feet were sore and my body was tired. I managed to finish in 2:45:16 which was a thrill.

I waited for my mate Craig to finish. He wanted to do a time under 3hrs but this time passed. He came in at 3hrs 8mins and was disappointed. He need not be. He should be thrilled that he finished considering a number of health issues that he overcame with determination.

The icing on the cake was that I scored a bronze medal and Craig got gold.

All-in-all a successful event. My next event is the 10km walk in a week's time.

(Image above shows Craig and Grant with their medals)

First 2012 Summer Walk

Twenty one walkers from the Caversham club carpooled to Macandrew Bay. It was a beautiful day so most of the walkers chose to not wear or carry a jersey or jacket including yours truly.

This was the 4th time I have done the walk. We walked up Greenacres Road until we came to a turnoff through farmland up to Highcliff Road. The views of Otago Harbour were magnificent and the weather a bit darker with a slight wind. However the conditions were good for walking.

It was a short walk to the Larnachs Castle turnoff. We had a look around the church on the corner and continued along Camp Road. It was becoming cooler as we hit the Castlewood Road and the downhill section to Portobello Road. While waiting at the intersection it started to rain so we hurriedly walked alomg Portobello Road to our cars. It really started to rain and we all got soaked in the last 10-15mins. The 7.65km wak took us 1hr 40mins.

Four Weeks to the Master's Games

It is four weeks today until the 1/2 marathon walk as part of the Master's Games. Both Craig and myself have registered for this event along with the 10km a week later.

As part of our build-up Craig and I have spent two weekends walking a circuit from North Ground to St Clair. According to the "MapMyWalk" website, the distance is slightly over 14kms. Our walk today took 2hrs 25mins.

The course follows Great King Street onto Cumberland Street until we reach the Oval. We walk across the Oval passing the Kensington Tavern on King Edward Street. Once we hit Cargills Corner we turn right onto Hillside Road and then turn into Forbury Road heading towards St Clair Beach.

At this almost halfway point we walk along Victoria Road past the Forbury Park Racecourse. At the St Kilda roundabout we walk down Queen Street to Anderson's Bay Road. We walk a block towards Countdown and go along Teviot Street passing the Edgar Centre on the corner of Portsmouth Drive. We walked along this road all the way to the St Andrew Street lights going past the rear of the Railway Station. Just past the lights we turned into Leith Street following it all the way to St David Street. This section took in part of the University. We walked over the St David Street Bridge until we got back to the North Ground.

Walks Summary for 2011

Distance for 2011 was 2409kms. My target was 200kms per month or 2400 for the year. 29 Days were missed - 3 weeks were spent in North America and as I had to work for 5 weeks at the Dunedin North Headquarters and 13 days as an Examination Supervisor I could only do 5kms per day.