Cadbury Dunedin Marathon Course Revisited

Yesterday I managed to complete the Cadbury Dunedin Marathon course for the second time having done it this time in 2014. I drove my car to Watson Park in Port Chalmers which is the end of the course. Denise picked me up and drove me to Harrington Point, the start of Dunedin's annual marathon.

I looked around for the start line which is close to Rapid Number 1008. I left the start just before 8am in ideal weather conditions. I did not feel I was walking at a great pace and took a while to get in the groove. I could not find the first 5 kms mark on the ground because of new asphalt and lots of other roads markings. I estimated it was around 50 mins. Likewise I could not find the 10kms mark at Portobello because of lots of cars and people. I remembered roughly where it was so timed myself at 1hr 38mins which was a pleasing time. I noticed far more cars on the first 10km leg as opposed to last year.

I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly Broad Bay came up and I did the 15kms at 2hrs 32mins. my feet were feeling tender and I was starting to regret my choice in shoes and socks. By the time I made Macandew Bay, I was starving so purchased a sausage roll, M/M's and cold water. I reached halfway in 3hrs 47 mins which is slow by my standard. Craig Currie met me just past the halfway mark to provide cold water and sugar jubes which was appreciated. A light breeze had popped up behind me which was nice to walk in.

It is always nice to reach 25kms because this indicates the finish of the Peninsula Road. The walk along Portsmouth Drive, Kitchener Street and Wickliffe Street was uneventful although my feet were hurting. Once again I could not find the 30km mark. I stopped at the Mobil Station on Anzac Avenue to buy a sandwich and water. Alas there were no sandwiches or pies. I reverted to chocolate.

I walked along the new SH 88 extension, past the stadium, down to the roads leading to the cycle track, a path I am very familiar with. There was a slight head breeze but nothing to worry about. I managed to find the 35km mark this time, just past Burkes and the time was 6hrs 33mins. I was feeling pleased that I only had 7kms to go and would do the walk under a slow 8hrs. Once I reached St Leonards it was only 5.5kms to the end. although my feet were sore I reached Watson Park in 7hrs 54mins 43 secs. Amazingly it was the same time as last year.

Cadbury Dunedin Marathon (2014)
Kms	Time	Mins
0
5
10	1:38	1:38
15	2:32	0:54
20	3:33	1:01
Half	3:45	0:12
25	4:32	0:59
30
35	6:33
40	7:30	0:57
Finish		7:54

Clyde to Alexandra 2014

The Caversham Club went to the Clyde  - Alexandra 10km walk by bus. Around 30 walkers from the club participated. I was placed 10th overall out of 95 competitors in a time of 1:11:19.

A good turnout of club members participated in the annual Clyde to Alexandra walk on 23rd August 2014

At the start on the Clyde Dam

I was fortunate enough to win this Spot prize.

Pine Heights

26 July 2014

 

 

Eleven club members (above) met at the Woodhaugh Gardens entrance and walked through the Pinehill and Pine Heights areas. We walked the 10km in 1:45 hours.

 

 

 



To walk the circumference of earth

When I started this journey on 25 September 2006 my aim was to walk 5kms daily. Six months later I changed the goal to walk "at least 5kms daily. I have religiously recorded the daily distance walked on a spreadsheet.

Earlier this year when walking with friend Danny, we discussed that I should consider aiming to walk the circumference of planet earth which is 40075kms. As of today I have walked 18448 kms leaving 21627kms to walk. At my current pace this should take 9 years which puts me at age 70.

Cross Country

14 June 2014

The club's annual cross country was held at Island park, in Waldronville where Beachlands Speedway hold events. This is the second time the club held the event at this location. I did not take part last year as I was supervising an exam at the University.

Conditions were perfect for the cross country race. Walkers had to do two laps of the 2km course. The children had their event first. The runners and walkers started at the same time with competitirs doing two, three or four laps.

 





For the walking event we all started at the same time. The first part was over a gravel road, then over sand dunes, across pellets through a bog, back on a gravel track onto a muddy path and finally over grass to the start. I felt good and was pleased with my pace finishing third in a time of 26:51mins.

Cadbury Dunedin Marathon Course

As a member of the Cadbury Dunedin Marathon committee I do not get the opportunity to participate in the half marathon walk anymore. I have always wanted to walk the full marathon course and so I decided January the 4th would be the day.

Denise dropped me off at Harrington Point before 8am and at 7:50am I set off from the official start point. Luckily the weather was overcast and I maintained a 6km/hour pace initially. I kept this pace all the way to Portobello and felt good. There was not much traffic so this was not an issue at this stage.

Once at Portobello the traffic increased and I had to be careful as there was not a  big area to walk on. I met Stella, my sister-in-law just before Broad Bay and we had a brief chat. I hit Broad Bay at 10:05am and then the 15km mark at Grassy Point. This last 5km leg was a disappointing 58mins although I could have taken off a couple of minutes). It was nice reaching Company Bay as I had a walkway all the way to Glenfalloch. I could see our house across the harbour in St Leonards. The sun was out but not too hot, no wind and almost perfect conditions for walking.

When I reached Macandrew Bay I used the public toilet then went to the shop for an ice-cream and chocolate fix. The 20km mark was just past Glenfalloch and then I reached halfway at 11:36pm - 3hrs 46mins. I was reasonably happy with this pace. Craig met me and gave some cold fresh water and a banana. This stop was 2:30 mins long. As I headed towards Vauxhall I noticed a tail wind which was quite nice. However on my way to Port Chalmers it would be a head wind. I could not find the 25km mark but guessed it would be near the boat club. The last five kms took 59mins so I was definitely slowing down. The feet felt good but the legs were getting heavier.

As I walked over the causeway the head wind became a cross wind and it was very strong. Walking along Portsmouth Drive the wind was very strong. I walked around Kitchener Street, Birch Wharf and Wickliffe Street which was a break from the wind. Craig left some water, a banana and chocolate by the Anzac Avenue over-bridge which was appreciated. Somewhere around here was the 35km mark but I could not find it. I called into the Mobil petrol station on Anzac Avenue for another ice-cream and chocolate.

I felt in familiar territory as I strolled along Anzac Avenue, past Forsyth Barr Stadium and down to the Marina so I could join the new cycleway. Frustratingly it was quite a strong headwind. Marathon runners describe hitting the wall at some stage on the run, well I felt I had hit the wall on this 5km leg. My feet were sore (no blisters though) and the legs were still heavy. Just before Maia I had a phone call from Denise and I was on track to reach the destination around 3.30pm. It seemed to take ages to get to St Leonards and I could not find the 35km mark opposite Burkes. Once at St Leonards I knew I had less than 6kms to go.

I made steady but not spectacular progress along SH 88. Roseneath Hill was not a challenge and I reached the 40km mark at 3:17. Only 2.2 kms to go but I was really sore now and was slowing up. Denise was waiting for me at Watson Park in Port Chalmers and I crossed the finishing line at 3:44pm.

It was great feeling to complete my second marathon official course. My official time would have been 7hrs 54 mins. I could take off 4-5 mins for stops but I am happy to have completed the course.

Cadbury Dunedin Marathon
Kms	Time	Mins
0	7.50
5	8.41	51
10	9.28	47
15	10.26	58
20	11.24	58
Half	11.36
25	12.23	59
30
35	2.30
40	3.17	57
Finish	3.44	7:54

What's been happening - 2013 ?

Well I have finished my contract with the Census and feel it is time to write more about my walking exploits.

Papatowai Challenge: This was my fifth walk in this event. I was determined to do this walk as the achievement is recognised by a " year medal". Sadly I could not stay for the presentation as I had to get back to Dunedin for my 6oth birthday party. My cousin David Scobie collected the medal on my behalf.

 

As for the walk I completed it in 2:09:52 which was slow but reflective of not putting in the training. I was 17th male and 31st overall.

 

Club Walking Races

 

1500m: Our first walking race was the 1500m race at Kaikorai Valley College. I managed a time of 10:20mins and was placed 3rd out of 21 walkers.

 

5000m: This race held at Forbury Park is based on handicaps given following the 1500m race. We do five laps of the racecourse. I was given a 10 minute handicap and some of the scratch walkers did one complete loop before I started. However it is an opportunity for slower walkers to win a club event. I was placed 11th out of 18 walkers. My actual time was 35:58 which was the second fastest time.

 

Pineapple Track: I was asked to lead 17 club walkers over the Pineapple Track om 1 June. Two of the walkers chosew to run back from the Swampy Track turnoff. We left the Wakari Union Church at 1pm and did a brosk 25 min walk to the start of the Pineapple Track. We had a wee wait for all the walkers to catch up. The complete loop took 2hrs 40 mins but we had five stops probably taking 15 mins.

 

 

 

 

 

Daily Walks: Up to the end of July I have managed to cover 1000kms. It has been a challenge to do 200kms per month through work but have managed to do significant distance since mid-April.

 

 



 

 

 

 

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.