Karetai Challenge

I have just completed the Karetai Challenge, which was the second part of the Southern Coastal Series. The first part was the Papotowai Challenge.

We left outside the Shiel Hill Tavern and walked up to the Centre Road turn-off which was 3.2km. I mangaged this, in just over 28 mins. Lots of people passed me down this road including Craig. He took off as we headed towards the Tautuku Fishing Club. This was 7km away from the start.

I was pleased with my stamina going up the Karetai Hill. Only one person passed me and I was able to pass around 10 people including Craig. The Karetai Road Hill climb was 4.3km.

The last part of 5.2km was virtually downhill. I came in at 2:18:40 which was just under 4 mins slower than Papatowai but one kilometre longer.

Had a shower at school and came back for the prize giving. I won socks for the Karetai Challenge section and a Speights towel at the Southern Coastal Series section. We were given a certificate if we competed in both events.

Fairfield - Saddle Hill - Waldronville - Fairfield

Seven club members met on the footpath opposite the site of the former Fairfield Tavern. We went in two cars to Saddle Hill. From here we walked to the top of Saddle Hill and then down hill to Waldronville. We walked along Brighton Road to Green Island. We continued pass Sunnyvale to where we parked our cars in Fairfield.

The walk took 2 hrs and 3 mins - 12 kms by my calculation.

Jan and Ruth took the drivers of their cars to pick them up from where we started the walk.

8 days until the Karetai Walk.

Papatowai Challenge

Today was the day of the 15.5km Papatowai Challenge. It rained overnight and the weather forecast was not very encouraging. I met Jan Stevens and Ruth Harley in Strathallan Street at the NZ Post Centre at 9am. 5 minutes later we picked up Craig and headed south. It took an hour and 20 minutes to reach Owaka where we stopped at the 4 Square supermarket for a hot drink. Next was a toilet stop and then off to Papatowai getting there before 11.30am. We registered and waited until the 12 noon start.

There were 195 walkers and the weather was overcast with no serious rain. I was pleased with my walk from the start and along the bush track. Next was the beach which was much firmer than I thought. I was passed by a number of walkers. Once I got onto the track through the sand dunes and onto the 4WD track, I felt good. We then walked up a gravel road until we reached the summit. I wanted to get under the average time of 2:15 and realised I was behind the pace. I stepped it up and finished in 2:14:59 which was satisfying considering the terrain we walked over. Jan and Ruth finished in just over the two hours. Craig found the terrain tough but did well to finish in 2:19:59.

I was soaking by the time I finished with sweat and the light rain. The good news is that I had no blisters.

We hung around for the prize giving and spot prizes. It was raining heavily so we decided to miss the spot prizes and leave just before 4pm. I finally got home at just over 6pm.

Some statistics

195 walkers - 42nd home

360 walkers and runners - 78th home

Next event - Karetai Challenge - Sunday 16th March at 9am

Preparation for Papatowai

Next weekend is the Papatowai walk in the Catlins. In preparation for the 15.5km walk I did an 8km walk on the sand with Denise from St Clair to the head at John Wilson Drive. I found it quite challenging.

Today the walking group met at Sawyer's Bay, went up the Graham's Bush walk to Mt Cargill Road. We walked south to Upper Junction Road, back to Sawyer's Bay. The 12km walk took 2 hours. A number of walkers commented on my fitness.

The next day (Sunday) Craig and I walked up Leith Valley Road to Sullivan's Dam. We walked around the circumference of the reservoir and back. The 11kms took around 2:20.

First Summer Walk in 2008

Our walk started out with wind and rain but finished in dry conditions. Four of us braved the climate to complete a 10km walk. Jan Stevens from Rotary Park School joined us.

We left the Logan Park bus stop and walked along Butts Road to Logan Park School. We followed a track up through the Northern Cemetry onto Lovelock Avenue. We went down Opoho Road until we came to Knox College. We followed this street until we came to Evans Street. We turned left somewhere off Evans Strret and followed a step street down to North Road. We walked around Palmer's Quarry, back along North Road, through the Gardens onto Dundas Street. From here is was onto Harbour Terrace, Union Street and back to the bus stop.

On the following day Craig and I met at the Rotary Park Lookout and walked up Highcliff Road, turning left at Centre Road, down to Tomahawk Road. It was extremely windy at the beach and the walk back along Highcliff Road. The walk took 1 hr 50 mins. At times we were confronted by a horrible odour like a dead sheep.

A Bronze Medal for the 10 km Walk

Well what a surprise. After I finished the 10 km walk in a personal best time of 1:16:11, I felt very satisfied and went home. I received two phone calls telling me I had won a bronze.

The walk started at 8.30am with a big field. There was a slight drizzle but perfect conditions for walking. I was worried about my feet as they were in a bad stape after the 1/2 marathon walk and I had done no training apart from a walk to Port Chalmers and back yesterday. I also had new trainers and they were not properly broken in.

I was delighted to do the 5km in 36 minutes and sensed a PB. If I had done the 5km in the Master's Games I would have secured a medal for my age group. A friend, Craig Currie came and offered support during the race and at the end.

At the 8 kim mark I had no pain and was able to step up my pace.

I am disappointed to miss the medal's ceremony.

Master's Games 1/2 Marathon

I completed my second 1/2 marathon today in the time of 3:07:11. It was a nice warm day with 99 competitors completing the course. Although just outside my PB I was pleased with the result. My feet were still recovering from thr Rail Trail walk but no excuses.

The course was on the Taieri starting from Memorial Park. Lots of long straights. Craig Currie was place 2nd for his age group at 2:55:00 which is a fine effort for the 40-44 age group.