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.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Saturday, February 16, 2008
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.
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.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
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.
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.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
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.
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.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Rail Trail Achieved
This is a very late blog informing the reader tahtb I completed the 150km Rail Trail walk on Saturday 12 January at 11.10am. It was a wonderful sense of achievement as there was only one other walker (from BC, Canada). My feet were a mess at the end as the blisters kicked in on day three of the six day walk. One great innovation was the passport that could be self stamped at the old stations.
Sun 6 Jan - caught the Taieri Gorge train to Middlemarch. It was a two and a half hour journey in a train packed with tourists. A highlight was going over the Wingatui viaduct. I stayed with my friend Noel and his wife Rebecca at their newly established B&B. Noel took me for a walk to the Sutton Salt Lake which w
as a 4km loop.
Mon 7 Jan - Middlemarch to Hyde - Noel accompanied me on the first leg to Hyde of 30km. The day was overcast but warm. We saw the Cairn to remember the 21 people who died at the Hyde Railway accident in 1943. It took six and a half hours to treach Hyde. My body felt great. We met Rebecca at the Otago Central Hotel where I stayed overnight. I met Claire and her son Tim whom I would meet often on the trail. They were biking at a very leisurely pace.
Tues 8 Jan - Hyde to Ranfurly - The longest walk of 32km taking six and a half hours.. Enjoyed going through the Price's Creek tunnel and over the Price's Creek viaduct. Felt my first pain in one of my toes. Had a drink at the Waipiata Hotel. Stayed at the Ranfurly Lion Hotel. Comfortable but no atmosphere. Only place where I had to pay for my breakfast. I worked out I would cover 6km an hour in the first part of the morning until it got hotter.
Wed 9 Jan - Ranfurly to Oturehua - 7 hours - 26kms - feet are hurting with blisters appearing on both my feet. It appears as the day heats up, the gravel that I walk on, becomes very hot making my feet hot as well. Had a beer at the Wedderburn Hotel. On the way I passed the Rough Ridge summit of 618m. Also crossed the 45 degree lattitide markers, twice. I counted 73 riders in this section. Stayed at the Oturehura Hotel in a very comfortable room at the back of the hotel. At my accommodation I met Suzanne and John from Holland. Had a wonderful three sociable hours with them. Otureua has a wonderful general store "Gilchrists".
Thurs 10 Jan - Oturehua to Lauder - 5 hours - 23kms - a shot leg but my feet are sore. This is probably the most popular section with lots of day walkers. Walk through the two Poolburn tunnels and over the Poolburn viaduct. Lots of cuttings and great vistas to see. The Lauder Hotel is owned by a female gay couple in their late fifties. They were very hospitable and I enjoyed staying there.
Fri 11 Jan - Lauder to Galloway - 7 hours - 30 km - feet very sore. Today is the hottest day - 32 degrees. Made fantastic progress to Omakau doing the first 3kms in 31 minutes. Feet are feeling good but as the day heats up they become painful. Had a beer and hot chips at Chatto Creek. At Galloway met by Werner van Harselaar, By Board of Trustees Cahirman. They were holidaying at a house owned by Kate's (Werner's wife) sister and husband. Went to the Shakey Creek for the family to swim while I soaked my feet. Had dinner at a nearby cafe. Once back in the house Kate (a doctor) bled my blisters.
Sat 12 Jan - Galloway to Clyde - 4 hours - last 15 kms. It was a cool day to walk the last section. Uneventful trip. Pretty boring with long straights to walk. Denise and friends met me at the Clyde Railhead.
Sun 6 Jan - caught the Taieri Gorge train to Middlemarch. It was a two and a half hour journey in a train packed with tourists. A highlight was going over the Wingatui viaduct. I stayed with my friend Noel and his wife Rebecca at their newly established B&B. Noel took me for a walk to the Sutton Salt Lake which w
as a 4km loop.Mon 7 Jan - Middlemarch to Hyde - Noel accompanied me on the first leg to Hyde of 30km. The day was overcast but warm. We saw the Cairn to remember the 21 people who died at the Hyde Railway accident in 1943. It took six and a half hours to treach Hyde. My body felt great. We met Rebecca at the Otago Central Hotel where I stayed overnight. I met Claire and her son Tim whom I would meet often on the trail. They were biking at a very leisurely pace.
Tues 8 Jan - Hyde to Ranfurly - The longest walk of 32km taking six and a half hours.. Enjoyed going through the Price's Creek tunnel and over the Price's Creek viaduct. Felt my first pain in one of my toes. Had a drink at the Waipiata Hotel. Stayed at the Ranfurly Lion Hotel. Comfortable but no atmosphere. Only place where I had to pay for my breakfast. I worked out I would cover 6km an hour in the first part of the morning until it got hotter.
Wed 9 Jan - Ranfurly to Oturehua - 7 hours - 26kms - feet are hurting with blisters appearing on both my feet. It appears as the day heats up, the gravel that I walk on, becomes very hot making my feet hot as well. Had a beer at the Wedderburn Hotel. On the way I passed the Rough Ridge summit of 618m. Also crossed the 45 degree lattitide markers, twice. I counted 73 riders in this section. Stayed at the Oturehura Hotel in a very comfortable room at the back of the hotel. At my accommodation I met Suzanne and John from Holland. Had a wonderful three sociable hours with them. Otureua has a wonderful general store "Gilchrists".Thurs 10 Jan - Oturehua to Lauder - 5 hours - 23kms - a shot leg but my feet are sore. This is probably the most popular section with lots of day walkers. Walk through the two Poolburn tunnels and over the Poolburn viaduct. Lots of cuttings and great vistas to see. The Lauder Hotel is owned by a female gay couple in their late fifties. They were very hospitable and I enjoyed staying there.
Fri 11 Jan - Lauder to Galloway - 7 hours - 30 km - feet very sore. Today is the hottest day - 32 degrees. Made fantastic progress to Omakau doing the first 3kms in 31 minutes. Feet are feeling good but as the day heats up they become painful. Had a beer and hot chips at Chatto Creek. At Galloway met by Werner van Harselaar, By Board of Trustees Cahirman. They were holidaying at a house owned by Kate's (Werner's wife) sister and husband. Went to the Shakey Creek for the family to swim while I soaked my feet. Had dinner at a nearby cafe. Once back in the house Kate (a doctor) bled my blisters.
Sat 12 Jan - Galloway to Clyde - 4 hours - last 15 kms. It was a cool day to walk the last section. Uneventful trip. Pretty boring with long straights to walk. Denise and friends met me at the Clyde Railhead.Sunday, December 30, 2007
Eight Days Until the Rail Trail Walk Begins
I did the home - town - Mt Cargill - Upper Junction Road - Home circuit. I left home at 6am and did the 20km loop at 9.50am.
Timimgs - Logan Park 1 hout, Halfway up Mt Cargill Road 2 hours, Near bottom of Upper Junction Road = 3 hours
No serious aches and pains. However it is now only 8 days until I start the Rail Trail.
Timimgs - Logan Park 1 hout, Halfway up Mt Cargill Road 2 hours, Near bottom of Upper Junction Road = 3 hours
No serious aches and pains. However it is now only 8 days until I start the Rail Trail.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Roof Painting
Since school finished on 21 December at lunchtime I have been consumed with painting the roof. The first two days included water blasting and painting on one coat. On the 3rd day I only managed 2 hours as the rain came. This meant no walking on the three painting days.
On Christmas Day we went to Vic and Trudy's for lunch. For tea we went to Shirley's with friends. Denise and I decided to leave the car in Helena Street. We taxied home costing $27.
On Boxing Day I left St Leonards to walk and get my car. The 11kms took 1 hr and 50 mins.
On Christmas Day we went to Vic and Trudy's for lunch. For tea we went to Shirley's with friends. Denise and I decided to leave the car in Helena Street. We taxied home costing $27.
On Boxing Day I left St Leonards to walk and get my car. The 11kms took 1 hr and 50 mins.
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