It was a massive plus. Good weather, great company, a decent number of kilometres covered, and all without injury or incident. Even the food stayed down - oh, and only one small blister!
I feel more confident now, especially recovering well from these two outings. In fact the days off are now the hardest bits - and that's all mental, definitely not physical!
A short run-down...
 |
| Typical Akatarawa Forest trails (from www.envirohistorynz.com) |
Today began at 5am with rude alarm waking. Even the dog wasn't keen to get up! Shane and I began our run from Whareroa Farm, near Paekakariki about 40 minutes out of Wellington. We headed up to Cameron Mill Road, and then into the forest across to Hydro Saddle via Hydro Road and through Norm's Crossing to Toi Toi Road. There's a great map here for anyone interested.
At the 3 hour-ish mark, we looked at the road running steeply down in front of us, at the topo map showing that it rose just as steeply on the other side, and decided that the best training would be to turn around and extend the run at the other end. We made it back to the Mill Road, then followed it all the way to Maungakotukutuku Road, a loop back to the car and then, with 40 minutes to go, a loop around QE II Park. We finished (by design) at an ice-cream kiosk. Well earned, I say!
I felt good when I got home, thanks to sandwiches and tea in the car (thanks family!) and didn't sleep that afternoon, but ate up a storm. Because that wasn't enough - fuelling up for tomorrow.
Sunday: Makara, Skyline, and a wobble on home (30 km)
Another 5am start, more unimpressed looks from the dog. Today's running buddy was Malcolm who, with Shane, is running the 100km Tarawera race. They have both done the 85 km and are generous with their advice. It's all much appreciated!
We headed for a Tour de Makara - we are very lucky to have this so close to home. After a couple of hours on those tracks we headed for the Skyline Walkway, then doubled back into Otari Wilton's Bush to finish off. Four hours, 30 km, only 2km of which were on tarmac. Sunshine, a coffee to finish off, and then the satisfaction of knowing the job was done.
Next steps - I've had an easy week, and don't have a lot on the programme for this weekend. Next week ramps up, culminating in the Tarawera Training Camp next weekend. It'll be great to finally see the course - I hope we get on well!
 |
| View from the top of the Skyline Walkway. We didn't get up here on the Sunday, but it's always worth the effort! Photo by Butch Borlase |
No comments:
Post a Comment