After a long day yesterday working with teachers in Tauranga it was catch up time today. Lots of admin but also an early finish to make the most of the glorious weather. An early start meant there was time for a late afternoon run at Little Waipa. My fastest 12km yet on that route! Stuffed but pleased! And a beautiful sunset.
A muddy morning out on the trails today. Karamu was a little slidier than usual….but 13km under our belts and a good mixture of hills, farmlands and road.
Bit off a bit more than I could chew today! I should have stuck to my gut feeling and turned around earlier but I went with Jo and Paula all the way to Waotu South which meant I had to come all the way back! Had to dig deep for the last 5km!
So, 31km under my belt. Wonder if I’ll be able to walk tomorrow! We are lucky to have the Waikato River Trails on our doorstep though!
Ran my fastest 15km yet today. It was a beautiful day out on the trails at Little Waipa. Cold, crisp but clear blue sky. Got to love autumn days like today!
Another 10km on the Toi Track and beach. Still need some distance for Cranleigh in two weeks time but pegging away.
We called in at McLaren Falls on the way home – one of those places you see the signs for and always drive past…this time we didn’t! Interesting spot.
Love this concept of helping fellow walkers on the Toi Track!!
Busy day. Hockey trials for Gus at 8.00am for U18 Waikato team. Trailrun up Maungatautari with Jo – 900m of ascent over 15km in 2h25 – not bad going a week after a 100km! Bit of a ‘nana nap’ this afternoon when I fell asleep while reading! Then watched Gus playing hockey for Suburbs – did us proud by crossing the ball in for a goal, then scoring one and then being named MVP. Finally went to see a very weird but interesting French film…far too complicated to explain so here’s a link to the Guardian review of Ma Loute.
Stunning clouds this afternoon out at Pukemokemoke. Also did my fastest ever circuit and then managed 2 more!
The working bee crew were out in force and had dosed the wasp nests so hopefully won’t be stung again. One day I will get to a working bee and give back to this amazing reserve that we have had so much joy from. I was talking to one of the volunteers who was telling me he had been working up there for 20 years. When he first started it was overrun with weeds, stoats, rats and possums. They are now all eradicated and the place is planted with native trees and the birdsong is back.
Recovery day today! Haha! Hot and cold energising shower to start the day. With varying degrees of brokenness we decided to tackle the Old Coach Road from Ohakune. Each going at our own pace – Jo and I managed 10km by doing a few extra ‘dog legs’ and a loop around the Hapuawhenua Viaduct. We were very good and did some mid-walk stretches. Treated ourselves afterwards to lunch in Ohakune.
The Tussock Traverse goes from Tukino, on the Desert Road side of Ruapehu, across the most spectacular landscape, to Whakapapa. Fantastic conditions, amazing organisation and the friendliest marshals you could ask for. And a running/walking buddy who was great company. Two ‘broken’ runners, we walked and ran the 26km together and finished together. Difficult to pick the best photo of the day…. so here’s one at the start and one somewhere on the way!
I spent the day out at Okataina clearing trails for Tarawera Ultra Marathon. It was a beautiful day.
