Wharf2Wharf…and other news

This is actually last year’s event, my friend Maria took this pic as I crossed the finish line. That’s 4 hours, 9 minutes and 15 seconds after I started walking at Orapiu wharf. This year the weather was hotter, but I’d done more training, and I crossed the line in a time of 3 hours, 57 minutes and 32 seconds. That’s nearly 12 minutes faster! Next year the plan is to break 3 hours 50 minutes.

In the first half to Onetangi, despite the 3 massive hills, I felt very comfortable, but struggled a bit in the second part, slowing right down going up the short but steep Calais Terrace and Ladd Road. After that it was mainly flat but people that I had overtaken earlier now cruised past me, including Franz, Maria’s husband (74) and several other younger competitors. Franz and I started together, with our Rocky Bay mate Peter Lumsden, also over 70, and Peter ended up being the second male across the line, regardless of age, in a very smart 3 hours 31 minutes. His nickname is now Speedy!

It’s 25 kilometres, so my pace works out at 9.5 minutes per kilometre.

In other news…..let’s see.

** Going to play chess tonight with my friend Rune, who is quite good.

** Have now remodelled 2 of my 3 junk / storage rooms into a bedroom, and an office. Only 1 to go, and that’s going to be my art room, studio and display.

** Tropical storm June is bearing down on us from the Pacific. It’s been downgraded from a cyclone. Still need to secure stuff outside so it doesn’t blow away. Had fun by text this morning with my friend June who was quite surprised they named a cyclone after her.

OK better get in some more recovery / resting time before venturing out for the chess tonight…..