All I want for Christmas

While Brian shouted himself (well officially us) 3 top of the range fishing rods, I got this:

It is a genuine McGregor's weed grubber. Yah! I was so excited I went out tonight and spent 90 minutes getting rid of weeds on the run off.

It actually proved to be a good workout, and I've got a blister to prove it.

I might actually suggest to McGregor's that they re-market the grubber as the ultimate workout for athletes. Not only do you work out the legs walking between weeds, but exercise the core (lifting the grubber), the upper body (cutting the weeds down to size).

Thanks very much Brian, such a thoughtful gift!

Next event!

This is my next event.

HELP I need to lose 15 kg by then, otherwise my butt is going to get seriously kicked:

By my team mate Janie.

By the big hills!

I'm pleased it's at Whitianga, we can stay at our bach - downside - the 'boys' will be doing their fishing tournament - upside - we can go to the party after the fishing tournament.

Hi Folks

We are pleased to announce that the tenth anniversary ARC Adventure Race "Operation Blue Moon" will be based somewhere close toWhitianga, on the Coromandel peninsula.

The event, which takes place on the weekend of the 20th / 21st March, includes a 24 hour, 12hour and 8 hour race. The event is open to teams of 2 or 4 people (the 8 hour is alos open to teams of 3) and there are some special categories for school teams and teams from the forces.

Around 20 teams have entered to date and we can tell you that this years event is going to have some interesting high adrenaline activities, some of which haave never been tried before in an Adventure Race !

For more information and online entry - visit the websiteb - www.arecevents.co.nz/arc2412

The early entry fees are open until 31st December 2009 and entries are limited to 100 teams.

Hope you all have a great Christmas

Andy, Keith and Rita

Hay making time

A highlight of my younger days was haymaking time.

When I was old enough I got to 'turn' the hay with the tractor and conditioner. It was a good way to get a tan!

It was fun rowing up the bales behind the baler, ready for the hay gang to pick up. The hay gang was usually the local rugby or young farmers club, who for an amount per bale, and a few beers afterwards, picked up the hay, stacked it on the trailer, then took it to the shed to stack in the barn. It was great fun. I got to drive the tractor for picking up the bales.

We used to line up for a 'sip' of beer. DB Draught in those days in the big 750 ml bottles!

Brian and I haven't made hay for years. Now it is all pretty mechanical, we use big gear, and get it made into big bales, which are moved by tractor and front end loader. We haven't needed hay in our system up to now, due to good pasture growth rates and good soil conditions here on the peat soils.

But with the run off, and it's poor draining soils, hay will be a good option. It seems to keep animals satisfied in the cold and wet, which makes them more settled, and hopefully they won't do too much pasture damage.

The grass gets cut for hay tomorrow night. The weather is looking good - fine right through, (good for the Rotorua HIM). Most of the hay will be in big bales, but a couple of paddocks will be in the smaller, conventional bales - so I can feed them out in July/August in the wetter months.

I'll be driving the tractor to turn the hay - we went down and 'borrowed' Dad's hay conditioner today.

Ok, not related to exercise, but thought you might be interested!

Heifers

These are the heifers (last years calves). They have been grazing chicory. The Coromandel ranges are in the background.

Working at the runoff

These are my calves. There are 140 of them. I have reared these calves from one day old.

Mac's adventures

This is my dog Mac. He is a bearded collie, and is meant to be a farm dog. He had an adventure the other day, and we're just starting to unravel it.

He has a broken leg, and has just come out of a cast. I bought him a flash new kennel, so he could recover in it.

I felt a bit sorry for him the other day, so let him off, but didn't put him back in his kennel, and I went out.

We had a thunder storm. Well, Mac doesn't like thunder, so when I came back, he was inside - this photo is of him inside, looking a me - outside!

That's not the end of the story. Our insurance agent, Nigel, came around today, and explained that on the same day he stopped outside our place, and opened the car door. In went a terrified Mac. Horrified at having a hairy, dirty, big scared dog in his car, Nigel tried to get him out. Mac did not oblidge! It would have been absolutely hilarious to see, if I was not feeling slightly embarrassed about it all!

Nigel obviously got Mac out eventually, after Mac made a mess of his car, thereafter Mac managed to get inside our house to escape the thunder!

Poor Mac!

Kauri Run

On November 21st, Brian and I completed the Kauri Run. It is a run from Waikawau Bay, on the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula to Colville, on the west coast. There are two options, the shorter run of 13 km, or a longer version. The longer version finishes at Coromandel town.

Neither of us had done any running training. Brian was in good shape though, he was really fit after being on the farm. I had been on the farm too, but instead of losing weight and getting fit, I got injured and ate too much!

So the end result was that Brian bet me by two beers, or 34 minutes in layman terms!

I really enjoyed the run/walk, it was really scenic, and a great challenge.

Aches and Pains

Getting older is a bit of a bummer. It seems to have hit with a major whack. Regular trips to the hairdresser have hidden the grey hairs, keeping fit has helped the flexibility and energy, but nothing really helps once you get an injury.

I've torn a cartilage in my right knee. I did this working on the farm. I'm working on the farm to help keep down costs, as we have heaps of debt. Age didn't cause my accident, some hungry calves did - back in mid September. Working on the farm has caused other issues - tiredness and lack of time. My house is a bombshell, and I've not done as much exercise as I used to.

I saw the specialist today, ironically the knee has been feeling a lot better this week. He explained that this was good, as cartilage settles down after about two months from being torn - or it gets worse, so if it continues to feel better he won't do any surgery - which because I'm 'not 20 any more' would be the best option.

I explained I've put on about 10 kg (actually 13), he said every kg of weight creates 10 kg of pressure on the knee while running. EEEKKK this was the wake up call I needed! I'll dust of the road bike, and find my togs and get swimming.

There's lots of things I want to continue doing. I'm doing the Kauri Run on the 21st of November, and have entered another 8 hour Adventure race in March. So best I get off my ever increasing bottom and get into it!

Spring Challenge 2009

I almost didn't make it.

The start - I wasn't exaggerating about the waves!


Brian had sensibly said earlier on that I should really do local events, it's cheaper and easier to get to.


BUT another team REALLY needed me! Well that was my story anyway.


I had been checking the Spring Challenge website regularly for those wanting team mates and this came up:

We're slow but have been looking forward to having a great time in the 6 hr vet race but have lost a team mate to injury. If you'd like to join us please contact Lyndsay at xxxxxx or xxxxxxx@xtra.co.nz


I have lots of airpoints, so made sure I could get flights and a rental car, organised the girls to stay at my brother's, and put it to Brian that I should really go. He didn't bother arguing, he knew I would be too hard to live with if I couldn't go.


So I let the team 'Giving it a go' know that I could go, and I was in. The only hassle - 17 days to the event. I knew I was fit enough to finish, but I couldn't push it. My knee was sore from a farm injury. I was pretty strong from working on the farm all spring.


I arrived in Nelson and picked up a rental car, I had organised a hatchback, but was thrilled to get a Toyota Rav 4 - what a cool car. I had my bike in a bike bag, so I could fit it in easily. My own car has done about 240 000 km, and is starting to leak oil, and has bits falling off and breaking - a Toyota Rav 4 could be a replacement - one day. Although I'd love a mini!


Anyway, got myself to St Araud, there was lots of snow about and it was cold! Luckily I had packed extra thermals.


Registered, attended the rafting briefing, and met my team mates and their support person. A Scottish lady - Shirley and Lyndsay and her husband Stu.


I put my bike together, put on lots of insect repellent (the sandflies are legendary), had tea, and went to bed. We had a campervan in the local DOC camping ground, really close to the start line.

Up at 3.30 in the morning, having a bad gut ache (anti-inflammatory side effect), I had been dreaming of rafting in the sea in big waves. I went down to the shore - you guessed it - big waves crashing on the beach - oh!


The race started at 6 am. It was meant to be a short swim to the rafts then into the rafts for a 3km paddle across Lake Rotoiti to the Buller river. Due to the waves we started on the beach, put the rafts in, then paddled for our lives to beat the 20knot headwind. It was tough.
Just another bumper boat ride!

Once we got to the Buller River it just got tougher. Low water levels meant getting in and out of the raft to lift it. The thought petrified me. There was didymo on the rocks, which made them slippery. Being overweight meant I was scared I'd not get myself back in the raft with any dignity! After about 20 in and out events, I was over it!


It took us 2.5 hours to do the rafting, it was gruelling. I was stuffed. The ambos were treating a lady that had hypothermia. I ended up taking her back to Nelson the next day.

We had a LONG transition. We were all cold and tired. It took me 3 attempts to get my cycle pants on the right way round!


The weather had improved dramatically - it turned out to be a fantastic day!

On to the bikes, and a short ride across paddocks to the next checkpoint, bikes dumped at the base of a hill, and we climbed to 1000 m to find two checkpoints. One of the men on Checkpoint 3 was Scottish, and lived in the same town as Shirley had!

The highest point in the race 1023 m above sea level. I know it looks like it, but I hadn't forgotten to take off my life jacket. Note to self - get into better shape!

Down the hill (the beech forest was neat - lots of birds too), back on the bikes for a short ride, then a long push up a clay bumpy forest track - I don't think anyone actually rode up the hill. On the downhill I had to get off a couple of times, but otherwise it was cool.


We got to transition then had some food, and set off on the tramp. We had to find an orienteering control point along the lake track, which got a few people lost. We found it eventually.


We just walked to the finish, the best teams ran. It was neat finishing. I had not done much training, but I knew I could finish, it would just not be fast.


Our time was 9 hours 40 minutes, not last, but not far off. Still it was a great adventure.



The prize giving was good, with the local school putting on a great lunch. I got a prize for doing all 3 spring challenges, and the 2 autumn ones - along with another lady in the 12 hour veteran winning team who has done the same.

Shirley won a rafting and kayaking trip in Tonga, with accommodation provided. She has to pay for the airfare though!

The autumn challenge is in Palmerston North - my old student stomping ground!

Photos are taken by Ian Trafford http://www.iantrafford.co.nz/ The CD hasn't arrived yet, I got these off his website - so these aren't as clear as the higher resolution ones I'll get off the CD.

'Almost' a podium!!

Well, not quite, we missed it by 1 hour 16 minutes, but 6th out of 22 in the veteran's category was pretty shit hot!

Firstly a catch up. I'll add photo's later.

The week leading up to the autumn challenge, was a bit muddly, it was the school holidays, which meant children at home full time. It has also been extremely stressful - we are building a new cowshed, which is going to cost over 2 million dollars. It has been really dry, so milk production is down, and with the payout for milk down, banks are getting a little stroppy. So Brian and I needed a bit of time out.

I had a cunning plan. We had cheap accommodation in a flash hotel, so I booked two nights for Brian and me. I suggested we go mountain biking in the Rotorua trails - two reasons - doing something active, and (secretly) hiring a bike with disk brakes to show Brian how much better they are.

We enjoyed the trails - Brian didn't want to venture off anything greater than Grade 2. Afterwards I suggested we should look at bike shops. The second one we went to 'browse' in had some good discounts on last years bikes. So surprise surprise! I ended up with a new bike. We can't really afford it, but we also couldn't afford me to break a leg or something else on my next adventure race. So I have a Giant Talon, which I got for $1399. It was the bee's knees during the race.

The race:

It was a rush to get back from Rotorua, organise kids, gear, myself, and get off to Taupo. Janie arrived at 12.30, we finally got going at about 1. My new bike in tow.

I'm pleased we left early, as there was a really bad accident just north of Taupo, which we must have only just missed.

We arrived in Taupo to find our accommodation in a gorgeous house - wow!

Sorted out some food, then went to the venue, which was 1 hour 10 minutes drive on the Taupo-Napier highway. We arrived, registered, caught up with friends also racing, and got our instructions. Fairly straight forward - run to raft, raft 11 km, bike 30 and run 12km. Expected winning time 6 hours, with last teams expected in 12 hours.

We got back to Taupo and caught up with Barbara and her husband Kerry, our support person.

Had a great sleep, and got up a 5 am. I had read the map and instructions really well, and was feeling confident about navigation.

We arrived at Mountain valley to start - got our wetsuits on, and waited for the start - we were off on a short 1.5 km run to the rafting start. One poor lady twisted her ankle in the first 100m - the end of her day - her team ended up as a DNF, so sad for them.

We were near the back by the time we got into our raft. Silly me put my life jacket on inside out - couldn't believe it!

We made up heaps of 'ground' though. Our guide (Canadian) Andre was great.

We finished in 2 hours, then ran to transition. Kerry had set this up really well. Out of our wetsuits, and into mountain biking gear. On to the bikes and I found my seat not right (never have new gear on race day!!!)

The first 500m was up hill - not nice after sitting on a raft for 2 hours! Uphill was the flavour of the first 2 hours - once we got off the roads, it was UPHILL to 800m above sea level. We pushed our bikes most of the way. I started cramping up at this stage, which made me cross, as it got progressively worse.

The down hill was amazing! We had to dodge big pumice rocks on a steep downhill. We were catching up with teams. We then had to stop and cross SH5 in quite a dangerous spot. Over the road and more down hill. We passed at least 5 teams, and only had one pass us! A few undulations, and we had a steep downhill, which we decided to walk - it would have been a bit scary otherwise! Back on the bikes, and into the second transition area. 3 hours 33 on the bike - most of it pushing the bike!

The next bit was orienteering. I took too long pondering the map we got at the start of TA2 - in hindsight we should have just headed out, as the navigation was mostly by signs, we didn't really need the compass.

This is when I really started cramping up. The hills weren't too bad. We got to Check Point (CP) 5 before 4, but it didn't matter. In actual fact I think it was faster that way.

The finish was good. We caught up with quite a few teams, and had others in hot pursuit behind. It was quite an incentive to keep going as fast as possible. I had the cramping under control, so we jogged to the finish.

Overall 8 hours 43 minutes 30 seconds. The winning team was a veteran team, in 5 hours 59 minutes and 53 seconds. Nathan and his team sure know how to estimate the winning time! The final team in was 11 hours 52 minutes and 57 seconds.

We had a shower, grabbed some dinner, but headed back to Taupo before the prizegiving.

Had a few wines with the team, then crashed! Woke up feeling good. My muscles seem to have recovered well - perhaps if I didn't get cramped so badly, I could have gone harder?

I really want to do the Nelson Lakes race now!!!!

The Sportzhub report

This report is courtesy of Sportzhub, I still haven't got around to our version. But this is pretty close.

It was really cool seeing Team Orion Health compete - they were awesome - and friendly too. I asked them if they were lost at on stage - they were running around the bush in circles - their navigation was so good, they didn't need to stay on the tracks!

The ARC Adventure Race - "Operation Nighthawk"


This years race attracted a record number of 68 teams and 200 competitors including current World Champions Orion Health, Team Outsport from Noumea, a crack team from the NZ Army and several school teams taking part
..in the ARC 12 and 8 hour races.
An early morning heavy drizzle faced competitors as they lined up for a very unusual start at Tangitaori Reserve - Pauanui Coromandel. The first 100 metres comprised of a backward paddle race with a 10 minute time bonus for the first kayak to pas the marker buoys in the Tairua Harbour.
World Champions Orion Health charged through the field to take first place and then kayaks regrouped and headed off into the misty harbour to collect a number of check points. The furthest optional check point was out at Shoe Island, across the Tairua bar and 4km off shore. Teams were confronted with challenging conditions and reigning ARC 12 champions Crash Bandicoot were accompanied for some of their journey by inquisitive shark.

An hour or so later and back into the harbour the hunt was now on for the NZ Navy submarine, HMS Destitute which would provide vital information for the "Operation NightHawk" mission. A number of teams made a tactical decision not to head for Shoe Island in the hope that the physical time saving would provide them with more light for the trekking section later in the day.
Meanwhile the new ARC 8 hour race was starting with a series of tubing sprints around the same 100 metre markings. This made entertaining viewing for spectators as teams waded around the buoys in pursuit of their 10 minute bonus for a win.
The next stage for all was a varied 40km mountain bike section through the Tairua Forest, farmlands, across and along the Tairua River with the next transition located at the Broken Hills campground. The drizzle had now lifted and competitors were now racing in idea conditions. The mountain bike section had several challenges. A tricky rogaine section in the Tairua Forest which allowed teams of four to split into pairs. Careful navigation across a couple of large farms with a couple of hazards including young bulls and electric fences which zapped several racers in places they won't forget.
Competitors were then faced with a swim across the Tairua River and a 20 minute trek along the river before exiting in grade 2 rapids.
It was then on to the rock jump and snorkel section as racers hunted for the hidden checkpoint deep in a river pool. A chance to cool off after the tough mountain bike ride. It was then off to the rifle shoot on the Puketue Road where racers are given 5 shots at a 50 metre target winning a 2 minute time bonus for every hit. Finally before arriving at Broken Hills there was a quick diversion into the Triumph Mine to collect an optional checkpoint. The only snag was the mine was guarded by an old boar and a chance for racers to use their pig repellent.
Onto the trek which would be located around the Broken Hills area. The 24 hour teams were given a navigationally challenging trek with checkpoints to find along various unmarked tracks. There were also a number of optional checkpoints along the third branch taking teams to a beautiful kauri reserve. The ARC 12 and ARC 8 were give 4 hour and 3 hour rogaines respectively with the fitter teams also heading up the 3rd branch to the kauri reserve. Orion in the lead at Broken Hill>>

Hidden deep in one of the mines was "Operation Nighthawk". Teams were confronted with a 50/50 decision. One way along the mine would provide them with the vital clue to solving Operation NightHawk, the wrong way along the mine would see teams ambushed and shot by foreign terrorists. Sadly a dozen or so teams were lost in combat. Other teams were confronted by giant rats.
As teams came off the trek it was becoming clear that Orion Health were opening up a healthy lead on closest rivals Nga Rakau, the Chaffe Blacks and MacPac Adventure. The next stage was the activity filled mountain biking section back to the Tangitaori Reserve.
Firstly a chilly river crossing on tubes back across the wider and faster flowing section of the Tairua river. It was then on to the Flying Fox, one of the longest in the country. This was followed by a 90 metre abseil in the Tairua Forest The ARC 12 hour and 8 Hour teams would finish at Tangitarori and after time penalties and bonuses were added to teams elapsed time the Thames based Crash Bandicoots secured there title with a narrow win over Team Aphid in the mixed fours.

Team DBR had an impressive win in the Schools Fours and were not that far behind Crash Bandicoots. Nga Rakau Chicks won the Womens pairs, Hammer and Tong the Mixed pairs and Molemap the mens pairs.
Quickest time in the 8 Hour race went to "All the gear, no idea" winning the Mens pairs, closely followed by Craven Morebush who won the Mens 4 /3's and not far behind local team Another Guyded Tour won the Mixed 4/3's. Left Coasters from Opunake won the Schools Fours, Thumbs Up won the Mixed Pairs and DBR 3 won the Schools pairs.
The ARC 24 hour teams would carry on into night and the early morning with a final kayak rogaine along the Tairua river and a night trekking stage up to the Pauanui Trig and into the Tairua forest. The race ended with a sting in the tail as teams faced a short bush bash down to the river and a final swim across a small tributary.

Team Orion Health finishing in just under 21 hours, winning by an impressive 4 hours from nearest rivals Nga Rakau with the Chaffe Blacks following close behind. For their efforts Orion Health also won the NZ Adventure Racing Title, which this year the ARC hosted and in future years will be hosted at other events around the country..
The Army team won the Mens fours, Mix N Match won the Mixed pairs, Ozi GOT won the Womens pairs and Noumea's Outsport won the Mens pairs.Orion Health 2009 NZ Adventure Racing Champions Wayne Oxenham, Anna Berthelson, Brent Edwards and Stu Lynch >>>

And then this email!

Hi Folks
The mountain biking in this years event is going traverse some very varied terrain. In parts the type of terrain will be new to many of you.
We recommend that you get your bikes serviced prior to the event so that they are in peak condition. Check your tyres are in good nick and be sure to carry some spare chain links and a chain breaker. For navigating its helpful for one at least of the team members (preferably your navigators) to have a map holder on the handlebars.

Cheers
The ARC Team

I've made a map holder out of an icecream container. Double sided tape will hold a presentation folder in place, and in that will be our map and directions. Not bad I thought. I'll post a photo when I get our camera back from the beach. The flash map holders cost about $200. Actually everything in this adventure racing lark is expensive. I'm borrowing some lights which go on to my cycle helmet. I thought I'd have a look to see what they are worth - $500. So they won't be on my Christmas list! I'll just make sure that Richard gets some beers for lending them to me!

I'll get my bike serviced next week, and buy some spare links and a chain breaker thingy. I'm actually OK with punctures etc (although I think it will be harder getting the rubber off a mountain bike wheel compared to my road bike.

Tonight is abseiling practice. After tonight Janie and I should be feeling a lot more confident. We've practiced most things that are likely to be thrown at us.

Just got this email from the organisers:


Hi Folks
This years race (24, 12 and 8 hour) includes a challenging abseil.
All equipment will be provided and the abseil will be managed by a professional abseil team.
They wil be using figure of eights and a prossack safety system
Cheers

The ARC Team


ARRRRRGHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

Best we get ourselves over to the rock climbing place in Hamilton!

Always wear your helmet

After 3 days of eating toffee pops on our boat (and catching fish of course!) I decided I better get back to the programme. I needed to do a 3 hour bike ride. Problem - only an hour to do it. Blow it an hour is better than nothing.

Now my Grandma gave me many pieces of wise (at the time in her opinion) advice. The first was to do typing at school (the world needed secretaries not lady vets according to her). This was in 1979 when there were (yes it's hard to believe) no PC's. I took typing through to School C level, and actually did really well. It didn't interfere with my other core subjects nor my desire to be a vet. Wow am I grateful I did typing now! I can touch type very fast, a great asset in todays computer world!

The second thing she made me do was to buy a bike helmet when I went to Massey University. We all had bikes as students, apart from those in my class who got high paying jobs in the meat works etc. In 1984, bike helmets were for - shall I say it - geeks and lecturers (who also had bikes, as they were generally so poorly paid!)

So I joined in the brigade that wore helmets before they became compulsory - sigh!

Anyway the point of this post is that today I was grateful I was wearing a helmet. When I bike around the farm I generally don't, as I like the feeling of freedom! My plan was to practice lifting my bike over gates etc and go on the road for a short piece, so the helmet went on.

Anyway in the middle of my ride I was happily booting it down the cow tracks, thinking of a limerick which we need to write for the ARC adventure race. Good I thought - there's a new gateway there, and I can shoot through there and through the paddock to avoid going through the cows. Oh dear, too late - no gate - instead two high tensile electric fence wires!

I remember hitting them at speed, standing up to avoid being decapitated, bouncing off and then under the wire, collecting a biff on the ear, knees and elbows in the process. Ouch. Quick check to see if anyone saw, collected up myself and bike (made it to the other side of the fence!), rearranged my pride and continued on. My ear still hurts, and I've had to check that it is in fact still attached to my head!

So wherever you are Grandma - thanks!

By the way, I composed two limmericks, what do you think?

We’re about to embark, without even a squawk
On ARC’s Operation Nighthawk
Two lasses from Ngatea
Preferring a wine to a beer
Puffing so much we can’t talk

Two tarts on a mission
Operation night hawk calls for precision
Getting the map the right angle
Save’s our tit’s being in a tangle
And to finish by dark? – here’s wishing!

You put me off starting.............

We all need little bits of inspiration to keep our lives and goals in perspective.

The little words I am keeping in my head to help me reach my goals came from Pam this morning. Pam looks after Ella during the week so that I can keep up with our business, and do my training. Pam battles with weight like me. She was talking about her skinny niece who is doing Ironman NZ in 3 weeks time. I remarked that I should be skinny too, but I can't get any more weight off (I've actually put on 4.4 kg since Tauranga!)

She said 'Yes you put me off starting (to lose weight)' ...... because I appear to be working hard and not getting anywhere. If the truth be known, I am still eating too much - a muesli bar here, another bit of vogels there, etc etc.

So now I have some motivational words to say to myself every time I get tired from training, or feel like eating something I don't need.... 'you put me off starting....' .

I'll make sure Pam has no excuses in 6 months time!!!

Some of you are wondering what I'm up to - I'm training for this. Training involves rifle shooting and rock climbing!!! A bit terrifying for a 43 year old previously unadventurous type!

The year is 2015 and the country has just gone into it’s 2nd year of occupation by a hostile foreign power. The spectacular new oil discoveries of 2012, just as prices hit US$1,000 a barrel, rendered New Zealand too vulnerable in a world greedy for energy.

This hostile foreign power has an iron grip on the country and all contacts with the outside world have been completely stopped. Shipping and air travel had been suspended and telephone, radio, TV and internet access are all impossible with the high tech frequency blocks imposed throughout the land. From the perspective of the outside world it was as if NZ had ceased to exist as a country overnight.

The rest of the country’s economy was allowed to fall into disrepair. The resulting social decline, looting and criminal activity has quickly undermined the whole fabric of society and the only remnants of organisation are in the occupiers protection of the production and distribution of the “black gold”, it’s high frequency “blocking stations” and it’s policing of the coastline, ports, airspace and airports.

There is just a small glimmer of hope. An emerging resistance movement has gradually grown in strength with a steady recruitment from what remained of the armed services, police, fire brigades and the adventure racing community.

Around 250 of these clandestine groups are in hiding around the country. They are only able to communicate with one another via the use of old valve radios and morse code.

A tiny crack has appeared in the defenses of the occupying force which has given the resistance movement a small window of opportunity. A new technology has been developed in Britain that would render the occupiers blocking device ineffective. If this technology can be secured and implemented than the rest of the world will see the plight that has befallen the country and come to its rescue.

On the morning of the next March 14th a small submersible vessel will position itself, for a short period of time, at a secret location just off of the Coromandel coastline. They will provide a blocking deactivating device to each group than can rendezvous with them. Each device has its own activation code. Groups will then be dropped into the depths of enemy territory with the mission of finding the location of the North Island “Blocking Station’ known to be situated on a high spot in the Coromandel ranges. This station is heavily guarded.

At least one device needs to be placed within 20 metres of the station for it to be effective. The group must then return to a pre- determined base and provide the device code that will enable it to be activated.

There is less than a 1 in 100 chance of success and for that reason we are aiming to gather as many small groups that are courageous enough to try, as possible. You will have to run a gauntlet of enemy fire, there is a strong probability of ambush and due to the highly classified nature of this operation there will be times when you are blindfolded. Some of you may not return from this mission, but you can be assured that you will remembered for your bravery. If one ore more of the groups can get through unscathed it could save the country.

If you enter the next ARC Adventure Race, “Operation Night Hawk”, you will not only have the experience of a lifetime you will also have the chance to save your country.
The event has a special services category for teams from the Army, the SAS, the Air Force, the Navy, the Territorial’s, the Police, Fire Brigade and Ambulance. As well as the ARC 24 and 12 hour races with teams of 2 or 4, there will be a special 8 Hour ARC non- kayaking race for teams

of 2, 3 or 4.

If you look carefully there are ropes for abseiling on this otherwise beautiful waterfall!

Tauranga Half Ironman Race Report

I've just spent the last 3 days in bed, a headache, coughing, and generally feeling pretty lousy. I had planned a grand celebration after the Half Ironman, but I fell asleep instead!

On Friday I left Whitianga, on route to Tauranga. It was a pretty uneventful drive, apart from sussing out the hills between Whitianga and Tairua, with the idea of biking there this week - the traffic is still pretty busy, and the hills steep, so will avoid this!

I arrived and checked into my motel, I was feeling unexpectedly tired, so had a brief nana nap, hoping I'd feel a little better afterwards. Woke up with headache and cough. Grabbed some panadol, headache sorted. Tried to ignore the possibility I was coming down with a virus, I wanted to race in the morning!

I got my race pack, and caught up with Kathy, her mum and boys. You may have heard this before Kathy, but your mum could get away with saying she's your sister! Kathy was guarding her new 'Iris' - I had a quick checkout - it certainly looked really smart and fast!

I was getting a little pysched out with all the flash gear, flash bodies and crowd, so sneaked off down town. The shops weren't that inspiring with the headache that had come back, and still feeling tired.

The compulsory race meeting was at 5.15, so went to that, then grabbed something to eat, sorted my gear out, and went to bed. Not a great nights sleep due to the cough and heat.

I woke up to pouring rain! Well at least it wasn't going to be hot!

I got ready, and headed down to the Mount. There was a real flurry of excitement and nerves amongst everyone. I got myself ready, managing to get my wetsuit on without needing any help!

As I got into the water (oh it was colder than here at Whitianga), I felt good. I made my way over to the start. Wave starts this year - the elites, then the men, then the ladies. 2 minutes apart. The current was quite strong, so a few of us went over to the wharf and held on. When the gun finally went off for us, I found myself quite a long way behind the front of the pack - perhaps 100m. This made the swimming easy, but was a big disadvantage time wise.

There were a lot of jellyfish, which didn't phase me too much. I actually thought I was swimming well, but the other ladies just got further and further away. Then the lead men caught me, right at the last buoy, and at the end of the second lap the lead teams swimmers caught me. This actually slowed me down, as I tried to keep out of their way. At Rotorua there was more room, and I was sucked with the faster swimmers.

I was pretty tired and disappointed when I looked at my watch - 52 minutes. I basically walked to transition, and took my time getting ready for the bike - a long T1. I felt good from the start of the bike, and had a bit of company for the first lap. However, I was soon by myself in the dairying area of Papamoa. I was a little despondent here, as I was getting lonely, thought I was working pretty hard, but the speedo didn't respond.

Back into town and into the crowds my spirits lifted - it's great being cheered on. I saw the leading men and women, wow, they're so fast!

My laps in town were fast - the road condition is smooth and fast, and the crowd helps.

Back into transition - I mucked around a bit, and headed off for the run - wow I was feeling good! My parents were close to the turnaround, so got spurred on by them, and friends from Ngatea were at the beach turnaround, and stayed all day to cheer me there - I'm very grateful. Then of course there was Mike and his family and Kathy's family who yelled out encouragement. While others might get in the 'zone' and blank out all the noise and support, I had to lap it up!

I ran ALL the way around the mount, and between aid stations. It was only the second time around the mount that I started walking the hills, even then I ran more than I otherwise would, as I knew I was getting close to the cut off.

The girls joined me running up to the finish, where I was whisked away to be interviewed for the local paper - felt like a real celebrity - perhaps it's not so bad coming in near the end!!

I actually felt really good straight after - no cramps, sore tummy or muscles. My muscles recovered well, it was just the underlying viurs which come to bite me in the bum later that night.

I'm pleased I did it, but very disappointed with my time. This may or may not be because of the virus, but has given me some incentive to build a better base over the next few months.

I'll get some photos on here shortly.

The big race is tomorrow!

This is the weather forecast from fencepost:


Light variable winds on Saturday, cloudy periods with the odd sunny break at times. A few light showers may develop from evening.

For me this is IDEAL. Of course for marlin mad husband, it would be ideal for fishing too! But he is going to come and support me - with the girls, so I'm pleased about that.

I have had an interesting taper week. Since I also enjoy fishing, I have had 4 whole days out on the boat, two for the tuna tournament (only caught albacore, no yellowfin!), and two gorgeous days on Monday and Tuesday. I only missed one cycle, but I did miss my swims. This was for a couple of seriously good reasons.

First swim: Had rash on neck from forgetting to put on cream - ok poor excuse, the water is warm enough to swim without wetsuit.

Second swim: Was kitted up (without wetsuit), in the Cove on Great Mercury Island. Brian was fishing, reel and rod went off, so decided to see what he had caught - 2.5 m shark - swim aborted! This reason I think was sort of justified, even though I don't think sharks attack swimmers at the Mercury's, but I wasn't willing to be the first statistic!

I went to bed with a headache last night, this is despite being well hydrated, so when I woke up this morning after coughing a lot last night, and the headache remaining, I have become a little annoyed. I hope it goes away.

I had a good swim (the water is very warm - and salty!) The temperature when we were fishing got up to 23.5 degrees C, which is why the pelagic fish are all here at the moment.

As far as aims tomorrow are concerned I have a couple of main ones - to get nutrition and hydration right, so that I don't cramp up or end up with a crook guts.

Time wise - I want to beat last years time of 6:51.02. I would love to do 6.30.

There's a neat programme where you can compare yourself, against other athletes. It's quite a laugh really, I did it to see where I should aim to wave at the race leaders. Another aim is to make sure the winning ladies don't finish before I start running. (I was lucky - slow - enough to see the battle between Kate and Jo last year down the final straight).

I'm happy to say that after a couple of panadols, and writing this, my headache is easing.

I'm off for a quick bike ride shortly - major excitement in Whitianga last night - I've got to check it out. The Placemakers building was on fire - there were lots of fire engines coming past us from Matarangi, Kuotuna, Tairua and Cooks Beach and Hahei!!