Because I Can

A serious hurt fest

2010-03-22T10:19:00.002+13:00

The ARC 8 hour adventure race.

I knew it was going to hurt!

What a great event though!

I arrived at our bach in Whitianga late Friday afternoon. I unpacked everything, caught up with my sister and her husband, who were staying at our bach, then headed down to register with Janie in town. A pair of socks - I actually need some!

Helen made us some of her great vegetarian pizza, then off to the race briefing.

At the race briefing, we found out that we were making rafts - we were allowed two inner tubes, 4 pieces of manuka, a 10m piece of rope, plus we could use our 4m compulsory rope.

We also found out we had some diving to do, and paint balling. (The idea was to get some Helium 3 before the Russians did!) www.arcevents.co.nz

We were given the race book, but no maps!

Headed back and thought about the raft - decided to ring a very accommodating local, who came down and made us one - thanks Alastair!!!

Went to bed, and didn't really sleep much.

Down to register at 7 am and got our maps and checkpoints. Great - a raft of about 1 km, then a heap of mountain biking through forestry tracks.

We started at 8 am. We carried the raft about 300 m, then rafted around an IRB, and carried the raft back to the start. We actually did quite well at this!

Then onto the bike, and up hills. It didn't take long for my heart rate to max out, and I was pushing my bike!!!

The bike was hard work, I doubt whether many people would have ridden the whole way. We grabbed and optional checkpoint along the way.

The scenery was great, at the top we could see the top of the Coromandel and Whangapoua Harbour.

Then a FAST decent! We ended up back on the main road, and biked out to Kaimarama Road where the paintballing was. This was great fun. Janie managed to get some Helium 3, and shoot a sniper, but I got hit by the sniper.

Back on our bikes, and off to the 309 Road, where we did rifle shooting. I got all my 5 targets. We had to walk up a steep hill with our bikes, so enjoyed hurtling down the hill - until I realised I'd forgotten my pack. I swore really badly! I walked back up the hill to get my pack - bugger 10 minutes lost!

We got to Transition at Egon Park quite well. We had made good time (for us). I had to dive into a COLD rock pool and dive down to get a disk out of a crayfish pot. Apparently there were lots of eels there, but I didn't see any!

Grabbed something to eat, and our next maps. We needed to get 3 checkpoints. We got the first one, but didn't realise we needed to go further to get the next one (first navigational blunder by me).

The next checkpoint involved walking upstream about a km, diving into a waterfall and getting another clue. We came to a small waterfall and couldn't see anything. We made the call to go further up. We came across another team who said the waterfall was THE waterfall, but the clue was in the top part. BUGGER about an hour lost!

The spirits start to fade a bit when you make mistake like this - but we kept going. Back to the bikes, and into Whitianga. We crossed the waterways canal with our bikes on tubes, got a couple of clues and headed back to base. Our last map was of Simpsons beach. We biked over there, then hiked around the coast to pick up more checkpoints. Another misinterpretation of the map by me meant that we ended up doing lots of rock hopping, swimming in the sea (and two fish jumped beside us!), and rock climbing on the cliffs. It was a little scary. Janie was starting to have had enough. It was taking us a lot longer than it should have. We climbed up a steep hill, got the last two clues, then got back down, back on our bikes and back to base. We finished in under 12 hours, and only missed one check point.

It was great fun, but I am feeling hacked off about my navigational skills, and my lack of fitness. It is embarrassing when your team mate is a lot fitter than you - I let the team down. BUT I know now that I have to do something every day to keep fit, and am looking forward to my next challenge, which will be the Spring Challenge in Motueka.

No photos yet sorry - didn't take the camera - it would have got too wet!

Fishing

2010-03-15T14:06:00.002+13:00

Brian's marlin went under weight - In game fishing competitions there is a minimum weight fish should be, before they are eligible for prizes. It is meant to help promote tag and release. Brian used a tape measure which is calibrated and thought the fish weighed about 95 kg, before boating it. Unfortunately is was under 90kg. But we've got smoked marlin for tea!!!!

They won first prize with a 10.1 kg albacore, which was pretty good!

2010-03-12T13:50:00.001+13:00

Just as I posted - Brian rang - he's just landed a striped marlin! They're in the trailer boat competition in Mercury Bay, so they might get a nice prize for it, as well as some smoked marlin next week. Yum!

A week to go!

2010-03-12T12:36:00.003+13:00

The ARC Operation Blue Moon adventure race is a week away, I have not lost 15 kg, and I haven't done enough training. I will get my butt seriously kicked.

Time for some new goals, and major motivation. I have been going for short jog/walks, and although my knee hurts, I can live with it.

I'd like to do the Autumn Challenge in Palmerston North, and train through the winter, and either do the K1 or quarter K in late October, or enter a trail run somewhere.

The farm is very dry again - three years of dry autumns in a row, is not great! The El Nino pattern has not been great for fishing either, so a double bogey!!

Will try and keep my blog up to date from now on!

All I want for Christmas

2009-12-22T22:04:00.006+13:00

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!

2009-12-17T17:26:00.002+13:00

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

2009-12-13T19:49:00.003+13:00

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

2009-12-09T19:14:00.000+13:00

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

Working at the runoff

2009-12-09T19:12:00.001+13:00

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

Mac's adventures

2009-12-08T22:23:00.000+13:00

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

2009-12-08T20:54:00.003+13:00

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

2009-11-03T16:22:00.002+13:00

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

2009-10-02T14:55:00.008+13:00

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!!

2009-04-29T15:49:00.002+12:00

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

2009-03-19T15:36:00.003+13:00

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!

2009-03-06T16:34:00.002+13:00

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.

2009-03-02T14:16:00.001+13:00

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

2009-02-24T18:57:00.004+13:00

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.............

2009-02-17T14:33:00.002+13:00

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!!!

2009-02-10T09:54:00.009+13:00

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

2009-01-14T11:15:00.002+13:00

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!

2009-01-09T07:13:00.003+13:00

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!!

Heart Rate Monitors

2008-12-27T07:00:00.002+13:00

I bought an expensive heart rate monitor about 4 years ago, when I started trying to lose weight. It was good when I was walking, as it told me I needed to work harder as I got fitter.

I haven't been using it at all in my training this past year. I put it on yesterday to go for a bike/run brick session. Unfortunately it wasn't working properly on my bike, but I managed to get a maximum heart rate. On the run it worked well. My heart rate bounds up quite fast when running, my resting heart rate is 48. It started off around 145 to 150, then I had to go a little faster for 10 minutes (in hot weather). It got as high as 163 and then settled around 160. Interestingly, it stayed at 160 even when I slowed the pace down.

This is 92% of my maximum heart rate. I went a lot faster than I normally go, but don't think I could sustain that heart rate for a whole 21.1 km run. I might save up for a new heart rate monitor, one that does laps and splits and things that mine doesn't. Now that I'm a bit more experienced and fitter, I can see that it will be a good tool to use to 'push' myself harder. I think I might be a little bit chicken and not pushing myself too hard.

Rotorua Half Ironman Photos

2008-12-17T18:03:00.011+13:00

Photos taken by Arthur H - for free! Thanks Arthur H!!

Finally finishing the Rotorua Half Ironman.

Leaving Hooksie speechless. The downside of this - standing in front of skinny triathletes!

This is the email I got back from Hooksie, I emailed him to say it was me, as I wasn't too sure what his reaction to my skit was.

Juls.

You were the star of the show, no doubt. It was without a doubt one of
the funniest moments of improptu humour at a prize giving ever. It was
like Flight of the Conchords funny. Fantastic.

i had to tell people, I didn't script it.

Loved it and good for you.

Cheers

Hooksie.

Feeling the pain, head games and shag shooting

2008-12-15T11:09:00.003+13:00

Back home again, and feeling good, a little sore, but good. I even did a pump class today - with warm up weights the whole session, but I did it!

After dropping off the kids on Friday, I drove to Rotorua, grateful to be able to crank up the car stereo and cruise down to Rotorua. I dropped my stuff off at the camping ground - a really neat one - and went to the Blue Lake. There were a few people having a practice swim. I was a bit early, so got in and went for a swim before the other bloggers arrived. It was great - not too cold at all!

Met up with the other bloggers, and grabbed our timing chips and bits and pieces. I was starving, so looked for something to eat - settled on pizza and a salad from Hells Pizza's (country bumpkins have to go out for tea when they go away!)

I got all my gear together and got to bed. I slept well, I'd set two alarms, so knew I'd be right. Still managed to wake up at 2.30 am though!

I headed out to the lake at around 5.15 and racked my bike with the other bloggers. Mucked around, got into my wetsuit and headed to the start.

The men went first, and the women 5 minutes later. I felt fine. Then the whistle went and the heart rate soared! I felt quite uncomfortable for at least 10 minutes. I was near the end, and a lady in a green cap beside me started swimming backstroke. I was determined not to be beaten by someone doing Backstroke, so kept on going. I rounded the 900 m buoy in 22 minutes, which is good for me. The swim back to the shore was good, the team swimmers didn't catch me until near the end, which surprised me. I got out of the water in 50 minutes - right on target!

Fortunately I decided to put my top on after the swim, so I wouldn't stay cold. The water temperature was 21 degrees C, which was warmer than the air!

My transition was good - 5mins. Off on the bike - ouch! The first thing you are doing is biking uphill, my quads hurt, I was thirsty, and tired already! The head games started - how am I going to make it up the other hills, if I'm struggling already!!!!

Seemed all I needed was to warm up, have something to eat and drink, and all was good. Made 75 km/hr down Tarawera hill - yahoo! The ride went well, watched the front riders fly past in the opposite direction FAST!!!

I made it back to the lake without walking up any hills! Was stoked about that, as plenty of people were walking!

A quick change into my running shoes, and off again. I was feeling tired at this stage, and it was getting hot!

The feeling of wanting to walk came about 500m into the run. So I listened to my body, and walked up the hills and ran on the flats and downhill. I was cramping up, and fairly uncomfortable most of the time. I felt a lot better when I got onto the road and saw most people walking up the hills!!!

At the first distance marker (4 km) I had already taken 35 minutes - I was shocked - it was going to be a 3 hour half marathon!

I got caught up later in the race by 72 year old Garth Barfoot, we walked together and had a chat, a nice bloke - then he said 'well if I don't get past you now, I never will' and went running up the hill - good on him!
'Age before beauty' I told him as he carried on!

I felt better on the second lap of the lake, and managed to pass a couple of other stragglers.

I was really pleased to finish, and grateful to Paul and Kathy who stayed to cheer me on - Thanks guys!

I got my medal (Hooksie borrowed one off someone else) and soaked my legs in the lake (in hindsight I think this was good)

Final time - 7 hours 52 minutes 59 seconds! So REALLY slow, but hey - I finished.

I went back to the cabin, had a shower, and a nana nap! Kathy, Paul and I then had some great pizza and wedges for dinner.

The prize giving wasn't as good as last year, the accoustics in the hall weren't great, and it was HOT.

My surprise was to dress up when Hooksie asked for the 4th leggers to come up - (On the website it says the 4th leg is shag-swim-bike-run. I dressed up as a duck shooter, and protested that the others had no evidence. I pulled out a toy 'shag' and a pukeko, and said that I had been busy shooting them before the race. Hooksie was actually speechless, it took him a while to realise I was taking the piss I think!

I had been planning this for a week or so, but you never know how it will come across. It was definitely something I've never done before, but I've decided you need to do something completely out of character sometimes!! It's good for the soul.

We went home early, which was good, as I had a great sleep. I got up early, grabbed a coffee at McCafe, then met my coach (who finished first in my age group!) She gave me a programme to work with, and showed me some drills for running and swimming. (I'm worried about this coach thing - I'm going to have to work harder!!!) She looked at my swimming, and I'm pleased to say there's nothing wrong with my basic swimming, so she showed me drills to do to improve my speed.

I'm sitting here typing this, a little disappointed I didn't go under 7 and a half hours, but satisfied that I'm still in one piece, not injured, and that I did my stunt at the prize giving.

I'm now in a more positive mood about Tauranga!

Cheers.

I'm off to Vegas

2008-12-12T10:55:00.002+13:00

Well Rotovegas anyway!

Looking forward to meeting up with the fellow bloggers. I've got no other support there, so hopefully they'll be able to wait around until I finish the race tomorrow.

I feel ready, taking into account that this really a 'B' race. The Port of Tauranga Half is the 'A' race, and a lot more pressure due to the crowds, and lots of people I know will be there!

The Rotorua Half is great, as it's a real tribute to the 'sloggers'. On Sportzhub, there have been a number of people commenting on how they have overcome various obsticles to be able to complete this length of race.

I'm leaving the house in a mess, Brian is going to have to sort out his own meals (he'll be fine), and I am once again grateful to my parents for looking after our girls.

I've got my mother-in-laws 65th birthday party to face on Sunday (I'm not really complaining, but I think I'll be tired and sore - and only feel like sleeping).

I'll get a race report up when I finally get home. I've got a surprise up my sleeve, let's see if I have the courage to go ahead with my plan!

3 More Sleeps

2008-12-10T06:56:00.002+13:00

Last night, I went to put away my cycling shoes, to discover there was only one there! Ahhh Mac! Mac is our new farm dog, a bearded collie. He is a great big loveable fellow, but he has still got the puppy habit of collecting things. My shoe ended up under the clothes line, with all the clothes he had 'hunted' off the line.

My cycle shoes now stink, I think he has wee'd on them! More washing and drying to do.

I've just got a swim and short run to do today, so should be able to get some of my other chores done. The weather has been hot and quite energy sapping, it's been nice to get some rain and cooler temperatures.

Five more sleeps

2008-12-08T17:00:00.003+13:00

Five more sleeps to the Rotorua Half Ironman - and what do I do - Enter something else of course! This one involves shooting and rope work as well - so likely to take me right out of my comfort zone.

I'm feeling really tired, I was meant to swim 2500 m in an hour today, I thought I'd done it, but when I got home and checked my watch, it was only 2100m GRR.

6 Sleeps to go

2008-12-07T17:15:00.007+13:00

***************************Six*********************
Only 6 more sleeps until the Rotorua Half Ironman. It's quite exciting this year, there's a group of bloggers who have entered, and comparing notes on training, and offering advice (most of it tongue in cheek). The only real worry is that Taniwha in the Blue Lake.

I have done a solid 6 weeks training block. Before that I was busy on the farm, and couldn't put the hours on the bike in. I know I can finish the event, but I'm a little worried about making the final cutoff time.

I'm pleased to have the support of my fellow bloggers, as I'll be there by myself. Brian's family have organised his mum's birthday party on the Sunday - was originally planned for the Saturday. I'm a little bit hacked off about it, as I've had the Half Ironman pencilled in for many months!

I'm pleased to say I've lost some weight. I've been trying really hard, and it's paying off. I have enlisted a coach for this, and for setting up a training programme for the Half Ironman and Adventure races I have.

I have a crazy idea of doing a multisport race called the Lake to Lighthouse. It's really crazy, because it will be HARD.

A big ride

2008-11-21T18:07:00.007+13:00

Photo of Mr Adams gate - mentioned in the Rotorua Half website.

It was such a great day today, and Brian was able to look after Ella, so off I went to Kaiaua with my bike. From Kaiaua I took the Auckland Half Ironman (and past NZ Ironman) course up to just past Kawakawa Bay.

Snake Hill - a fast ride down, very slow (6 km/hr at steepest) up!
Auckland Half Ironman
Find more Bike Rides in Auckland, New Zealand

Calf Club

2008-10-24T18:36:00.012+13:00

On Wednesday we had the Ngatea Primary School Calf Club. Now Sub6 is quite keen to learn about calf's as he is having trouble with his! He's even got some compression socks. I should not jest though, as I might get some too!

So what's calf club?

This is a 1937 picture of a calf club in Morrinsille

It has been a tradition for many years in mostly rural schools, that children rear and tend to a young farm animal from (the animals) birth. This can be a kid (goat), lamb or calf.

This is a photo of Celine with Skipper in 2004. Skipper won lots of ribbons!

This animal is fed by the child (primary school age), lead with a halter, brushed and much loved.

The calf club events are held at schools in mid October, at this stage most of the animals are about 3 months old, so still manageable for most children.

Celine's 2007 lamb, Chippy.

At the local calf club children have four events to compete in. The first is the obstacle course. In this event the animal is lead in a ring about 20m by 20m. They walk with their animal through a wiggly track, over a small log, around a peg, over some corrugated iron, and then open and close a gate.

The second event is leading, which is much the same as the obstacle course, but without the obstacle. The children who have been the most dedicated at practicing will show up, as they have a great repore with their animal, and the animal leads without any prompting.

For the lambs and kids the most hilarious (but it's not meant to be) event is the calling. In this case the child undoes the lead and the steward (me in this case) holds on to the animal. The child then walks about 10 m and 'calls' their pet, I then let go. The best animals then bolt to their owner, who then walks a further 10 m with the lamb/kid in hot pursuit, they round another peg then run, again the lamb/kid should be in hot pursuit. at the end of the run, the child must then catch their lamb. If it hasn't happened earlier, this is when the stewards job becomes critical.

Fortunately the ring has material around it, unfortunately if the child has not practiced enough, or has some bad luck, the steward has to chase any escapees. With a multitude of parents and friends watching, this becomes a spectacle with the audience offering plenty of advice to the poor steward who is now chasing at high speed the uncatchable animal. I tend to find the most defiant lambs have even better artful dodger skills than Jonah Lomu!

Anyway, I guess you can imagine!

The next for the lamb/kids is rearing, where the judge determines (basically) which lamb would taste the best! Well seriously, how well grown the animal is, and how well the child has groomed it.

The calves don't do the 'calling' - now that would be interesting! Instead they have rearing - much the same as above, and Dairy or Beef type. This 'Type' class becomes very political to the watching parents/stock breeders on the sideline. Reputations are made and lost on which calf becomes the Type Champion! Actually one of the judges on Wednesday told me he was just about punched by an irate lady, for not choosing her child's calf!! (Yes it gets very serious)

I've finally found this photo, this little 5 year old's calf was bigger than she was. She had absolute control over it - just amazing......and very cute! This was from our local show two years ago.

Irate parents aside, calf club is a great event for the children. It teaches them responsibility (for looking after and animal), time management, and an important skill - if you want to succeed in something - you have to do the work!

Almost 1000

2008-10-17T16:26:00.002+13:00

It's quite cool seeing how many people have checked my blog, and where in the world they live. It's up to 991 hits, so not long to 1000.

Because it's my birthday today, and it's fairly grotty outside, I'm not going to do any swimming, biking or running. I'm going out to dinner tonight with some friends, I've even managed to organise a mini-bus, isn't that thoughtful!

Should be a good night - let's hope I can stay awake past 8.30!

It's the Ngatea Garage Sale tomorrow - an annual event where everyone in Ngatea puts out their junk, and people come from miles around to buy it. I've sorted out a few bits and pieces to take into town, but the weather may put me off.

Cement Pills7

2008-10-16T18:11:00.003+13:00

It seems we all need more cement pills.

I've come up with the answer - a cement mixer!

I need bucket loads at the moment. For some reason I'm working IN our business instead of ON it - the buzz words of business management!

This means 4 am starts to milk 95 cows (a really small number for us), then get back to get the girls ready for their day.

Then I need to get other business stuff done, feed 150 yearling heifers and 210 calves, and fit getting accounts and wages done.

Then I have some events to train for! Luckily I can get most of my training in during the day, but I HAVE to be in bed by 8.30pm! This means I also am not watching any TV, and missed the final of Outrageous Fortune (I had only just got hooked on it too!)

Things are going well though, I've got a really messy house, car, garage etc, but I'm feeling good. Oh and it's my birthday tomorrow!

Holidays!

2008-10-07T09:17:00.004+13:00

It's the school holidays at the moment. It's making training a little difficult, so I'm just trying to stay as active as I can to retain my fitness.

I went shopping with my girls yesterday, the summer fashions are just fabulous for them. I didn't bother with anythingfor myself, other than some sandals.

Ella kept wanting to go to the toilet, as there was a mother and child toilet - a big and little one. Quite funny really, and at least there were no embarrassing accidents! Well, she did a real paddy at the end of the day when she didn't get what she wanted! Oooops! She fell asleep in the car on the way home, so she must have been very tired!

Emily Miazga

2008-10-03T08:40:00.003+13:00

A photo just for Sub 6!

I'm going to order some powerbars for the half ironman's and for training. They're great!

Ems Power Cookies

Name Dropping!

2008-10-02T19:09:00.003+13:00

Oh I forgot to mention. About half way up the mountain, I met Richard Ussher - he gave me some great words of encouragement. What a neat guy! His wife was racing in the 12 hour event. I also met Em from Em's powercookies - she was the female winner of this year's coast to coast (Richard won the men for those not in the know). Would I ever do coast to coast - I doubt it, I would rather drive a boat with a motor on it!

Spring Challenge 2008

2008-09-30T10:17:00.009+13:00

The Spring Challenge this year was held in Kaikoura, on the East Coast of the South Island. Kaikoura is famous for whale watching, and Koura or Crayfish Kaikoura means to eat crayfish.
We left at 5 am on Friday morning, we were flying out of Auckland, direct to Christchurch. We only just made it on the plane, as we were detoured following a major car vs truck crash.
We had three bikes, all our gear, and lots of nervousness!

We arrived in Christchurch at 8.30, collected our bikes and found Tony, with our rental vehicle. We needed a four-wheel drive, with bike racks.
Our support person, Andria, has a sister in Christchurch, her brother-in-law collected our bikes and helped to put them back together. We grabbed some breakfast and headed north.

What an awesome day - the sun was out, and the scenery was amazing!

We arrived at registration. As we were warned, the course had been changed. Lots of hot weather (26 degrees C) had meant the snow was melting, and some of the rivers we were meant to cross were too dangerous.

We booked into our accomodation.

We had a quick look around Kaikoura, grabbed a bite to eat, then sorted out our gear. We had compulsory gear we needed to take, after such a hot day it seemed weird packing thermals, survival blankets and sleeping bags (little did we know!)

The teams starting at 6 am, left the place we were staying at 4.30 am. I slept well, and didn't hear them.

We were up around 5.30, got sorted and left for the start at 7.30. It was quite a drive to the Clarence river, where we started. As we got closer, we saw the leading 6 hour team - they were going for it along SH1 - they ended up winning with a margin of an hour!

We got into our wetsuits, and lined up at the start. Everyone else had purple number bibs, ours were pink. I had to explain ALL day why we were pink, no we didn't sleep in - this was our third event, and I'd asked the organiser whether we could keep our original number 11. I think it was his revenge to give it to us!

The event started with a 2.5 km run to the raft. I had a camelpack with water, good shoes and bike helmet on.

Once we got to the raft it was bibs off, lifejackets on, bibs back on, grab another team of three, and go! Only this time, we only had 5 paddles - the earlier teams must have lost some!

The river was reasonably high, and dirty from the snow melt. Our guide, Simon was great, we told him we weren't super competitive, but we wanted to finish somewhere in the middle. The other team had no rafting experience, so didn't have gloves or anything GRR!

Tammy is our strongest paddler, so we put her up front. I ended up having to tell her to slow down, as the others couldn't keep up with her!

The rapids were great - not as tame as Hanmer or Taupo. The raft went through one set of rapids, I must have closed my eyes, cause it ended up full of water, and Simon told us we almost flipped! We managed to stay clear of rocks, other rafts ended up stuck on them.

After about an hour - 11 km, we clambered out, over stones, up a steep bank to TA1. We were soaked. Tammy's only thermal top was saturated. I changed completely (no room for modesty).

It was quite a long TA, as Tammy was really cold, so we got warmed up and set off for what was meant to be a 48 km bike ride - my odo said 55 by the time we finished!

28 km was on SH1, along the georgous Kaikoura coast. Lots of seals and supporters, but no time for photos. One of my team members (informed me later) had never ridden on the road, I stayed at the back to make sure everyone was OK.

We had to wait for ages to cross the road to go through farmland. This ended up being an exercise of carrying bikes across streams, and pushing them up hills.

We arrived at a supportless TA, Em fromEm's powerbars gave us free samples - boy I needed that power cookie! We then got some questions we had to answer along the way. (We were still on our bikes)

We arrived at TA3 at about 1.30, absolutely starving. We stocked up on food and water, and took our bikes a further 2 km to the start of the Mt Fyffe walk.

I'm so pleased I'd invested in a good pair of hiking shoes. Mt Fyffe was STEEEEEEP. On map my run, it goes for 3 km, and gains 1000 m in altitude. I'm sure it was even steeper than that. The only way I made it was tell myself to walk to that tree/boulder/tussock, have a quick rest, then make another target.

To make matter worse, it started sleeting, I told my other team mates to go ahead to the hut, they were faster than me, and getting cold. I met up with Rachey and Fetish of sportzhub, and climbed with them for a while.

It was freezing at the hut. Tammy was in a bad way, but not as bad as another lady who was hyperthermic! I quickly got changed into warmer clothes, and charged down the mountain. I forgot to mention - I have never had problems with my knees, but had to take neurofen half way up as they were aching! We all needed it. Tammy and Janie's knees feared worse downhill. I think adrenaline kicked in for me, I loved going downhill! I lost my good biking glasses in the hut, I'd imagine they got smashed, it was so crowded up there.

It started snowing, which was actually warmer than the sleet! It was still snowing at 500m. The locals told us later it was the coldest afternoon they'd had all year! It had gone from sun to snow in a very short time!

We got down and back on our bikes. After 2 kms, Tammy stopped, and told us she couldn't go any further, the jarring of the gravel road was hurting her knees. We tried walking for another 2kms, then all got really cold. It was time to pull the plug. Janie and I would have loved to carry on, but it was 'all of us or none of us'.

We were only about 9 km from the finish, and it was all downhill!!!

We rang Nathan to say we were finished, and Andria to pick us up. We wrapped Tammy in a sleeping bag (part of the compulsory gear) and headed back for a hot shower.

Tammy took ages to warm up. I felt quite good, but tired.

We went out for dinner, had a few laughs, and too much wine, and went to bed.

The next morning we went for the lunch, but left before prizegiving. We wanted to get back to Christchurch and have a rest. I hope our number didn't get pulled out for any spot prizes, because there were heaps of them!

We flew back to Auckland on Monday afternoon. I was reluctant to sit down, as standing back up was not easy.

My muscles are feeling back to normal now, so back into training!!!

The next Spring Challenge is in Queenstown - I've already entered the Autumn Challenge - There's unfinished business!

We'd been going for 9 and a half hours by the time we pulled out. The winning time for our division was close to 8 hours.

EXCITED

2008-09-25T17:44:00.002+12:00

Wow, I am so excited. Tomorrow at 5 am we leave for Auckland airport. We arrive at Christchurch, pick up our rental vehicle, assemble our bikes and head for Kaikoura.

The adventure race course may need to change. Due to hot sunny weather, the snow's melting. So the rivers are high, and too dangerous to cross. The poor organisers are having resort to a plan B, which they had a contingency for - they are well organised!!

They are disappointed as obviously Plan A was going to be a really great course (river crossings!!!!!)

Still, with high river levels the white water rafting will be fun!!!

I'm back Monday night, we'll hopefully have time to take some photos, so I'll post lots.

My bike is safely packed away in it's new travel bag, I got a real bargin on torpedo7.com.

The girls are safe at Nana's and Popa's and a friend's place, so it's all tickety boo!!

OH NO! Bloody Virus's

2008-09-22T11:49:00.003+12:00

I've just come back from the doctor, I developed a sore throat on Saturday, and tried to brush it off with a good bike and run session. Sunday it was back with vengeance, so tried to sleep it off. Today it's just as bad, so went to the doctor. As I suspected a 'virus', and 'sorry' nothing we can do. Although she gave me a script for antibiotics just in case it turns bacterial - which I hope it doesn't, but saves me finding a doctor if I'm in Kaikoura at the time.

So a forced taper for the Kaikoura Adventure race. I'll go for some short walks but had planned to swim, so that won't happen!

Still, if I'm healthy by Friday, I'll be pleased, I'm feeling fit enough to do the adventure race.

In the meantime - where's that Echinacea?

Time for an update

2008-09-19T19:53:00.005+12:00

Well, to say I've been busy would be an understatement! August is a busy time on a dairy farm, and this year has been no exception.

To add to the normal issues of calving cows, it has been extremely wet. Brian also did damage to his pelvis whilst trying to do the splits after falling off the motorbike. This put him in severe pain, and I had to step up to help out. To add insult to injury, he didn't make the olympic gymnastics team!

We bought a new farm in June, this is the one that flooded. Somehow, I have found myself managing it! Next week I will be milking a few cows there too! I must admit, I have really enjoyed the challenge. I decided not to renew a contract from DairyNZ to be a Consulting Officer, which was fortunate, as I would not have been able to do it!

This photo is at our runoff. These calves are hereford cross, and are being looked after by a 'nurse' cow.

Training took a back seat while all this was happening. Although, I think my endurance and strength as been improved as a result.

My training is back on track, suprisingly I have been able to put in some solid efforts, although a hill climb last week almost killed me!

Next weekend, I'm off to Christchurch then up to Kaikoura for the Spring Challenge. Can't wait!

This photo is of a 12 m pole being driven down into our cowshed site. We have had to preload

the site, and will need to drive around 700 poles in order to stabilse the site to build a 70 bale rotary.

Open Water Swim

2008-07-30T20:54:00.004+12:00

The water rose within an hour, and Brian had to rescue our yearlings. This sort of flooding occurs on average once every 10 years, but it's the worst I've seen it in 15 years of living on the Hauraki Plains. We took over this property on June 3rd. We knew it was going to be wet, but now it's really wet! Our home farm is wet too, with some surface flooding.

And so it begins....................

2008-07-08T13:50:00.002+12:00

I'm officially back in training mode for triathlons. This of course means that I have to start swimming again. I don't particularly enjoy swimming, mainly because I'm slow. The only way to get faster is to practice, and get a bit of coaching. I'm off to Thames shortly to do a few lengths and see how I go.

I've put on a fair bit of weight. I've just been really hungry! We've got a busy time on the farm coming up with calving, so if I can keep outside, and busy, I should be able to drop some weight.

I've been busy with family things, Dad was in hospital, my friend has been diagnosed with Lymphoma, and we've had numerous other 'issues'

I've got 101 things to catch up on, including finding Celine's dental plate. Which Ella has 'hidden'. GRRRR.

I've also got lots of emails to reply to, bills to pay and training to do. Ahh life goes on (thank goodness!)

Cheers,
Juls

Quick Update

2008-06-24T21:23:00.003+12:00

I'm back from Melbourne, I had limited internet use, so only quickly updated buckeyeoutdoors, and the Rotorua HIM crew.

Melbourne was great - we got to see filming of Nicolas Cage's latest film, the museum - Phar Lap the great New Zealand bred horse was on display. Caught up with my sister and her husband.

I managed to complete the half marathon, this was despite doing no training for a week, and feeling lethargic and very overweight! I read on that there was a medal for all participants, so that geared me up!! The medal is REALLY cool, the nicest one in my collection I think!

The run was very well organised. The half marathoners started at 7.15, the 10 km runners started at around 9, and the 5 km at about 9.30, so the fastest of the shorter distance runners were running down the finishing chute with me - they were SOOO fast! Brian was standing on an overbridge taking photos as I finished - so many of the runners behind me in the last 200 m were finished in front of me - and I thought I was running pretty quickly (had just passed a girl, who had earlier passed me, and she wasn't going to bet me!)

Actually, my pacing was good - I passed heaps of people in the final lap, something I have never done before - I usually get passed.

Will add photos and more to the post tomorrow.

My friend is coping well, first lot of chemo last week, still a long way to go though!

Just found out my Dad's in hospital too! Will catch up with him and Mum tomorrow.

Motivation!

2008-06-15T13:22:00.002+12:00

I'm back into motivation mode. I've got a half marathon to do in 7 sleeps time, and two half ironmans to do in 6 months time. Not to mention the adventure race in three months time! Throw in a bit of normal life and running a dairy farming business into it, and wahoo busy busy!
Just the way I like it!

I've taken a giant step today, and phoned a friend who is a nutritionist. I'm sure she's going to get me back on track, and give me someone to answer to regarding my diet and weight. The first appointment is locked and loaded, so looking forward to a slender and faster me. (Talked to a man today who lost 20 kg, and 40minutes of his half marathon time!!!) - so there's a challenge!

...and then - Reality Check!

2008-06-13T13:59:00.002+12:00

Just when I'm feeling lowish - fatter, slower, older, sorer, etc, reality hits, and you realise that things aren't too bad afterall.

My dear friend has just been diagnosed with lymphoma, from what I can read, a nasty blood cancer. She lives in Warnambool, about 4 hours south-east of Melbourne in Australia. We had planned a trip to see her and her husband next week, so I'm pleased to be getting over to see her, and give her and her family some support. She's a very competitive person, so I'm sure she'll give getting on top of this top priority!

So no more complaining from me for now - I'll just keep my goals and abilities in perspective and get on with doing the best that I can!

We're going on a Turkey shoot!

2008-06-08T14:05:00.002+12:00

Warning - Content may offend some people!!!

On June 3rd, we took over a new farm, it's fantastic, has lots of native bush and birds. The next door farm was also sold, it has hills with great views over the Hauraki Plains and Firth of Thames.

Both farms have LOTS or should I say had lots of turkeys. These were living on the farm nesting in trees and making quite a mess. Brian asked the neighbours if they'd like some 'culled', so yesterday the crew went out and had some fun!

In the photo are good friends John and Steven, and children - Steven, Ryan, Blake (friend of Ryan) and Celine.

Birthday parties

2008-06-08T13:17:00.003+12:00

Ella turned 3 on June 2nd, which was also a public holiday in New Zealand - Queen's birthday, which isn't really her birthday, but a celebration of her coronation. I'm not too sure what we'll do when she finally dies! I wouldn't mind a holiday in August sometime, as there is a long break between Queen's birthday and our next public holiday, Labour day in late October.

Anyway, must put in a picture of the cake. I love decorating cakes - it's good fun, and heaps cheaper than buying one - I looked on-line at the price of decorated ones - whew! Although I can safely say the high cost of them is justified in the time they take to make!

South Island Holiday

2008-06-08T12:04:00.004+12:00

Celine with the cast of 'What now' after the show - unfortunately the great photo of her with the presenters was deleted by Ella!

Parents didn't get to go on the show, we watched it in the waiting room.

This is the start of the St James walk on the top of the Lewis Pass. No snow there in late May, but georgous!

We didn't make it to the West Coast, or to Kaikoura. We spent most of our time at Hanmer Springs.

Our friends Ciaran and Sarah came runners up in the Sharemilker contest. This was a great result. We'd loved for them to win, but runners-up I think will suit them better - they will have a busy year anyway, without being in the limelight as well!

We also went to visit Andrew and Anne-Mary at Culverdon. They have been extemely busy! Andrew has just bought 1000 hectares, and is building two 80 bale rotaries - as well as developing the farm for irrigation.

After getting back from Christchurch, I left the family for a two day meeting at the other end of New Zealand - Kerikeri. I love the Northland region, but was really only there for work. I even missed out on going to the chocolate factory there! Well I guess that's a good thing!

2008-06-07T17:24:00.002+12:00

Melbourne half marathon
Find more Runs in Box Hill, AustraliaI'm trying out new things, here is the map of the Melbourne Half Marathon. It's a two lap course - I will have to run fast so I don't get lapped by the winners!

Holiday

2008-05-21T13:28:00.007+12:00

We've got a really neat trip planned for Friday. We're off to Christchurch! (South Island)

Our friends, and ex employees Ciaran and Sarah Tully are finalists in the Dairy Industry awards.

Ciaran and Sarah have lived in NZ for 14 years, they immigrated from England. They have progressed through the farm manager, contract milker and sharemilker cycle of dairy farming, and have just recently bought their own farm! A really cool couple, and we're so proud of them. They would have had no show of owning their own farm in England, so it's neat that they've made it here in New Zealand.

The prize giving is on Saturday night. Before that we have to organise a dinner suit and black tie for Brian! (No overalls and gumboots at this $85 per ticket night!). There will be 700 people there, and I've been warned not to expect to be back at our hotel until about 6 am the next morning!........................

Which would otherwise be fine BUT we're taking Celine and Ella. Celine is going to be on a live childrens programme 'What now' we have to be at the studio at 7.15 AM.

Arghh the things you promise your children, then can't back out of!

I'm actually (secretly) looking forward to the show, who knows, I might get 'gunged' 'creamed' or have some other embarrassing thing done! For those in New Zealand, check out TV2 on Sunday 8 am til 10!

In reality Celine is likely to hide out of view, she's quite shy.

We are then planning to go through to Kaikoura, Hanmer Springs and maybe venture to the West Coast. We have friends farming at Culverton, so will look at their farm. They have huge irrigation pivots on their farm, which is something we just don't see up here in the North.

I've never been to Kaikoura or to the West Coast, so will be able to check out some more of Noo Zilend.

Somehow I will manage to get some running in. I always get a little nervous running outside in a new place.

We're spending a few days away, so I need to organise the house, try to get clothes dry, find warm clothes for everyone and get the dog and cat to the kennels.

So best I get cracking...............

Got in first!

2008-05-18T16:28:00.001+12:00

I must have got home first! Now I'd better go and get some groceries!

Taking up the rear

2008-05-18T16:16:00.002+12:00

Well, today was the Huntly half marathon, and I struggled along to a slower than wanted 2 hours 25 minutes 7 seconds.
I wanted to go faster, but my body wouldn't oblidge. I think this is due to no speed work, no hills and still carrying too much weight. BUT I finished, and I didn't stop to walk! I only stopped to fill up my water bottle. I drank around 2 litres of water, which is heaps for me. It was quite a hot day though!
I got to meet Mike and his family (sub6) and Kathy and Paul. I wasn't great conversation, as after the race I felt quite ill. But great to catch up! None of us won any spot prizes, which were essentially either clothes driers or shoes.
The run was actually quite fun. It was UNDULATING, not FLAT, but the hills weren't the horrible 'have to walk' ones.
A run through town, then down a road for a couple of hundred metres, back again, down another road for a couple of kms, then round to the coal mine, past the Huntly Speedway. Back into town, round a lake (a very nice way to finish) and to the finish chute.
The first 10 kms felt like a bit of a struggle for me. With the out and back road bits I could wave to Mike, Kathy and my friend Maree from Ngatea. After 11 km I just thought - well I've made it this far, lets just keep going.
The last km was quite hard, I was catching a lot of the walkers at this stage, they have a tendancy to either walk 5 abreast, and you can't get past, or they wave their arms around and you get pinged with a fingernail, which is what happened to me! I was in no mood for either so I just said "coming through", and they soon moved!
I think Mike and Kathy were quite pleased with their efforts. I'll let them tell their own story.
So Melbourne in five weeks time, this time I will travel quite a few hundred kilometres to do a half marathon!!!

Ironic

2008-05-17T14:01:00.003+12:00

The price of petrol is now just under two dollars per litre! I'm driving 57.2 km to Huntly to run 21.1 km, then driving 57.2 km back again!

I was going to go with my family, but some of our farm staff are having a few days well needed rest, so Brian is going to have to stay at home. I was also going to take a Ngatea friend, but she is planning to do visit friends after the event.

If the price of petrol wasn't $2.00 per litre, I wouldn't otherwise have thought about it!

But I will finally get to meet Sub6 and his family, along with Kathy and the Saint, which will be rather cool!

My last run was Thursday night, which was a game of hockey, I might just go for a long slow walk this afternoon. I'll go and check out the new farm layout.

It's a gorgeous autumn day today, it should be great tomorrow too.

I've found a website that gives you km splits - http://www.runnersworldonline.com.au/Default.aspx?s=paceband-calculator . The idea is to put coverseal over it and wear it as a wrist band. I've printed two - one for 2 hours and one for 2 hours 10 minutes! Might wear both! I tend to go a bit too fast at the start, so if I do, I might try and push myself for a 2 hour finish. That would be really neat!

Big Tonka Toys for Big Boys

2008-05-15T17:35:00.003+12:00

Brian and local contractors have been having fun (at our expense), moving races (cow roads). There have been two big diggers, a bulldozer, and four tractors and trailors working on our farm for the last 3 days. This will create a great off road running track for me, I'll be able to get around the farm without getting my feet wet, or too dirty!

Of course, it's really meant for the cows, but why should they get all the benefit from it!

Predictions!

2008-05-05T16:21:00.003+12:00

Just found this site - Sub6 (2) would be very keen on this, if he hasn't already found it! http://www.vm.ibm.com/devpages/GREER/RUNCALC.HTML What you do is put in at least two runs that you've timed and measured, and whammo, up comes a predicted time for the run you want to predict! There is lots of maths in behind the prediction, so of course no allowance for what the day's like or how you might feel on the actual race. But here goes for the Huntly Half Marathon - my predicted time is 2:08:18.0
As much as I'd love to go faster, I think this is reasonably optimistic. But you never know!

Famous Again

2008-05-03T11:34:00.002+12:00

Can't forget to put this in! Alison is moving to the BOP Times on June 3, so Mike and Kathy might make the news!

Melbourne!

2008-05-03T09:47:00.002+12:00

Last night I booked tickets for a family holiday to Melbourne. I have a sister who works there. She's coming back to live in Auckland at the end of the year. My chance to do something I've always wanted too - RunMelbourne - it used to be called the Age to the G. The run is from Federation square, around the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and around the river.

A 'family holiday' I said didn't I - oh well, very co-incidental! We'll also catch up with some friends - ex Kiwis from Warnambool, and see a show 'Guys and Dolls'.

So no mucking around on the training - I'll have to stick to it. I must admit to feeling a little worried about fitting training in. Early mornings are basically impossible after July because of the cows. It's the swimming that is the difficulty. The pools in Thames are the only ones open in the winter - it's still a 30 minute drive, and the opening times are 6-8 am then 11 am to 6pm.

Perhaps a babysitter from 4-6 pm two days a week, and one swim in the weekend? I'll work it out I'm sure.

For the weekends I'll get babysitters from the local school - easy money for them!

Anyway, still got the Huntly half to come - it's funny looking forward to going to Huntly! It's not the most meritorious place in New Zealand by any stretch of the imagination, yet attracts a large crowd for it's annual half marathon!

Note the smiles!!

2008-04-28T19:49:00.002+12:00

Me on the bike - "Don't get off - til we get past the photographer!"

Alison

Tammy

The start (we're in the pink tops)

Mud, Sweat and (almost) Tears

2008-04-27T19:22:00.003+12:00

What an experience.

I've just finished my second Adventure race, and did I get challenged! The Adventure Race was in Taupo, and designed for novice women of average fitness and ability. It was designed to be a challenge, which was precisely why I wanted to do it.

I had two great team mates, Tammy Bath (very fit, trim and fast) and Alison King (very fit, two times Ironman, determined) and me (thought I was fit enough, not trim, stubborn). Our support person was the very able Andria Gordon, whom I have been trying to encourage to become active enough to be a team member - she decided she would rather support us!

We were briefed on the Friday night, when we got the course notes, and the rules (not many).

Saturday morning - the race started at the Equestrian Centre in Taupo. It was meant to start at 8 am, but was delayed 20 minutes while the rafting companies got organised. There were 74 teams of three, with two teams per raft, this meant 37 rafts in one place!

We started in our wetsuits and cycle helmets as the first stage was a 1.5 km run to the raft. Sounded easy enough, but the organisers decided that we should go through two horse water jumps on our way to the Waikato river.

We were mid pack on the run. We got our life jackets on, with our pink race bibs over top, and off we went. We were in with another team and managed to pass 4 rafts, and were overtaken (right at the end) by 1. John our guide was great. It was full on paddling for over an hour, as the Waikato River was low.

Out of the raft, out of our wetsuits and onto our mountain bikes. We biked through a dairy farm conversion, through forest, and down roads with pumice type gravel, which made slow going. Tammy lost her chain, which meant a few teams passed us, and I had to walk up a hill grrr not a good start.

We ditched our bikes and grabbed some food at T2, which was back at the Equestrian centre, then went bush on foot. The trek was easy, and we made good ground by running a fair bit of it. Unfortunately this is where my problems started (I must have run out of cement pills) I started cramping - above my knees (strange place). This was despite drinking lots of water all morning. I was kicking myself for not having crampease!

We meet Andria at T3 which was by the craters of the lake turnoff. We set off on our bikes again. This is where we meet our match - single trail mountain biking through forest. Man were we tested! None of us had done this before, and we were all (quietly) sh...ting ourselves most of the way! I was the first to fall off, we all managed at least two falls. I have only just discovered why my backside hurts - a huge bruise, which I can't remember getting (the cement pills must have been working). Don't worry, I will NOT publish a photo!

A lot of the teams had similar issues to us. The guns were fine, but us novices!! Tammy's bike (retreaved from the dump) got stuck in the second big chain ring, so made going uphill hard for her. I found my front wheel coming off the ground as I went up hill, which was scary - as for going downhill, my weight made that fast - but that was NOT good. I knew that trees don't move, and I didn't want to hit one!

We managed to make it to Craters of the Moon (a tourist attraction). We (along with several other teams), had made a navigational blue, which cost us about 20 minutes. Being novices also cost us time (and gave us sore shoulders) as we spent a far amount of the course pushing our bikes up hill, and down!!!

At Craters of the Moon, we had to find clues. Don't ask me what the attraction was like, as I didn't really look!

Then a quick bike back to T3. Here we found out that a decision had been made to can the orienteering section, as it was likely that teams would finish in the dark (not good for orienteering!)

So we set off on foot, back to Taupo. We walked the hills and ran the flats, managing to pass a couple of teams. I was knackered by this stage - but I didn't lose it - hence the almost tears comment.

A final florish UP to the finish line, and our day was over. We finished the last section with only Andria and Tammy's daughter to meet us, as the rest of the families thought we'd be later. Nathan - the event organiser - was there to greet us, and offer us a drink, which was great.

In total 9 hours 4 minutes 44 seconds. We had 40 minutes added to our time to make up for the orienteering.

It was harder than the Spring Challenge in that the mountain biking was difficult. The trekking an easier terrain, which meant we ran it.

I really pushed myself. I went places physically and mentally that I hadn't been to. Not to mention the Fear Factor as well!!

Alison remarked that despite being shorter in time than Ironman, it was harder (again I'd say because of the biking)

We had dinner, caught up with some other teams, and had an early night.

This morning I felt OK, a bit sore, but OK - and very happy with our effort.

At prizegiving we found out that we finished 52nd out of the 74 teams, a much better result than the Spring Challenge.

We didn't win any spot prizes, but that didn't matter. It was a well run, challenging event, and I'm so pleased I did it.

The next one is late September in Kaikoura. However, in the meantime, I've got some running to do (I have to dry out my shoes first!)

Photos to come shortly.

FAMOUS!

2008-04-23T10:33:00.002+12:00

This photo appeared in our local paper, thanks to Alison King. Note at this stage I am beating someone!

I might be even more famous next week, as Alison is in my adventure racing team! (Last chance for any sponsors to get us some flash gear in return for some great advertising!!!!!)

Getting in the k's

2008-04-19T12:14:00.003+12:00

Went for an early morning run this morning, thanks to Brian's parents for looking after the girls.

We went to the rugby in Hamilton last night, it was a great game. The Chiefs beat the Super 14 leaders, the Crusaders 18-5. We were lucky enough (or have spent enough) to be asked to join Ballance Fertiliser in their corporate box - free entry, drinks and food! The only downside - they told us (more than twice) that the cost of fertiliser is going UP UP UP!!!

Anyway, back to the run. Due to not running much in the morning, I forgot to have breakfast first. I remembered the importance of food about 3 kms from home! I won't do that again! Still, only took an extra 2 and a half minutes to get back on a total of 13.7 km.

I was pleased with the run - I'm managing the bigger runs now, so I'm looking forward to seeing how I go in Huntly.

Brian made a good point the other day (I usually try not to agree with him when it comes to his opinions on what I should do, but have to admit it made sense).

He suggested I concentrate on all the smaller events I know I can do, (and have time to train for), rather than go all out for an Ironman attempt. This is actually good advice, as Ella is still only little. I guess I just worry about getting too old before I get to do Ironman.

Mmmm, something to ponder as I plod around the roads...................

Oh and before I forget - ate too many of these yesterday - I wonder if it will affect the weigh in tomorrow?

Scales have feelings too!

2008-04-18T11:29:00.002+12:00

Just had to put this in, it appeals to my sense of humour!

I hope my scales don't feel the same!

Mrs Plod

2008-04-15T19:48:00.002+12:00

My programme I'm following called for three 1 km runs at 85% effort - so I was wondering how fast I could go. I had to run in the dark again, and took 5 minutes 29 seconds and was pretty puffed after the 1 km! I resigned to the fact a long time ago that I would never be fast, and I'm not. But I guess that's not really the point is it?

The main point of this life is to get through it doing the best that you can. If I'm a fit, happy and healthy person that is nice to be around (I think?) then so what if I can't run fast.

And I got through running 3 km as fast as I could - actually I went a bit further by the time I warmed up, then cooled down.

I thought the last km might have been a bit faster as there was lightening in the sky above the hills in the distance - a bit freaky!

5 km time trial

2008-04-13T13:50:00.002+12:00

I decided to do a 5 km fun run in Thames today. I wanted to see how fast I could go. It was great - I started off a bit fast, as just after half way my legs reminded me that I had run 12.66 km less than 12 hours previously! But I achieved a great result - 29 minutes 32 seconds. I was the second woman in! (I'm not counting the kids that bet me!)

And the best news - I've lost 500 grams this week! I'm well on my way now, and almost ready to tell you how much I weigh!

Taking a cement pill!

2008-04-12T18:29:00.004+12:00

We've had a family day out today, and I need to do a 75 minute run. It is now dark, and Brian is not back in from the farm yet. I'm in my running gear - with a thermal top on, and will run up and down our road. It's 2.5 km per lap, so I'll see how far I can go. For safety's sake (I've got a head light) it'll probably be slow!

Done and dusted! Did 12.66 km in 1 hour 22 minutes. Only had two cars pass me, and just about stood on a hedgehog. I also set off all the dogs in the neighbourhood! Running at night is different - it's quiet and dark! All sorts of interesting things enter your head - like - what was that noise? What if a car stops? but overall, it's very peaceful.

I had to run past our gateway four times, which was easier than I thought it would be!

My first 5 km was 31 min 40, 10 km 64.30.

I've got a 5 km fun run tomorrow, which I'll attempt to do as fast as I can.

On track

2008-04-06T07:07:00.001+12:00

After two weeks of working hard on my diet, and upping my running, I've finally lost some weight - 900 grams! Yee Hah.

Committed!

2008-04-05T15:49:00.002+13:00

I've just entered the Rotorua Half Ironman - I decided not to enter the Athena category, even though I well and truly qualify. I'll make sure I am too skinny! (Note to self - please don't let this be 'famous last words') Entries were meant to open on Monday, I'm pleased they didn't - that's the anniversary of Kelsi's death, and I wanted to enter early.

Went up to Kawakawa Bay to watch the Auckland Half Ironman - it was quite laid back, a nice atmosphere. Peter Hughes (Showpony) had a good race, finished in less than 5 hours - not bad considering he did Ironman on March 1.

I've got a run to do today - gradually stretching the time up - 65 minutes today. Tomorrow is a long bike ride - but mountain biking.

Celine has a duathlon tomorrow, she gets to see how fast her new bike is.

Running naked!

2008-04-01T20:21:00.002+13:00

As Sub6 noted, I was considering running naked if it rained! Well it is raining today, and I went for a run. I did consider what I had said, but in the interests of my neighbours and the thought of unexpected visitors at home, I just kept running.

The reason I was even considering it is that we are for the first time in 100 years (apparently) facing a drought. We have not had significant rain for around 4 months. Our farm is dry, the cows are getting hungry, and it is costing a lot in extra feed. Fortunately (as those of us buying milk and other dairy products know) the payout we are going to get is very good, so we personally can't complain too much. It is just the cows and the grass I worry about.

Anyway, this is what I would have looked like. By the way it pays not to google naked running.

Great weekend

2008-03-30T19:14:00.008+13:00

It started off with a eeling trip - kids in the Morrinsville Fish and Game club were having an eeling competition on our friends farm. I have never been eeling before - yes I know, a country girl and never been eeling (shame). What a cool family fun experience. We fished until dark, made friends with baby pukeko, and Ella caught an eel! We came back, lit a camp fire (well with the dry weather made it in a cast iron thingy), had a BBQ dinner, toasted marshmellows, and went to bed in our tents. The kids had great fun playing in the dark, and making new friends.

We woke up today, I was feeling particularly stiff, after a run in the afternoon, and a not so comfy sleep. The kids all got a prize each, and we packed up and headed home.

I then caught up with Alison and Tammy, who are in the adventure race with me. We got on our mountain bikes and headed up to another friends farm. It was pretty steep - we even had to walk DOWN the hills! But a really good training - we got to know each other better, and I realised I need to do more hill work!

I got a photo, I was meant to be in it. I'll have to practice photo taking with the timing device thingy too! The photo looks out to the Firth of Thames - and overlooks our farm (not that you'd see it from the photo!)

By the way for you Tauranga folk who come through to Auckland, you will pass our farm after you go through Ngatea. I'll post a photo one day - then you can see if you can spot the intersection we're on.

Cheers from a tired, sore but happy Juls

The challenge!

2008-03-28T19:50:00.003+13:00

After much soul searching, this is what I have come up with. My biggest weakness's are: lollies, in particular licorice allsorts, and icecream!

I will ban them from my diet until after the Rotorua Half Ironman. Sugar really is the underlying weakness I guess, so not ony will I be helping my weight, but also my poor old teeth.

I am severely hacked off that I have put weight on. I know why - today I have really monitored when I feel like eating, and what I feel like. What a shock! I have been mindlessly picking, snacking and tasting my way through a lot of food!

The Rotorua Date!

2008-03-27T13:16:00.001+13:00

Hooksie has just updated the website www.half.co.nz. The Rotorua Half IM is December 13th!!!

I'm more valuable now!

2008-03-27T12:09:00.002+13:00

A sign of my increasing age - I had a tooth capped today with a GOLD filling - I'm worth more money now!

It's an expensive month!

I just had a great blast on my bike. Dropped my car off for a new windscreen (failed WoF), instead of running (like last week) I biked. A tail wind most of the way home - averaged 29.9 km/hr for 9 and a half km. Short distance I know, but felt good!

The Huntly Half!

2008-03-22T12:58:00.003+13:00

This is the map of the Huntly Half Marathon. I tried to work out the distances using map my run, but came up with 39 km, so did something wrong. The event is on the 18th of May, so I think I'll be fit enough to do it by then.

Stop Press

Yes - I've entered this event!

I'll be right with navigation - I'll just follow the crowd!

New sub title

2008-03-21T14:29:00.004+13:00

I should be doing other things, but had to add this sub title which I plagiarised from a newspaper article. About sums up what I'm about - I seem to aim higher than I think I can obtain, have too much to do in not enough time, and am competitive (against myself) in everything I do.
Well back to what I should be doing.

Madness!

2008-03-20T19:09:00.003+13:00

I had a great idea - take my car in to get it's WOF, run home, then bike back in! 10 km each way. 10km - no problems I thought!
Well it was hot but I struggled on the run! Took 1 hour 9 minutes. The first 5 km was fine, as I've been doing that distance weekly, but after about 7 km I had to start walking! A really good wake up call for me - number one get more running in and number 2 weigh myself, as I must have put some kg's on!
The bike ride into town was cool. The legs felt funny initially, but I blitzed it - a nice tailwind for over half of it!
When I got back into town the car was not ready GRRR, and I had to go to Thames to pick up Ella! Ended up stuck in traffic at the Kopu bridge for about 20 minutes. I didn't get the WOF either - need to replace the windscreen! Yah for insurance though - it's covered!
I'll be so pleased once Easter is over - I might go like SUB6 and ban chocolate from my diet. I'll have to add icecream as well!

Retail therapy!

2008-03-19T14:40:00.001+13:00

I bought a mountain bike today - I'm doing the autumn challenge in Taupo www.autumnchallenge.co.nz with a couple of my friends.
I have hired them in the past, but thought I might as well get one.
It's a entry level bike (cheapest).
I blatted around the farm tracks today, helped move the calves etc. I had great fun. It was extra hard going over the paddocks - certainly gave me a good workout! It was good to have a workout when it didn't feel like one - ie had fun!

Biking Fun

2008-03-16T10:18:00.002+13:00

Wow, just got back on my road bike - 33 km - it's a great autumn morning, and the ride was great!
I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed being out on the roads, and riding. Although I must admit - I was puffing a bit more than I thought I should be! And my bottom hurts a little bit!
Yesterday Celine, Ella and I went for about 5km. Celine on her new bike, and Ella and I on my 'town' bike - it has a baby seat on the back. Celine's bike is a little too big for her, so I wanted to make sure she was OK.
I've got the Autumn Challenge adventure race coming up at the end of April, it is a white water rafting, mountain biking and trekking challenge, which involves navigation as well. It's in Taupo.
I haven't got a mountain bike, so have been checking out a couple at my local bike shop. I feel a bit embarrassed - if I get this mountain bike I'll have a road bike, town bike and mountain bike!
When we did the Spring Challenge in Hamner Springs we hired bikes, but I can get a cheaper bike which will soon be paid for - compared to hiring one. Ahhh the way we like to justify buying things!!!
A solo bike ride helps me think - and of course I was thinking about the IM 09 challenge. I can think of more reasons not to do it than to do it but as the late Sir Edmund Hillary said - "it's there so I might as well climb it! " Well not quite those words, but you know what I mean.

Another week goes by!

2008-03-11T20:17:00.002+13:00

Wow, time is going by quickly!
Had a weekend away in Hawkes Bay, my friend from University - Wayne Taylor - finally got married. It ended up a bit of a reunion - a horrifying 20 years since we graduated!
It was great to catch up with old friends - some have travelled the world, got married and have children, but essentially have not changed - well perhaps we don't quite drink as much, and when we do it tastes better - ie no more Reineck , homebrew, or cardboard box wines!
They were all keen to hear about the half ironman, and I said how I'm keen to do Ironman - talking about it is getting easier!
I've got a few short runs in, which has been good. I'm keen to get back on my bike. House work (neglected in past 4 months) has taken priority.
I'm taking on a part time job for a couple of months - my old job actually. I left the Consulting Officer Service 10 years ago, and will join it again temporarily! A Consulting Officer is an extension person - helping to disseminate information from Agriculture Research to the farming community. It will be good catching up with farmers again, walking around farms, jumping drains, climbing the odd hill - all good for fitness! Part of my area will be the Coromandel Peninsula - cool!

Swimming setback

2008-03-03T13:38:00.002+13:00

I've been putting up with a "niggle" in my shoulder since the Tauranga Half Ironman, and finally went to the doctor about it today. I have damaged my tendon in some way. He has injected it with a steroid, and suggested no swimming and pump - which I managed to negotiate to 'no shoulder exercise in pump'. YAH I hate doing the shoulder exercises in pump anyway!!!!
He was rapt with my fitness - my blood pressure was 110/74 today - I've never had it so low!
I'll keep running and cycling and see how I am in 6 weeks time.
I am going to decide whether to do Ironman in 6 months time. Prior to this I will lose more weight, and build up my running, cycling and core strength.

Ironman Experience

2008-03-02T12:52:00.003+13:00

What a great weekend - I planned to watch the Ironman and do some shopping. All I did was watch Ironman, and meet lots of other supporters - including Mr and Mrs Brown Snr!!!! So somehow I've got to find an outfit to wear to a friend's wedding next week!
The weekend started with dropping the girls off at my sister-in-laws, at Morrinsville, and heading down to Taupo. I had managed to get a motel for the Friday night, but not Saturday - when I got there they up-graded my room - 1st time I've ever had that!!
I went down and had a look at all the bikes and the set up for Ironman - the pro's bikes were right by the fence, so I could see all the very flash bikes!! I forgot my digital camera - I picked up a throw away one, but annoyed me, as I could have posted them straight away!!
I got down to the venue at around 5.45 am, and watched everyone set up. Had a chat to Gina Fergusson's partner - unfortunately had told him my accomplishments before I realised who he was there with!!! Well I guess they'd not be able to race if it wasn't for the other finishers - the likes of marathons, half IM etc must be so expensive to run!!
I wandered down to the lake, and saw the Maori waka and ceremony, saw Sarah Ulmer, who was supporting her partner. Got a hell of a fright at the start (army set off a cannon!!!)
Watched the leaders get out of the water after 44 minutes!!!!
I caught up with an old friend who used to farm at Waitakaruru. He said the ironman competitors have named him didymo Dave, as he was responsible for the education around dipping the wetsuits - to ensure didymo doesn't infect our lakes and rivers in the North Island.
I went back and watched T1. I think I saw Kathy at this stage, just after she ran up the steps. She still had her wetsuit on - it was quite a long distance between the lake and the bikes.
One of the funniest things was a lady from America - it was her birthday too - she had pink everything, bike helmet, clothing etc - yes you'd think a real lady - well her arms were laiden with tattoos!
At this stage I was getting hungry, so headed to a cafe - along with 5000 other people - met a nice family and had breakfast with them. They had twin 6 year olds and an 8 year old with them. The friend they were supporting was hoping to finish within 10 hours - still it would have been a long day with littlies!
Went out on to the main road and saw the leaders come through the first lap - they were flying, especially with a tail wind! Saw Kathy come through, then Tineka and Alison. Yelled out for son's of ladies on sidelines too! Saw Peter (showpony) fly through too! By then it was lunch time, so grabbed a bite to eat.
I didn't realise the bike to run transition was in a different place - so found that and watched the runners. Met up with a lot of other people - it's a great atmosphere!
Got some great photos of Cameron Brown, Kieran Doe and Jo Lawn runnng past - I thought Jo was going to lose, she looked tired, man she must have a super tough mental and physical strength! I missed the men's finish, but got down in time to see the womans finish. The camera man's motorbike rider crashed into a barrier near the end - quite funny!
I met Mr and Mrs Brown - they were about to leave. They were very happy - in the past Cameron has left it to the last minute to win - harrowing for parents! This year it was obvious from 21 km into the run that barring any major problem he had it in the bag. I remarked that they were lucky - lots of other parents had to wait a lot longer for their sons and daughters to finish!
Cheered in the first couple of hundred finishers - including Peter - he was looking good. A great time too!
I went out and caught up with Tineka - who spotted I had safety pins on my top - which she needed - glad to be of help!! Knew I must have left them there for a good reason!
Saw Kathy come through and she had energy for a high 5. She was in good shape, and looked like a sure finisher!
Alison came through - walking, but pleased to see she finished too.
I decided at this point to go home. It was 7.30 I was tired and had just under 3 hours to drive home. So sorry to miss your finish everyone!
Didn't catch up with Sub6, he obviously caught up with Kathy's support crew - great tee-shirts! I didn't see them at all! Might see you on the start line at Rotorua?
By the way - the jury is still out on whether I do the 25th NZ Ironman next year - or not!

Go Taupo Ironman competitors!

2008-02-28T10:24:00.002+13:00

I'm really excited. Tomorrow night I leave for Taupo to watch the Ironman race. I'm hoping to catch up with some fellow bloggers, and some shopping - of course!
I'm battling a nasty late summer 'flu, which seems to have everyone around here laid out too! I can't believe how sick I've been since I've stopped the long hours of training! Once I'm better I'm back into it!

Just read this article though, which is slightly depressing, but I can see the truth in it:

MOVE IT TO LOSE IT - Runners World Feb. 2008

It doesn't seem fair, but those who are battling the bulge will have to exercise up to twice as much to maintain their desired weight than those who have always been physically blessed. According to Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, current public recommendations call for a 30-60 minutes a day of physical activity to avoid weight gain, and 60-90 minutes a day to avoid weight regain after having shed some kilos. In the trial, researchers found the majority of successful weight maintainers (who had lost at least 30 kilograms and kept it off for an average of 14 years) had to work out intensely for more than 60 minutes a day. Despite their higher physical activity duration and intensity, the maintainers group's average BMI of 22 was higher than the normal group, whose average BMI was 21.1.

I'll let you know next week whether I decide to tackle IMNZ 2009 or not!!!

Cheers,

Yee Hah Rain

2008-02-13T14:30:00.000+13:00

This is my farming coming out - we desperately need rain to keep the grass growing, as in New Zealand our cows rely on basically a grass only based diet. They are outside all year round due to our ideal climate. We had good rain last night, we just need some more rain now.....are we ever happy? - Well yes I guess we are happy, we had a great holiday at the beach, the weather was fantastic, and next week is the National Big Game Fishing contest. I orginally got fit to be able to handle catching big fish, so I can't wait! The official weight for marlin is over 90 kg, so I wanted to be lighter than any I weighed in! Last year my fish was 137 kg, luckily I never have weighed more than that! But I have been well over 90 kg!

Went for a run in the heat today - 35 minutes jog after a 10 minute walk (wondering whether I should run or not for 10 minutes).

Yes Kathy and SUB6, might target the Huntly Half - more realistic target.

Kids Weetbix Tryathlon

2008-02-12T14:11:00.000+13:00

On Sunday Celine completed the Weetbix Tryathlon in Hamilton. It was held at Waikato University, and involved swimming 100m, Biking 4 km, and running 1.5 km. Celine did very well, completing it and getting her medal.

The tryathlon is very well organised, there were 1500 kids aged from 8 to 15, and things appeared to go very well. We had to be there at 8.30, and Celine didn't start until just after 11. So it was a bit boring to start with!

In the photo, Celine is the one with the bike helmet on.

My training has been slow, I'm starting to think the Rotorua marathon may need to be cut. My main aim is to lose weight, and having a goal like the marathon in only 12 weeks time, may make losing weight hard, I'm better to concentrate on a weekly 10 to 15 km run consistantly, than try and build up to full marathon training. Maybe next year?

Owwie!

2008-02-09T14:40:00.000+13:00

Went back to my first Pump class on Thursday. I purposely used low weights, but made sure I did the exercises correctly. I'm still very sore!!!!! Yesterday was a rest day.
This morning I went for a one hour run, then shot into Paeroa to try a Wilpowa RPM class - felt a bit strange being on a stationary bike! I must admit I struggled. I'll blame my vein operation, surely I've got a few more days I can use it as an excuse on!!! Actually it is still swollen, but the bruising has improved.
Now I'm finding it hard to walk. I still haven't entered the Rotorua Marathon yet, might give it another week of running to see how I feel.
The Speights Coast to Coast is on this weekend - now that would be a REAL challenge. NO FORGET IT JULIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Slowly but surely!

2008-02-06T08:37:00.000+13:00

Went for a really slow jog around the farm last night. Brian suggested I check to see how much grass we had! Wow it is really short and brown. The cows still looked OK though.
Anyway back to the jog. My leg is still quite tender, and it's weird running with a compression stocking on one leg! I managed over an hour of steady jogging, so was pretty happy.
For the marathon I should be running for 2 hours at the moment (long run), and am hoping to do that on Saturday. If I manage it I'll definitely enter Rotorua.
Portion control is under good management, I'm back to keeping a food diary. I haven't weighed myself as my leg is still quite swollen.
Interestingly, I decided to wear my heart rate monitor last night, haven't for ages. My heart rate stayed around 135 to 140 for most of the run, which seems quite high for a slow jog, but have put it down to being sick in the weekend (my temperature was 38.7!).
I might wear it for a few more runs to see how I go. I'd love to get one of those GPS ones - but don't think I can justify it.

What plans have come out of having a day to think....

2008-02-04T12:48:00.000+13:00

Ultimate goal - reach 65 kg in weight - present weight unknown, as I'm still too scared to get on the scales.

Next few weeks - game fishing and a few little triathlons.
April 26th - Autumn Challenge with 2 other girls. White water rafting, mountain biking and treking.
May 3rd - Rotorua Marathon - OK sounds scary - but should be achievable.
November 1 - K2? or K1? -See how bike training goes through the winter.
December sometime - Rotorua Half Ironman.

Training for the above, some good will power, and wilpowa (my trainer for pump), should help me to reach my goal. Running seems to be the best way for me to burn excess calories.

Today's story - major self pity!

2008-02-04T12:44:00.000+13:00

Currently I'm having a sicky - after feeling good about the vein laser treatment, I woke up feeling ghastly on Sunday morning, and ended up in bed most of the day. Ella (2 and a half) entertained herself by pulling out all my magazines and makeup, jumping on me etc. Fortunately Brian came back from the beach in time to save everything and cook dinner.
I went to the afterhours doctor, and have a very infected throat, just as well I went, as he said he wouldn't have liked the bacteria to travel into my leg!
SOOO still walking.

Back into it - well sort of

2008-02-01T08:41:00.000+13:00

I went for a 30 minute walk this morning - WALK - yes. I have had a bad varicose vein on my leg and promised myself if I lost weight I would get it treated. So yesterday I went to Hamilton and had Unilateral Endovenous laser treatment. Quite an amazing experience - and no major problems - I could drive home straight after, and should be back running in a couple of days!
The vein was a real bulgy one, and was really noticable with my cycling toned legs.
I was able to claim the operation on medical insurance - a real bonus!
The same clinic also does tummy tucks etc - but that comes with a MAJOR price tag! I am going to lose some more weight and see what happens. The fact that I have lost weight slowly, and maintained my current weight for a while may help with the surplus skin issue.

Back home!

2008-01-30T16:19:00.000+13:00

Back home now, a great holiday - fantastic weather - but not good for the farm!
My plan to keep training went out the window, so back to training at home!
The lady in the new icecream shop was far to nice not to buy an icecream from, so I have a couple more kgs to get rid of GRRR! The icecreams were yummy though.
My plan is to do two Pump classes and one Body balance a week. I'll keep a babysitter going for Sunday bike rides - might even catch up with Showpony at Kawakawa Bay! I'll also try and run 3 times a week. My main aim is weight loss, so don't want to increase my appetite through tough training, as it's hard to lose weight and train hard (for me anyway).
Reckon I saw Doeboy riding down the Kopu hill today - he's the only one I know with long blond dreadlocks. (I wonder how much faster he would go with short hair?) There was another cyclist about a km in front of him, so not too sure if it was him or not, as I would have thought he'd train with a group.
The ladies fishing tournament was not as good as usual for us - not a single fish!! The first day was cancelled, the next was very rough, but it calmed down in the afternoon. I'll do a report on www.fishingonbountyhunter.blogspot.com.
Right now I'm trying not to melt - it's hot and sticky on the Hauraki Plains!

2008-01-15T08:05:00.000+13:00

A good morning - went out for a 40 minute jog. It's good going out early in the morning - holidays are great!

Our friends the Toners are here. We went out to Peachgrove Bay again - another great day. I went for a good swim - lovely crystal clear water - you can easily see the bottom - 5 m deep! Got another great photo of the girls.

2008-01-14T07:43:00.000+13:00

After going for a 55 minute run on Saturday I felt pretty good.

I had a day game fishing yesterday, absolutely gorgeous weather, but no big fish for us. A couple of other boats weighed marlin - a striped marlin of 92 kg, and a blue of 180 kg.

The plan today was to go for a swim, our friends are here, so we'll take them out to the Mercury Islands and swim in the crystal clear water there, and perhaps go for a walk up the hill.

Mercury Island is owned by merchant banker Sir Michael Fay, and he allows people to walk over his land, you can't camp there though. He has a underground house there - Brian calls it teletubby house!

There are also very good scallops which we dive for YUM!

I see SUB6 has found a maintenance training programme, which I will try and get, as I seem to need a plan, rather than a ad-hoc type approach!

Julie Pirie's weird ways........

2008-01-12T10:45:00.000+13:00

Here goes - this was quite difficult as I find it hard to self analyse - I'd rather not know that I have weird ways!

1. I have Fatorexia. This is a self diagnosed and self-named condition. It involves thinking you are thinner than you actually are. It means cutting labels out of clothes so that you are sure it's a size 10, and referring to yourself as undertall, rather than overweight. At present I think I only have to grow 20 cm and my BMI is fine!

2. I cry in movies, happy or sad. It drives Celine insane. I even cried the other day watching Nanny McPhee again!

3. I have to put milk in the cup after instant coffee, before the hot water goes in.

4. I have to have trim milk. Despite being dairy farmers we buy milk.

5. I hate flies around the house, which is a major problem, as dairy farms and flies seem to go together! I'm not as obsessive as my grandmother was though, she always had a fly swat in her hand.

6. I find 4 leaf clovers really easily. I can be walking through a paddock and find two or three.

7. Worst of all - I listen to talk back radio at night - it helps me get to sleep. If I ever get to the stage of listening to it throughout the day, with a radio in each room so I don't miss anything, it will be time for an old peoples home!!

Showpony, it must be your turn - his blog address is at the bottom of this page.

2008-01-12T10:25:00.000+13:00

For anyone interested in seeing information about my other expensive hobby, check out www.fishingonbountyhunter.blogspot.com . Brian wants me to put on lots of photos, but it seems to be taking me a little bit of time to sort out how to put in photos etc - and I thought I was reasonably computer literate!

Finishing Photo

2008-01-12T10:05:00.000+13:00

Here is my finishing photo from the Port of Tauranga Half Ironman. If you look carefully you can see my mum and Celine watching. Ella is also watching, but she's only 2 and a half, and is looking through the bars. They're just above my left thumb. My dad thought I was going to be a bit longer, and is getting a cup of tea. Husband Brian was out catching yellowfin tuna at the time!

Today I went for a 55 minute run, felt good to be running again.

The massage was great, sorted out my leg cramps. I've got another booked in too. I'll definitely put massages into my next programme!

About to put in new post on 7 weird things about me, as I have been tagged by Kathy (haven't worked out how to put in link yet)

Feel like doing something!

2008-01-09T10:54:00.000+13:00

Apart from the sore neck, I feel like doing something today. Nothing is planned, as my brother's advice (he has helped with my training) was to do nothing.
We're at Whitianga, and our bach is 100 m from the water, so I have no excuse not to swim. A walk later this afternoon would be excellent too.
I have booked in for a massage this evening, and the lady also does orthobiomy, so hopefully will get my calf muscles and neck sorted.

2008-01-08T10:08:00.000+13:00

Today I'm having another easy day. I have a stiff neck, but not as a result of the Half IM, and my calf muscle is still sore from cramping up on Saturday. We're at Whitianga at the moment. Bruce caught a Mahimahi on our boat yesterday - the first one we've ever caught!

Let's get started

2008-01-07T22:01:00.000+13:00

Here I go with this blog thing.
I'll get it going for now, then add interesting things as they come up. Feel free to comment and ask questions.
Cheers,
Juls