Well, it's THAT time of year again. After the usual hardcore training for the last couple of months or so, the guys & crew tootled down to Taupo for the annual Oxfam Trailwalk. Their last. Yes, you read that as official. Declared in blood. Awesome weather, weekend, company, event & generally excellent time.
At the start around 5.30a.m. in a field in Kinloch area. Adrenaline is go! Let's get this party started...
On the trot & coming in from the first leg. 16kms jogging all the way. They all agreed that it was the most enjoyable leg. Very scenic area is Whaikapo Bay.
Gotta go...hills to climb...Off to checkpoint 2. (BTW each stopover was about 8mins av so the crew had to be slick...& we were!) Sun about to crest the hill. It was a tad chilly at first but then warmed up later to be HOT!
AJ & R on form...
Support crew. Wives & a friend. All ready @ checkpoint 2. Sun's out & cake/coffee is on! We were always one of the first at each checkpoint as the guys were always ahead of the rest bar a couple of Go-faster teams.
Lots of walking in amongst the jogging. How to look fresh when you're pretty stuffed actual! One team member lagging as he's REALLY stuffed & so out of the picture.
A painful smile from a soldier! R still pretty chipper & certainly mobile! Checkpoint 5. Midday plus heat...Before the 19km leg...
The wonderful wandering Waikato...The crew took a walk while waiting at checkpoint 6. We got to see this in the waning light. The guys would be venturing out into this at nightfall in a couple of hours.
Here they come in. Digging deep but only 2 short legs to go...
Is that you dear? Yards of soup please!
Had to insert this despite the fact that the #@$#@ camera flash played up. The finishing shute with Queen's 'We are the Champions' belting out (my request)
With Barry Coates, Mr Oxfam NZ. 15hrs 50mins 5th place overall & fastest veterans (we don't mention that they could have come in 3rd...sigh...1 member 'blew up' earlier cos he went out too fast... Arghhh!)
Pain is only temporary, victory is forever! "You are the guys," guys!! Now for the beers & massages....
Monday & leaving Taupo on the last Oxfam trailwalk. Note, R can still wear shoes (they cover up the not-so-pretty toes!)
