Day three, some solid km's under my feet

Today was a day of highs and a few lows … the lack of sleep last night meant today was mentally tough, and the first couple of hours running in the pouring rain certainly didn’t help . The 51.9 km track of the Abel Tasman is deceiving – most think it is the easiest of the Seven Great Walks – but in fact the last part of the track is often not tramped – I checked the stats on one of the final hills and we had 1,345 meters of assent over the course of the day .. an accumulation of countless headland ups and downs. By midday the sun was out and there were blue skies, the run was stunning with those beautiful beaches .. if only we had a bit more time to take a dip! Two great moments punctuated the run – The first a school group who knew about “7 in 7″, they lined the track high fiving us all as we went past, what an amazing feeling. The other was care of one of my support team, Koo, whose partner in true Kiwi style did something so unique and fabulous it blew us all away. As we rounded into Totaranui, Grant had laid out the most exquisite picnic on a picnic table – we felt like Kings, I am pretty sure food has never tasted so good. I always said this run would be more mental than physical as the days passed – I think I”m getting to about 60 percent physical and forty percent mental – so I’m still in fine form. I’m delighted with how my body is coping, my knees – my weak point, are hanging in there. All the same I was thrilled to see the support van at the end of the track after almost nine hours – and the group of extra spectators who had come to cheer us on. Another treat .. they’d stuffed the fundraising bucket with spare coins … you are a generous lot .. now to concentrate on tomorrow “The Heaphy Track” 78.4 km’s

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, December 1st, 2009 at 7:30 pm and is filed under 2009 Blogs, News and tagged with Abel Tasman, Fundraising. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.

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Sally says:

December 1, 2009 at 8:40 pm

I am sure you made the day really special for the school group too…. glad you made it through the rain and sad it was raining on them. As mother of one of the boys on the school trip I know they were thrilled to know you would be coming through when they were there. Read the story and think it is inspirational. Good luck for the next four days – and recovering after.

Alison says:

December 1, 2009 at 9:10 pm

You’re a legend – keep it going mate. Behind you all the way.

wade says:

December 1, 2009 at 9:13 pm

Mal wishing you good zzzzzzzs tonight- for the Heaphy tomorrow. We will be thinking of you on the biggest of big days. Go well and Jeff’s singing will keep you entertained for sure! Wade & Kirsty

Jess and Beinn says:

December 1, 2009 at 9:54 pm

Go Dad!! You are doing great

December 1, 2009 at 9:57 pm

Go dad! well done

Tracy says:

December 2, 2009 at 12:23 am

Hi Mal, Karen and co, Bloody well done. Sounds like another big hard rewarding day. You are inspiring so many with your efforts. I follow with ardent interest and do what I can to send strength your way and people with money to your Donate site. You are making lots of things more possible for more people. Thank you!

Sandy says:

December 2, 2009 at 6:33 am

You are, quite simply, amazing.

Tim cochrane says:

December 2, 2009 at 7:45 am

Go Mal,
you are going awesome man. Keep it up.
Loving reading you and your support runners supports everyday.
Two thumbs up to you, your support crew, and everyone else involved.
Give it heaps.