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Welcome to my blog which I hope to develop with some interesting material on ultra running both on the trails and road including reports on races and interesting training runs, views on kit and equipment as well as anything else I find of interest. I love running for adventure, opportunity and well being. Enjoy!

Tuesday 18 December 2012

Day 7: Waipu Cove to Matakana


Start: Waipu Cove 408km
Finish: Matakana 472km
Distance for the day: 64km
Cumulative distance: 472km
Cumulative moving time:

My first week on the trail is now complete – the first significant milestone – and a very satisfying one. Reflecting back there is plenty feel positive about, particularly with all the unknowns going into an adventure like this.

I guess the important thing is how my body is holding up. Interestingly, none of the niggles I thought would cause me trouble have done so. I haven’t really had too much trouble other than a few blisters. My feet are sore from long spells of running with wet feet, but it’s relatively superficial stuff.

Today the weather wasn’t quite so kind after a long, kind, settled spell. A few hours of misty and intermittently heavy rain fell before lunch and put my tail between my legs, but a change of clothes/ footwear and a pretty substantial cooked lunch got me back on track quickly. The running today was fairly flat including quite a bit of road and some lengthy sections of beach (Te Arai/ Pakiri). The highlight was definitely the Mangawhai Coastal Walkway although it felt all too short. 


Te Arai Beach

I seem to be getting the hang of dealing with the boring bits. Today I got up to date on Facebook, whilst cruising along (sad, I know). Other options include pinging off a tweet or two, listening to music, bird watching or dolphin spotting. My mind seems to be free of usual daily life stuff, so it’s really refreshing to be drifting off and mulling over geology, landscapes, the wildlife or anything else in my special, generally people-less, place at any moment in time.


Descent from Tamahunga

Back down after Tamahunga.

I’ve come across a few fellow through-hikers. It’s always great to stop and chat to them and see what their story is, and they always have one. I have huge admiration for them all for taking on such a challenge lasting many, many, months, and there is definitely a strong bond and instant mutual respect from the common goal.

The guys joined me for a couple of small sections today; Mark for the bottom section of Pakiri bech and James for the descent of Tamahunga, an impressive forest-clad peak of 437 metres which was my last section of the day. The views should have been amazing, but the top half was shrowded in mist and clag, so we didn’t hang around long.

Tomorrow I’ll hit the outskirts of Auckland but it will take me more than a day to move through. The kayak crossing of the harbour on Thursday should be epic, landing at the marina – for beer and pizza…?

9 comments:

Debs M-C said...

Loving the updates and pictures. Looks amazing :-)

Sue Berlanga said...

Greetings from Mexico Jez. We're really enjoying following you on your blog. All the very, very best to you - keep that crew in order! Sue

Anonymous said...

Loving the blog posts. Gg and opm!,

Anonymous said...

Love the updates -much respect - and keep your chin up when the going gets tough.
Gus

Tim Lambert said...

Nice one buddy! Loving following your progress back home. Tim

Ellie Greenwood said...

Great following along Jez, congrats on completing the first week!

Unknown said...

Was great to catch a glimpse and applaud your arrival into matakana. Hope you stay strong throughout and wish you the best of luck! Take care, Phil, Emily, Rajiv and Kelsey

Daniel Wastell said...

Great reading your blogs Jez, I think for most people doing the blog every day would be a monumental effort, let alone the mileage! Keep it going matey we are all following you closely in sopping wet Dorset. Loving the beard! Gem will be impressed!

SophieBragg said...

Well done on your amazing progress JB - we are all keeping track with your progress at home and very proud of you! Well done to Jamie and Mark too for keeping up and keeping him fed, watered and smiling :)

Make sure that you hunt down some Tim Tams - pretty sure they'll be great running and kayaking fuel (particularly when accompanied by a cup of yorkshire's finest!)

lots of love
xx