First Long Walk for tigers

Saturday 19th saw all team tiger members rising before the sun to start their first long walk together. We met in River Road in the dark and decided to head towards the Pukete end of the bridges walk along the road with the aid of the street lights. Stripey and Hungry Tiger had flashing lights and ankles to aid with visibility – definitely a good idea in the early morning. Hungry tiger has been reading up on sports nutrition so gave us timely reminders about eating along the way. It was a beautiful morning but a prelude to some of the hot days we have been having in Hamilton so we were glad of our 5a.m start. Friendly Tiger had some interesting dance moves to keep us distracted on the way.We completed our 20km walk on schedule with all team members intact but legs and feet very tired at the end. Definitely was pleased to have that drink at Indulge and to plunge into a tepid bath on arrival home. 100 kms still feels like a very long way but at least we know we can do 20% now. Its the keeping going that make the difference – once you stop the legs and hips start to ache and you (or I) need a big lie down. 

Early morning hiccups

6am training walk this morning saw all tiger members walking together for the first time. Nancy set the alarm but forgot to turn it on. Annike had shoe blindness. So after a late start we attacked the hills and stairs around the University of Waikato. It is a good thing the trailwalker has a defined track as we all seem to have different ideas about where to go. However, we got there in the end. This month will see us working on increasing our hill fitness and speed (especially Tiger Nancy) who being born a flatlander from NSW knows her biggest weakness (apart from food, wine and housework) is anything uphill. Onwards and upwards Tigers.

Training has started

In the first few months all of us will try to get into shape as best as we can. In January we plan to start training together.

Since I am currently traveling, I plan to do hikes and walks with people I am visiting. Wendy took me out hiking during the last two weekends here in Canada. We started with a few short hikes just to get warmed up (and not to frighten the horses). Two weeks ago we did the Carthew-Alderson trail at Waterton Lakes National Park. It is right in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Overall 19 kilometers with 650m elevation gain in 7.3/4 hours. A very good day but not fast enough, of course, for the trailwalker. I found that a bit of a shock and an eye-opener.

Last week we went to Crypt Lake and to the Dinosaur Provincial Park. At Crypt Lake I ran out of water before the end (similar to NZ the water in rivers in Canada should not be drunk) and it was a very warm day. Not to be repeated. Again ca 19 km in 6.5 hours (including breaks).