Time to put training to the test
Today I am joining hundreds of other walkers beating a long and winding path around New Plymouth for the Oxfam Trailwalker event.
Together with my team, I’ll be joining the likes of Marina Healey, Katie Black, Jarrad Martin and Lynley Martin, above, and 299 other teams who are all walking either 50 kilometres or 100km.
I’ve opted for the 50km and even though I’ve been training for months I’m feeling underprepared. Grossly underprepared.
Sure, we’re raising money for Oxfam’s humanitarian work, but what was I thinking?
But I have been heartened in the last day or two by people in the Oxfam Trailwalker social media group, some of whom are walking twice the distance I am, who are now also questioning their own life decisions.
I’m glad to know I’m not the only one.
But it’s also heartening to see all the people who have said in reply: Just get out there; you’ll be fine.
Oh, I’m packing painkillers and plasters and quietly freaking out, but I’m damn well going to do this.
I’ve also been told it’s much better to go in undercooked rather than overcooked.
And as a friend said to me on Thursday night – you’ll be inspired because we won the racing. (My obsession – the America’s Cup.)
To my team-mates – Jenny, Sara, Dowana, Susie and Paul – sorry in advance for how slow I might be.
But in the end I know it’s not about how fast you do it, it’s that you’re doing it at all.
So congratulations to everyone, however you’re involved.
Finish or not, you’re heading in the right direction.