August 23, 2006

DAYS to go! Glutes shivering, support crew ready

Shivering because I'm feverish! Yes, one and a half days to go and Felicity and I are both recovering from That Virus Going Around. But it's too late to pull out now! We've taken your sponsorship money and early this Friday morning we need to do our bit - walking 100 kilometers of rugged Sydney bush track in 48 hours or less. We'll be right.

We're aiming for a lot less than 48 hours, according to a detailed schedule prepared by our number-cruncher, Rog, we should be able to finish in 23 hours. To give you some perspective, in 2004 I completed it in about 31 hours! Still, on our last 45km training walk, we crossed the finish line within a few minutes of Rog's estimated time, so he must know what he's talking about.






My last training walk: by myself from Thornleigh to Hunters Hill, Lane Cove, and home. Seen here near Field of Mars cemetary. Not dead yet.

The last two weeks have been busy, including more trailwalking, running, gym, basketball, Pilates and circuit classes, as well as final preparation for our support crew planning, packing lists, and all the logistics of keeping four people in food and fresh socks over a day and a night and the following morning.






Zoe King, an army officer and sister to team member Bride, making sure she has everyone's mobile number for coordinating support crew efforts on the day.

Last week we attended the Oxfam Trailwalker official briefing night for participants, and it was more than a little daunting to see the entire Sydney Town Hall packed to the gills with competitors. Some looked fatter and slower than us, but more seemed leaner and faster - I guess we'll see on the day. And the night. And then the following day!

It was also reassuring to see the Trailwalker organisers put on a meticulously planned information evening that started on time, ended on time, and delivered what it promised. If they can do that professional a job of such a massive undertaking, chances are they apply that same professionalism to making sure your charitable donations are spent wisely on helping disadvantaged people here and overseas.




Sheesh! What a lot of fit people! Seated towards the middle of the crowd at the Trailwalker Briefing Night at Sydney Town Hall.

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