Monday 2 November 2015

Going the distance

As many of you know, my partner is a runner. After years of cheering from the sidelines, I thought I'd give distance a go and be the one getting the support. I don't run, and when I do 5km fun runs, I have the kids with me, so speed is irrelevant. So I signed up for the 7 Bridges walk, a 27 km walk for the Cancer Council, just to see if I could do it.

The distance was long enough to be a challenge, but not long enough to require training, as every mother knows, you do a lot of inconsequential walking around daily, so it was perfect for me.

I was a little nervous that it would be harder than I thought, and the need to get back for my son's concert meant that I'd need to keep up the pace all the way to the finish.

It was surprisingly easy and actually enjoyable! I'm not ready to sign up for Coast Trek (a 50 km walk) but I will definitely return next year. With better shoes (I'd foolishly gone in $20 kmart sneakers that were slightly too small), I'm sure we could shave off 20 mins to get us to the sub 5 hour mark. We stopped for 30 mins for a picnic lunch, and that for me was the highlight (showing my true colours), so that's non-negotiable - but a walking speed of 4 hours 30 mins would be the target (instead of the first attempt of 4 hours 50 mins of which I'm quite proud of).

The winners on the day were the zooper duper sellers - I had 2 along the way, and they were perfectly uplifting for the spirits, and cooling for the heat. I had a fabulously civilised corn quesadilla for lunch at the Lane Cove Village, which was delicious, and as I've mentioned, quite the highlight. And don't forget, of course, the 5 hours off kids duty (thanks to my partner) and the stunning scenery that Sydney is famous for, not to mention a leisurely walk and chat with friends, a rare treat, not to be underrated.

 
Now I'm not about to get a fitbit or anything crazy like that but I did do a 40 min walk yesterday instead of catching a taxi, so maybe, just maybe, I could be turning over a new leaf....

I'm adding this to the list, even though it's already done and dusted. I also need to say I'm extremely proud of myself that I didn't need to call this post "A bridge too far" and that I pulled up so well the next day that I could wear heels on Tuesday!

Torshlusspanik List:

1. Shooting (check)
2. Fencing (check)
3. Play croquet at Croquet Club
4. Laser skeet
5. Off road buggy driving
6. Play Assassins Creed
7. Jetpacking (check)
8. The Color Run (check)
9. Invent something
10. Cooking Masterclass (check)
11. Master a Masterclass (check)
12. Perform a rap song (check)
13. Trampoline adventure (check)
14. BMX Riding (check)
15. Do a cart wheel (check)
16. Ride an Electric Bike (check)

17. Astonish Myself
18. Write a book*.
19. Participate in a distance event (check)

Linking with #OpenSlather



17 comments:

  1. That sounds like a gorgeous walk. You can't lose with that spectacular scenery. Another great idea from the Cancer Council.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I haven't seen your list for ages! Love your list.
    I admire anyone who can run.
    I walk a lot. But running ... feels like complete and utter torture. It would have to be a bloody big bear behind me ...

    ReplyDelete
  3. That is so awesome! Well done! and that list keeps getting chipped away - perhaps the best part of all xx

    ReplyDelete
  4. Well done! That sounds like fun. I like the fact you said 'walk' and not 'run'!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I need to get motivated to exercise. I think a challenge like this is probably what will get me up and moving.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'd do it just for the 5 hours kid free! :D

    ReplyDelete
  7. Good on you! Now you've made me wonder how I'd go in something like the 7 Bridges Walk - or more accurately, how far I could go and how long it would take me.

    Visiting from #teamIBOT x

    ReplyDelete
  8. Lovely walk judging by the scenery and well done on going the distance and working your way through your list.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Yay! You're smashing goals! Every year I promise myself to enter the walk and every year it passes me by and by the time the event rolls around, I'm already otherwise engaged. It looks like a wonderful event, and you had me at picnic! What's next on the list?!

    ReplyDelete
  10. What a brilliant one to tick off your list!

    ReplyDelete
  11. That's excellent !!! I've started walking again and am really enjoying it. Once I get rid of these 30-40kgs that I"m carrying around, I'm hoping to get running again.
    Have the best week !

    ReplyDelete
  12. Good on you ... Walking is so good for you and everyone can join in

    ReplyDelete
  13. What a brilliant list and well done on ticking another item off. I've never been good at running but I love walking. Sadly health issues have me on forced bed rest at the moment but I'm really looking forward to getting back to walking soon.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Good on you Lydia! Awesome achievement. My favourite exercise is walking, it's good for the soul, especially kid free!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Well done on your walk. What a great view of the harbour bridge too.

    ReplyDelete
  16. That's a fantastic effort! I think long walks can be very meditative. You get to see the world from a different angle but also get the chance to soak it all in. Go you for ticking another one off your list!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Go you good thing!.. And that list - I freaking love the idea of that list. I am so going to make one for myself xx

    ReplyDelete