Despite the excessive heat and humidity yesterday, I included some speed work in my daily run. On this occasion I ran 200 metres in 37 secs, then 1 km in 3:39. The latter was as flat out as I could go, given the both the conditions and the extra kilograms I’m carrying. I was pretty happy with it, though it pales somewhat when compared to the 3 km I ran in 2015 in 10:08, which equates to three consecutive kilometres averaging 3:23 for each. Then again, I was much fitter then, and the conditions were ideal. (My all time best 3 km is 9:23, but that was back in 1990).

I’m going to mention the major documentary on runners over 50 again, planned for production later this year. You can hear more about it on this link https://vimeo.com/191553763, and participate in the crowd funding via https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-human-race-documentary#/. Have a look.

The following photo is from the Glamis Dunes in the Southern California Desert, not far from the Mexican border. Just off in the background I met an Australian geologist and his colleague conducting scientific experiments in the sand dunes. He ran a couple of miles with me, just for fun.

On This Day

Feb 7, 2012

Distance today = 23.57 km; Total distance = 1894.40 km; Location = Auckland Airport, NZ –  37 00.295′ S, 174 47.059′ E; Start time = 0800, Finish time = 1106

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/147792511

New Zealand is over!!! It was a great five and a half weeks, but all good things come to an end. As mentioned previously, I am now preparing for the North American leg.

The total distance run so far is 1,894.4 km. It might sound a lot, but it’s only about 7% of the total I will be running. Still, it’s a good start. I am ahead of schedule, and I have no injuries or issues at all. I attribute this to taking it easy. My pace is slow, and if I feel the slightest pain, I stop, have a rest, give it a rub,  and start off again. It has paid off so far.

Today I ran to Auckland Airport from the home of our overnight hosts, the lovely Gail and Michael. We enjoyed a few wines with them last night to celebrate the end of the NZ phase. This morning I was joined by Zeb Stone from Oxfam in Auckland for the run to the airport. It was great to have company, and we discussed all manner of topics, including one of my very favourites – marine renewable energy.

That means I began the NZ leg with the Chairman of my main sponsor, Next Digital, and finished the leg with a member my charity, Oxfam. It was a nice touch.

I hope to have some photos and videos of the arrival at Auckland Airport posted later. In the meantime, I may also post some more reports during the next few days, ahead of kicking off in San Francisco. Everything is very much on track, so keep the donations to Oxfam coming.

Feb 7, 2013

Distance today = 31.68 km; Total distance = 16,141.61 km; Location = Bargas, Spain – 39 56.812′ N, 04 01.230′ W; Start time = 0902, Finish time = 1332

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/270597570

With a very cold westerly wind blowing, I decided to keep the day short, commuting back to Toledo for the night. It will give me an additional opportunity to experience this wonderful city.

The running was fairly uneventful, with the only drama being my cap – it kept blowing off, sometimes rolling down the road for some distance. I essentially meandered my way through the Toledo Valley, finishing up on a plateau at the town of Bargas.

I am not sure what’s wrong with the tracker. It seems to only update once per day. At the moment it places me about 7 km east of my actual position. If it doesn’t correct itself, I’m not sure what I’ll be able to do about it. At least it gives an approximate position.