Just a short run this morning, but I’ve clocked up 106 km for the week. And yesterday I did some short sprints – just 25 x 20 metres on grass – but I felt really good and my Achilles was fine afterward. I must admit to a bit of general soreness around the thighs and hips this morning, but that’s to be expected – I haven’t done anything like sprinting in nearly half a year.

Kevin Carr continues to make his way toward the Atlantic Ocean in Florida. He’s currently in Alabama, but should finish his North American leg later this month or early in February. He has about 4,350 km to go in total, and needs to average about 55.2 km per day if he’s to set a new world record.

On This Day

Jan 18, 2012

Distance today = 57.66 km; Total distance = 940.28 km; Location = Mangamaunu, NZ –  42 17.517′ S, 173 45.141′ E; Start time = 0842, Finish time = 1654

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/142641555

Still on track to make the inter-island ferry on Saturday. I just need to do similar distances over the next two days. Once again, the scenery was magnificent, especially the coastal section. I saw many seals basking in the sun, only metres from me. Hopefully we’ll have a video uploaded so you can see what I mean.

One of the very pleasant aspects of this run in NZ (among many), is the reduced level of roadside garbage. There is definitely less than what I’ve noticed in Australia, and in Europe too. I’ve done a lot of cycling in the countrysides of both these places, and the amount of rubbish thrown out of cars is disgraceful. Here in NZ there is still some, but far less. It may be partially related to the lower population density, but I suspect there is a greater sense of pride and environmental responsibility. Good on you Kiwis.

And in regard to last night’s dsiguised trivia question about the dead ferret/skunk in the middle of the road, the winner is the Oracle of Shanghai, who correctly identified not just the animal, but the singer as well – Loudon Wainwright III. Well done, Vanessa.