This is the story of a challenge.
To run a marathon at 60.
Nothing was sure, until it was run, and here is the story.
First of May, after 67 hours and over 600 km of training, the canon sounded and off Duncan set for an attempt at the Rotorua marathon. Family had rallied, and friends sent supportive texts. Jill, Rua, Millie and Alex came from Dunedin, Robin (Duncan's sister) had come from Brisbane, niece Phoebe also. Heather came from Wellington and stayed with Lyn. Team talk and Carb loading of pasta and roast vege salad on the Friday night with carefully conservative amounts of wine.
Early sightings of Duncan had him as comfortable. We popped in to show Millie and Alex Mum and Dad's grave. More supporting. He still looks good!! We think he will be passing people as the end nears.
That's Millie Lyn, Alex and Jill clapping as he makes his way up the finishing path.
Yes! he finishes in 4hours 22 mins. Exactly on target. The knees feel a bit wobbly so we adjourn to the sportsdrome to rest where we see Keith and Margaret Scholes from Gisborne, John and Barbara Clark and family from Gisborne, and Wren and Margaret Bartram with Corrine (from our Hahei days.)
Duncan hugs me, covered in sweat and mucus. "I made it!!" he cries!! Slowly we walk back to the car. Fotunately the motel has a thermal pool and after a transfusion of Gisborne Gold he starts to feel quite normal.
When all are assembled we crack open the French Vintage Moet and Chandon 2003 kindly provided by Heather who has recognised the immensity of the situation.
We attend the prizegiving, but no spot prizes for Duncan, and have a very pleasant evening with Robin and Phoebe who now are in a motel across the road from us.
Next morning we take the family to Te Puia - yes thats what they are calling Whaka these days. Very good to visit after all these years. Quite expensive, but after all it is so unique. Certain people needed a little rest that afternoon and then it was off to Lewishams for a slap-up meal.
Next morning we take the family to Te Puia - yes thats what they are calling Whaka these days. Very good to visit after all these years. Quite expensive, but after all it is so unique. Certain people needed a little rest that afternoon and then it was off to Lewishams for a slap-up meal.
Millie has no problem with the after dinner conversation, while Alex takes the opportunity to write a long diary entry about all that had happened to him over the weekend.
What an enthralling weekend! I'm hoping it will just be short runs now.
Congratulations Dunc! You are an inspiration to us all.
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