Another year, and supporting another group of crazy kids walking for 100km in support of the Oxfam charity over Sat 28th and Sun 29th continuously for 30hrs.

This time we started at the later time of 7am with a whizz and a bang. Teams of 4 can have all kinds of complications throughout this event, true to that, this team had struggle of their own…

Early on one team member was removed due to deteriorated health issues, then 2 stages later (about 68km), another team member succumbed to failing legs. Both his knee caps were swollen with serious pain both behind and above the knee region!! The remaining 2 crew managed to swing home at the 23hrs 24mins, nearly 5hrs faster than their previous year!

Everyone had a marvellous time and through it all, the tears, the pain and the dirt, everyone did an incredible job with tremendous effort and gusto. I for one, was proud of my team and felt they all did an amazing job.

Oxfam support crew car tag

I performed my second speech in my Toastmasters manual and if I do say so myself, did a wonderful job.

The art of public speaking is in itself, an art form. Speaking in front of a larger than normal Toastmaster group and in front of an accomplished speak such as David Nottage, I was quite nervous.

Needless to say, I nailed it 🙂 More learning to be had, but for now, I’m happy where I’m at.

Star Wars / 2nd Speech

Yet another fantastically run event.

I so love doing the Ports of Auckland Round the Bays event, well ok, how about I say there’s a lot of enjoyment had from all the kids that wave at me during the event.

While I run from the finish line to the start, I was stopped several times (by adults and kids) for a quick selfie. At least people recognised the character I dressed as this year! Each year, I push from the finish line to the start, then actually do the race. Not like I can catch a bus in a racing wheelchair! Ha ha.

It’s a hot suits/costumes I run in, but there are plenty of people who, for whatever reason, are unable to run and keep fit. The enjoyment people get from watching a silly guy get hot dressed up for a few km’s is fully worth it. All the happy faces tell me it’s worth it.

Thank to the Rotary Downtown chapter for supporting my Australia trip in December last year for the Aus Cup Final and Grand Prix events.

The Sunshine trust helped me and I carefully utilised the funds for the trip as well as towards other equipment I needed.

They invited me to speak to their morning meeting and thank them personally. It was really challenging as I know they are great speakers! All the Rotary group people are friendly and very inviting. Thank you.