Apr
4
Written by:
admin
4/04/2012 12:40 PM
- 2 Apr 2012 17:10:26
- by Katie Ferguson
Maniac's Mountain
Well yesterday was definitely a test of willpower for me personally – it was the first time I really didn’t want to be out training and dreams of a beverage and a spa were haunting me all day!
While Alex and Nathan were recovering from an all-nighter, where they considered dancing as their weekly exercise, Brendan and I faced the challenges of Sections 1 and 2 of the official trail. We had read the blog posts and knew we were in for a few killer hills – I just hadn’t thought it could possibly be that bad!
Only a third of the way up what I will forever consider ‘Maniac’s Mountain’ (as only a maniac would consider walking up something like this) and I thought my 3.30am breakfast might be coming back to visit me. This hill is super steep and with thickish sand from a recent grading - it was tough going! I was silently pleased to see that even Brendan was struggling for breath! We came across a few dirt bike riders who shook their head at our craziness. Through the ascent we both were grateful for our recent investment in walking poles – they definitely help! With sheer will and determination – and probably the fact we didn’t have much choice – we managed to get to the top.
A brief stop at the top allowed time for Brendan to post some of the videos he made on our trip up onto Facebook – yes he managed enough breath to record some videos! For me it was a chance to catch my breath and remind myself why we were putting ourselves through this torture. Oxfam really is an amazing organisation that makes a difference to so many people’s lives – raising money is really what this is about!
The rest of the route really was a beautiful walk – though an ongoing physical challenge! There is a gorgeous little creek half way through the second section which provided a welcome rest stop. A freshen up in the cool water and some food (including chocolate) was just what we needed to face the next gruelling hill.
I learnt a valuable lesson on taking care of one’s body – I think too much sun and not enough fluids and fuel I was definitely a little under the weather. My usual gusto approach to hills was definitely not there.
As there was only the two of us and we only took one car this time we thought we would catch a taxi back to my car at the start. With 1.7km to go we called the taxi and planned where we would meet. As fate would have it we then managed to get ‘slightly’ lost and found ourselves running back up mountains to find our way out. The lovely taxi man was reasonably understanding and I am sure a little bemused about collecting 2 strange dirty, and I am sure smelly, passengers off the side of Mt Nebo Rd.
A two hour drive home and we were more than exhausted – bed has never felt so good! But the good news is today we are feeling great – so surely we must be getting fitter.
PS As a side note we encounter our first leech of our adventures to date – I must say I have never heard a squeal quite like what came out of Brendan. I thought I had heard that flame was a good way of removing them but after nearly setting his shoes alight I think we will opt for the more commonly used salt option next time.