A Run to Remember.

[JeffinNZ]

Today was the 4th annual A Run to Remember. We run around the Port Hills and drop into the suburbs to remember those who died on 22 Feb 2011 in the Earthquake and can't run for themselves now. Especially important for me as my friend Michael was taken on that day. So, on a cool Sunday morning today I geared up and Sheryl and the girls dropped me up the hill to run on. Proceeds go to The Red Cross who were one of the first to respond in 2011.

Prestart. Only 1700 of us this year:
https://jgcstories.files.wordpress.com/2016/02/img_1136.jpg

Looking back at Sugar Loaf and the TV transmitter. You can just make out those not fast enough to keep up with Jeff. BAHAHA.
https://jgcstories.files.wordpress.com/2016/02/img_1138.jpg

Summit Road:
https://jgcstories.files.wordpress.com/2016/02/img_1137.jpg

The Bowenvale Valley and city beyond:
https://jgcstories.files.wordpress.com/2016/02/img_1139.jpg
Coming down to Rapaki Track (in the left of the photo) and Lyttelton Harbour beyond:

https://jgcstories.files.wordpress.com/2016/02/img_1141.jpg
Me and my peeps after I came in. 54 minutes on the clock Sheryl told me. 10km:

https://jgcstories.files.wordpress.com/2016/02/img_1142.jpg

I leap frogged with a few folk. One group of young people at LEAST half my age started with me and finished only just ahead of this veteran runner. Happy with that. The view was good too.......
Tomorrow is the 5th anniversary so at 12:51 in the afternoon we will all stop and spare a thought for 183 people was lost.

[plus1hdcp]

Stunning pictures! Thanks for sharing

[richhodg66]

Good for you! I ran a lot of 10Ks when I was last in Iraq. I was on a pretty heavy running regimen and got to where I was pretty consistently under 45 minutes, but all those courses there were dead flat, no hills like you had there.

Beautiful country where you live, you are fortunate indeed.

[davidheart]

Nice. My wife and I just did a trail half marathon today. Both of us are feeling pretty sore. You have beautiful country there and it's great you were able to get out to support a worthy cause. Thank you for sharing!

[JeffinNZ]

Good for you! I ran a lot of 10Ks when I was last in Iraq. I was on a pretty heavy running regimen and got to where I was pretty consistently under 45 minutes, but all those courses there were dead flat, no hills like you had there.

Beautiful country where you live, you are fortunate indeed.

45 Minutes. Good Lord. This 46 year old body isn't up to that. Fastest today was some freak who ran 36 minutes.

[bedbugbilly]

Great post Jeff and you and the others should certainly be commended on what you do to remember those who perished . . . I have feeling your friend was probably running right beside you! What a great place to hold the run - the scenery is beautiful! And . . . I'm sure your family is very proud of you too! Thanks for sharing!

[Three44s]

Can't believe it's been that long ago!

Three 44s

[Wayne Smith]

45 Minutes. Good Lord. This 46 year old body isn't up to that. Fastest today was some freak who ran 36 minutes.
Jeff, transpose your age numbers and subtract one. No way- I might walk that but I doubt it!

[leadman]

Good for you doing something to remember the people who were taken.
Your before and after photos show the effort you put forth in this run. Those days are past for me, I would have to do it in a truck.LOL.

[JeffinNZ]

Today, 22nd Feb, 12:51 just passed. It's been a wild ride. Haven't forgotten you my friend.

[Blackwater]

You have some truly beautiful country there, and some awfully good folks to go in it. Good on all y'all.

It used to be that people just remembered, and talked about such things back in the days before TV and group activities became "the way." But remembering losses and the bravery and heroism that is always present in the aftermath is always a good and worthy thing. Thanks for sharing this with us. It's always good and reassuring to see good ol' common folk doing what they do best.

[richhodg66]

45 Minutes. Good Lord. This 46 year old body isn't up to that. Fastest today was some freak who ran 36 minutes.


I was 43 and had gotten into the best shape of my life. Funny what you can accomplish when the opportunity cost of any free time you have is absolutely zero. I was running a little over six miles every other day and lifting on the others and also got really into eating right and calorie counting, lost more than 25 pounds. I wish I could keep that up at home, but aches and pains are starting to happen more, turning fifty in about a month.

[DLCTEX]

I thought a 5 minute mile in basic wearing combat boots was good, don't want to even think of a 10k. Especially 49 years later.

[bruce drake]

How appropriate that you got a hill workout wearing a 10th Mountain Division Cap! :)

[Bulldogger]

Well done. The ladies all look great too.
BDGR