Sweaty Sunday

The team manager got me out of bed at 8.30am and told me that registration had just opened. So I had to get a quick cup of tea, with her hanging over me, before going to sign the parental name on the registration form. Then I took herself home to polish up her bike and had to go over to Max's house to get the running leg of the team out of his kip. I found them sound asleep in a darkened room with 25 minutes to the start of the race (well, there were 3 age groups before theirs). There was a definate lack of enthusiasm here, but Max came along for support and we managed to get a slice of toast into Finn to build up his strength. When we got to the race field, Meg had already arrived on her trusty steed and met up with Vicky, the swimmer, who had a tender ankle from trampolining the day before.

Vicky swam the best she could with her sore ankle and Meg managed to pick off a few competitors while Finn stood mooching at the start, complaining that 2 laps was a bit over the top for the runners, and that he was really a cyclist, more than a runner. Certainly, he was at a disadvantage, having got into the bigger age group. Meg tagged him and he set off with his faithful pal running along beside him and encouraging him all the way. He ran a steady, relaxed lope, passing 4 competitors, and declared himself to be more of a runner than a cyclist. Each child thoroughly enjoyed their race and got some great prizes and a t-shirt from the inaugural Junior Challenge Wanaka. The big Challenge is next Saturday, with the country's top athletes competing. A great way to get the children interested.

Finn had decided enough was enough, and sailed off into the distance with Max on a 30ft yacht. He spent the rest of the day swimming and speeding around on a 'biscuit' on the back of a boat. He has refused to come home.

Meg and I went to Cromwell with Nicky and her children to see how our menfolk had faired in their road race. We passed David looking hot and tired still out on the course, and found Spook propped up against a tree, having been in for about 10 minutes. It took him 3 hours and 11 minutes and there were girls under 20, who had done it in 2hrs 20 mins! They looked like the most ordinary girls. The winners out of 475 entrants, had won in 2hrs 19minutes, so there was nothing remotely ordinary about these girls. Spook enjoyed his race, but is a wee bit tired.

We will end the weekend by going down to the park at dusk (10pm) to watch Grease on the outdoor screen - if you cant beat them, join them. I wonder if I should do a few laps round the park, just to feel part of the family.