In my quest for improved fitness, I join up with my newspaper mates to prepare for the Country-to-Coast walk.
It's another opportunity for me to amp up my activity and make life changes.
Our first session is on a swelteringly hot day, I keep focused on meeting up with workmates.
Oh man, the
3.4km route is daunting - no backing out now I'm committed.
I fit in some stretching before we all head up Karamu Rd to Grove Rd.
I pick up to a speed-walking pace with my arms pumping like an Olympic athlete, I'm convinced the motion carries me along making the walk easier.
Two speedsters pull ahead, I maintain my rhythm.
My right ankle starts aching, I recently rolled over on it at roller derby.
I continue at pace walking on the grass but the angle is too steep.
Around into Willowpark Rd, there are plenty of trees offering intermittent shade and I realise I can't hear the women nattering behind me.
My chronologically challenged workmates ahead are out of sight - I'm impressed and inspired by their fitness.
I start feeling the strain but can't slow or I will stop completely.
Perspiration drips into my eyes.
It must be liquefaction, my fat is liquefying and dripping off me as perspiration.
I feel better.
I walk backwards a few paces, waving out to my friends.
Around the corner on to St Aubyn St East, a van toots out, the driver yells out woo-hoo - I've just been wolf-wowed (he obviously couldn't whistle).
I feel great, rather flattered but a bit wobbly now, so slow down.
Even a cold shower afterwards didn't stop my liquefaction.
The next day, my biceps feel tight and my legs are sore but not too bad.
Maybe I could make the 16km walk.
