15k of Beauty: The Otago Peninsula Challenge

After we did the the Coastal Classic 12k walk back in November, a lady in my water aerobics class told us about the Otago Peninsula Challenge.  The Challenge is a 15k walk (and longer runs and mountain bike rides) that crosses through 10 private properties including "the famous Cape Saunders, one of the most scenic parts of the Peninsula," and the walk includes a boat ride across Papanui Inlet.

I knew this walk was going to be a tough one for me, because it contained some serious elevation. My asthmatic self seems to kick in the minute I'm presented with any sort of elevation, and my lung capacity tanks. Luckily, I had the best cheerleader in the world, one Mr. Todd Humora.  Check out this map depicting the elevation across the course.  Our start was at the 20k mark on the bottom of the chart.  You can click on the picture to make it bigger.

Here's a 3D map of the course.

With no real warning what-so-ever, we work up to a sunny 30 degree (86 in Fahrenheit) day in Dunedin.  The days before and after were about 60 degrees, cloudy, and rainy - go figure.  Giving much thanks for the beautiful day, we headed out with more than 350 other walkers to thoroughly enjoy the beauty of the Otago Peninsula and give ourselves one hardy workout.

At the beginning...I'm nervous.

Right at the start, you head up 100m.

And then down a bit, before you start going up again.

 

A little less nervous now that we've done a couple of hills

At the top of the 200m hill - yay!...

...but this is what I did right after that picture.

Todd & Papanui Inlet...which we would shortly be taking a boat across.

 

Down to the boat queue

The queue area was muddy.

We made it Victory Beach...a nice, long, flat beach.

Seals and sea lions were enjoying the sunny day too.

 

View from the top of the hill at the end of Victory Beach. It was excruciatingly steep.

10k down & lost the shirt...sorry...it was hot.

Almost there!!!

Check out the slogan on his butt. He he!

 

Smiling because the end is so close!

Victory.

Even though it was thoroughly exhausting, it was totally worth it.  The day was beautiful.  The scenery was amazing, and I got to do with Todd.  Perfection...and some sore muscles. :)