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Birthday bash at the Bealey Spur

Paul — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 08:50:44 +0000

Yesterday was my 36th birthday. I can’t help but think of random events and “moments” in time as the calender hits July 10th each year. So here are just a few….I was a smoker for 15yrs and it has been 6 years since I quit, It is close to ten years since I moved from the UK, we moved to Christchurch 2.5 years ago, and exactly one year ago I did my very first run on dirt. Yep….I’ve been running on dirt for exactly 12 months and yesterday this annual tradition continued with an awesome day with friends in the Mountains at Arthur’s Pass- the Bealey Spur (and on a bit) to be exact.

Ben and his mate Chris from the UK (who is passing through on route to Thailand) picked me up and with the customary coffee and pie on route we were hitting the trail for about 12.30 with the sun high in the perfect blue sky. The trail had a gradient form the go (it’s New Zealand remember!) that was quite pleasant, yet tricky due to continuous ice patches and rooty ledges. I was in my trusty North Face Ultras which once again inspired confidence from the offset- ice, mud, slippy roots….they loved them! The feet found pools of what can be described as ice cold chocolate sauce at points- but the Goretex inner kept the feet toasty dry. These things are trail runners on steroids!

We soon hit sections of snow covered forest and open tussock filled patches….which were beautiful. The snow having a very high water content here in NZ glistened in the stunning days sun. It was paradise…..well and truly. Upwards we walked and the poles came out to aid with the ice and slippy stuff….and after some photo stops and time to take in the views we were at the hut. The layers were put back as we cooled down rapidly and lunch was ate. We chatted to a European couple form Nelson who were in the process of shifting to Christchurch and discovered that he works with Ben’s friend. Small world. We also talked of mountain running and what the tramps are like in Nelson. Gotta love talking outdoors….it just makes everyone feel connected doesn’t it?

We had the choice of heading back or continuing- and of course we opted fr more ascent. From this point on it was all snow and it felt great. We chose a high peak and set off to conquer it….like the Goonies…..like the old days :) Once more the poles helped to find sensible footings in the snow. At some points the snow was knee deep…..so I tried to avoid that. As we climbed out from the tree line the sky grew larger and larger….and the views increased. It must have been an hour before we got to the ridge and we sat taking it all in. We also commented on how I looked like a pirate, stripes are best kept hidden and that Chris’s trousers were exceptionally yellow :) The Nelson couple joined us and we pondered continuing along the ridge….it was just begging us to continue! We also discussed heading back along an alternative route- which as much as I wanted it to happen- would have caused a bit of drama for us….so with the daylight fading with an hour left we all opted to descend.

Aside from the snow and steep gradient it was icy and tricky to choose lines through the tracks we had made heading upwards. Heading back in light was a good choice! I slipped several times to be saved by the poles- the descent was typically harder work than the upwards leg- and without the poles- it would have been a nightmare in the slop. Talking of which, the poles were new and this was their maiden voyage……and I was impressed at how natural they felt…it was like I had used them many times before! Once back at the hut we exchanged emails with the couple and they headed for a night in the hut- which had the largest open fire I’ve seen! What a great night they would have I’m sure….and even better is waking up to a fresh dump of snow as you open the door. What a place!

Now, I had plans to add some running into yesterdays adventure- but the ground was to hard (read frozen), too icy or to steep and slippy. I managed a few bursts along trails- but it was just to dicey. As we descended- the layers came out once more and then we ran out of light. With our head torches on we clambered downwards in the dark with the sky full of stars and the snowy mountain tops refusing to give up their radiance…until the very last second. What a place!

6.5 hours in the snowy mountains with great company…. what a hell of a way to spend my 36th birthday! Thanks guys :)

Bealey Spur tramp- Arthur’s Pass – New Zealand from www.paulpetch.com on Vimeo.

The 7in7 2010 challenge website is live!

Paul — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 04:30:49 +0000

In recent months I’ve been busy working with a Kiwi ultra running Legend Malcolm Law to launch a re-designed website for the 2010 7in7 challenge. We had a fair bit to do with content transfer, website setup and of course “bug testing”. There was no point re-designing the wheel so we used the same template from www.paulpetch.com….that looks and works magically :) The after hours and weekend efforts on my side have been nothing compared to Mal’s commitment and passion for the epic this year and it shows. Even with the major sponsor pulling the pin at the last minute Mal still continued with the plan and now our hard work is ready- so please let the donations flow.

Full details on the planned 2010 routes which are located exclusively around the Southern Lakes on the South Island are here……and what a crazy week it will be. I’m not finished with 7in7 yet though and plan on running/ or volunteering at least one or two of the 7 days come the end of the year.

Here is what Mal has to say about the 7in7 challenge…

“In 2009 I made history by becoming the first person ever to run NZ’s 7 mainland Great Walks in just 7 days – a total distance of 360 kms in the longest week of my life. It was an adventure to honour the memory of my brother Alan, who died as a teenager from leukaemia. In completing the 7in7 my support runners and I raised more than $85,000 for the Leukaemia & Blood Foundation and so helped make a huge difference to people suffering from this cruel illness.

This year’s Challenge promises to be even tougher than last year’s inaugural event. While it is almost identical in distance, it uses less well-known tracks and frequently takes on rougher, tougher back-country terrain. It will be another epic test of spirit and endurance. As I have been known to say “why bother if it’s not harder than last time!

This year will be notably different in another way too. Whilst last year’s Challenge involved a total of 17 runners, this year I am hoping to inspire many more people to join in a part of the Challenge and help in its goal of raising at least $150,000 for the Leukaemia & Blood Foundation ”

Malcolm Law

Good on you Mal and I’ll see you out there…I’m sure :)

7in7 Challenge 2009 from 7in7 Challenge on Vimeo.

Melbourne trip 2010

Paul — Mon, 24 May 2010 01:55:53 +0000

It’s massive. It’s busy. It’s very bright and buzzy. It’s Melbourne! Staying with family in a Suburb close to the CBD was a great way to be able to catch a tram into the city heart at will and with such amazing weather of 20ish and sun for 10 days- it was like a Kiwi summers day every day :D Staying a few nights on Collins Street right in the centre was also a great experience with streets full of cafes and eateries literally outside our door with the overwhelming feeling of just how huge this city is at every turn. We had great lunches and coffees and then walked them off along the Yarra and galleries at every turn. I’m not a “mad keen city dweller” at heart- but love to immerse myself into it on a regular basis to not only have arts and culture at my finger tips but to also clear my head.

As for catching up with family and friends in between the lazy days, eating and biking…. it was great….and I’m now an Uncle too! This trip was mainly for the celebration of my Neice- Hedi- and her 1st birthday and it worked out well having so much of the family at the party. As for Richard and Mark picking me up and showing me around the trails- cheers guys! We had planned to visit Mt. Buller at the end of the week- but unfortunately Richard fell ill and that was that. Like I said to Rich though, Buller is not going anywhere and we’ll have to hit it hard over summer :D

My fave ride this week had to be the You Yangs. I was not keen on the forest trails that were more like sand than dirt – but climbing and descending was great fun and required not just cardio but also some technical skills. With large boulder gardens and drop offs, the descents were bloody great and well worth the climb back up. I could have stayed there for many more hours going up and down. During the rides I just can’t believe how much my riding and fitness overall has improved since moving to Christchurch. What I see as mountain biking has totally changed too- and I much prefer the technical trails and “flow” far more than “being the fastest” (which by the way….seems to come naturally when you learn to “flow”). Climbs felt easier- I’m faster- stronger- and more importantly I have far more fun than I can ever remember.

I did miss New Zealand during this trip too and craved the simplicity of trails a stones throw away, fresh crisp days and the good old Kiwi spirit. We are damn lucky on this small island……and it pays to remember this. I suppose you could say that I was home sick :)

Well….that’s the call to board the plane so I’m off……

Federation Square. Melbourne from www.paulpetch.com on Vimeo.

Swanston Street. Melbourne. from www.paulpetch.com on Vimeo.

A real gem of a day!

Paul — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 21:26:15 +0000

Truth be known the past 8 weeks have been a very frustrating time for me with- family illness -broken ribs- Peroneal tendonitis in the right foot- and a right royal mess at work with contracts etc etc. I don’t cope with stress very well at all and having so many niggling and annoying life things” happening all at once has been very tough for me. Thankfully, things have been quietly getting back on track in the past week or so and I’ve been back out on my bike with fixed ribs, and the foot has also come good since accepting that I need a supportive trail shoe – not the current “trend” of wearing what equates to jandels on the trails in the form of “minimal runners” The powers that be at the University have at also extended my role for a further 3 months until all the firing and shuffling settles down – which not only gives me time to apply for a role out of permanent jobs in the next few weeks- but also other positions elsewhere. I’ve had enough though and I’m not even sure that I want to work for such a place anymore- but lets see. Sadly the family illness will end in a loss- and now it is just a matter of time – but at least now I have some kind of “head space” to attempt to deal with it :(

During times of unrest, stress and being surrounded by small minded people I really struggle to focus on what’s important in my life, but thankfully it does not take me long to “see the light” so to speak. So what’s important to me? Well, my lovely Wife, spending time with my friends and peers, making time to explore my world and simply trying to be the best person I can everyday. All that “other stuff” is just that- “stuff”.

Anyhow, today I took a day off from work and had a good think about “stuff” in my life. It’s crazy, but I’ve just not stopped for what seems like months and I needed a good think. With alot of thoughts playing over in my mind I decided to take them for a rest near the ocean and headed over to Diamond Harbour for some chill out time. The moped never missed a beat as we zipped up and over the Porthills. What a fantastic feeling it was with the sun warming me as I climbed up and over towards the bay. I’m not to sure where I ended up to be exact- but I soon found an ocean track called the “Cliff Edge Track” that started in pine forest with a soft carpet of needles that turned quite rocky and quite “risky” as the path continued.

I found a great wee vantage point quite early on and laid reading and thinking about the past months and how crazy it has been. I also thought of how lucky I actually am being so close to such wonderful surroundings in this fine country and that all the other stress is just what is imposed upon us in our everyday life by debt, fear and uncertainty. It sucks! Sitting alone near the ocean listening to the waves crashing on the rocky shoreline I started to feel like my good old self with that knowledge that work is just that- work- and all the people that surround me with negativity can just keep it and I can choose to listen and take that onboard or not. At the end of the day its quite insignificant to me to be fair and it’s at time of severe stress that I often forget this. Laid there with the fresh air and sun literally warming my soul…..life seemed to be back on track after a brief departure of 7 weeks. It’s always refreshing that even during the hardest times- nature and the outdoors has always provided me with the insight to what’s important- and I’m sure that you can relate.

After a lazy hour or so, the adventure along the coast continued as the trail literally followed the oceans edge. It was stunning. It just felt “unnatural” to be walking down stuff so I started to run along and down stuff and then simply power walking up the rocky or steep gradients. I did have some reservations due to weeks of tenderness in the right foot- but the new Saloman XT Wings that I was wearing felt fantastic. This type of approach to trails now seems like second nature since the Kepler and works so so well for my style of trail running these days. This wee trail had everything from rocky stuff, greasy parts to arse puckering loose n’ steep and I was grinning like a spoilt child. What a gem! Talking of tricky loose descents- at one point I nearly twisted my ankle clambering down a near vertical part of the trail and I was damn lucky to not roll it. At this point I realised that I’d been off the dirt for just enough time to forget some basics….and one of which was AVOID rolling ankles at all costs!

Cliff Edge Track Run/ Walk / Explore – Diamond Harbour Near Christchurch from www.paulpetch.com on Vimeo.

Right from the start of the trail I had sighted a small pier far into the distance with what seemed to be an array of coloured boats stacked and stored for the locals. I set the goal to reach this point and photograph them before returning. With the sun high in the sky and my watch tellign me that I had plenty of daylight I headed onwards. The trail tended to get vague at points as if it had recently been “cut back” or “dug” and I came to what seemed like a dead end a few times. After scratching my head- an alternative route was in need- or I had to open my eyes and look closer for the next “hidden” part of the trail. I felt like I was 6 again and out exploring the woods… it was alot of fun! Eventually though, I did reach the end of the trail and had to clamber up a steep and loose bank covered in pine needles to get to the road. From here it was just half a click or so to the coloured boats…..I was very close! Where the track ended though, the strangest part of the track unfolded……there were half finished boats, a bus? a few cars and other machinery rusty and under cover as if they had literally been “hidden” in the trees and bushes and recently “revealed”. It was quite bizarre and kind of spooky too!

With some arty photographs of the pier and boats I was shoveling in a banana and heading back before I knew it. On the way in, and at about half way I was greeted by a large dog- so I eyed off a sizable stick and snapped it to length before clambering back down the loose pine pitch and breaking into a jog. I must carry the Swiss Army knife I grumbled as I stripped off the “spikey” bits of the stick on a rock. I had run maybe half the way there- and walked the rest- but with stick in hand and fueled by the banana I decided to run the whole way back (or at least give it ago). With the foot not holding me back and the stick as an aid up some of the steep stuff- I employed the run on the flat and downs- and walk as fast as possible up stuff “approach”. I managed to clear so many obstacles with this method and always seemed to have energy in the legs to cope with the tricky descents and obstacles too.

I did mess up a few times though as I launched off rocks on the front of my foot to then feel a sharp “twinge” in the outside of the foot. Nothing to worry about I muttered- other than being lucky to have not twisted the ankle with stupid moves like that (again!). Clearly not having trail run on the technical side of things leads to one forgetting some basic technique- in that I should choose the path of least resistance and attempt to land as “sure footed” as possible…not promote the twisting of limbs by clambering and launching off rocks!!! Yes it feels “free” but it does not aid efficient momentum at all! After a few of these “warnings” I switched back on and was navigating as speed like a ninja- so much so that I was back at the start in what seemed like a quarter of the first leg. I was sweaty, buzzing and pain free. What an awesome wee adventure that was!

Heading back to the city with the cool air drying me- I was a much happier chappy and once more had some perspective that only exploring and spending time with nature brings. Good times!

Lifes a beach

Paul — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 19:06:10 +0000

I headed off this afternoon on the scooter to have a bit of an explore of the beaches towards Taylors Mistake/ Godley Head. I’ve ridden many times into this secluded beach/ town from the Porthills, but In the 2.5yrs years that I’ve been here, I’ve never had a look around on foot. Dodging traffic on the way I called into the main (and most popular) beach at Sumner and just laid reading a magazine while soaking up some UV for an hour or so. After enough sun I zipped up and around the coast to Taylors Mistake which was heaps of fun on the new scooter, and so much easier to find a park once I arrived too :) I strolled barefoot along the beach and ignored the signage for the walkway and then hopped over rocks along the coast line instead. I’ve always had a fascination with rock hopping on the coast ever since I first arrived in Australia and in particular Walkerville, where we used to stay very often at a family retreat. Anyway, the rocks were quite sharp and slippery so I had to slow down and take due care not to injure myself further this season- but it’s great having to choose the best line through the rocks isn’t it? :)

The crashing ocean, blue sky and sea breezes were just mesmerizing today as I clambered along and around the jagged coastline. At several spots I stopped to capture (or attempt to) massive waves as they hit the rocks. What a hell of a way to spend an afternoon! And with Summer coming so late this year- it is also a relief to be able to get out and enjoy some of the highlights that Christchurch offers! I eventually came to a sheer rock face that I pondered at- should I climb up or not? I decided that I’d give it a go anyway- and half way up the rock started to crumble under my foot and I saw sense and headed back down. It was at this point that I remembered that I have no skills to climb up stuff, never mind down it! And nervously- I clambered down to some kind of solid ground again. What a muppet :/

At one point I flicked off my runners to wade out and stand in the crashing waves which was totally magical. I’m not an “ocean person” at all- but I do love the sound and actions of the waves on the shore line. It’s just beautiful. When I returned to my runners I found that there were now just one- and after calling my self an idiot- I noticed that it had been carried up the shore and was sitting not far from the other in the rocks. Phew….how much fun would swimming out to find it have been? NOT! I even captured it on film…to remind me that I am special :)

Once back at the walkway signage I opted to take a bit of a stroll and headed up to be greeted by a really cool bench over looking the beach where I sat for a while to gather my thoughts. It’s a hard life isn’t it? What was cool about this wee seat was a metal hook embedded into the stone work with a picture of our best friend :) There was even a hole in the concrete base just for filling with water for your weary pal. I just love these kind of touches- they seem to make an average bench one to remember….just like the one on the Rapaki track that reads “Rest and be thankful”. Nice.

I could see that the track lead around close to the cliff edge or a safer trail heading up towards a view point. I also noticed that the first track pretty much took me past where I had become unstuck earlier so I took this trail to check it out from a better vantage point. Once I got to this spot the trail just kept going so I walked and filmed….which is an art in itself! At the end of this track I discovered some fabulous views of the ocean and even more stunning inlets heading towards Godley Head. I could have gone on- but I’ve been trail running/ walking a fair bit this week so I was sensible and headed back home why there was a bit of the heat of the day left to keep me company. What a beautiful spot and trail it is….and I’ll be back soon to run it for sure. We are truly spoilt here in Christchurch- we really are.

Toycamera Analogcolor

Paul — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 06:40:09 +0000

The retro Toycamera Analogcolor application (now say that 20 times I dare you!) is one heck of a sweet little toy for both mac and PC. With a click of a button it takes us all back to when cameras were analog and not so pixel perfect! With some cool presets and manual control too, it’s really easy to use and I’m quite addicted to turning some “average” digital images into fabulous old school ones (sorry about the amount posted here – but remember to use the ARROW KEYS :/). It even has a Polaroid output option that just looks awesome!

Check out some of these photos and do yourself a favor by downloading this gem and have a play. Can you then please post a link to your photos for us to check out? My Flickr collection is here.

Of course there is a video too. And thanks to Matt for the heads up!

Body Surfing…

Paul — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 06:43:18 +0000

What a sweet little collection of images this Aussie website has! I’ve never really been keen on surfing or the ocean since being scared shitless by the movie Jaws…but people can change right? Body surfing is free, simple and by the looks of it…..a heap of fun! If we ever get above 35degs this summer, I’ll be off to Sumner for a go. But maybe with a boogie board though!

Check out more photos at www.bodysurf.com.au. Awesome images….

Brett Walker

Paul — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 09:13:45 +0000

I’ve just stumbled this guys work and its bloody breath taking. I’m all for black and white, saturated colours as well as a bit of photoshop tinkering- but these images take it to the next level don’t they? Check out his popular his Flickr collection here. Wow… just wow.

2009 Kepler Challenge Photographs

Paul — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 10:23:33 +0000

I set a challenge to run a 60KM Ultra Trail within 6 months and against all the odds- from lack of experience, injuries and getting very sick in the week leading upto the event……I pulled it off in 9.35! Wow what a day!

Amy & I have just got back from Te Anau Fiordland after 9+ hrs in the car, so I’ll write up my experiences during the week.

Meanwhile I want to share the weekend through some photographs. Will I be back in 2010 to do better? Hell yeah!

Wellington Weekend

Paul — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 21:36:56 +0000

Amy’s boss shouted air fare and accommodation for us back in October (better late than never to blog huh) to visit Wellington as a thank you for some recent projects that she had just competed. Nice eh. Flying into Wellington we could not believe how sketchy the landing was, but once on our feet it was quite obvious that the constant strong winds were to blame. For our whole stay the wind was absolutely relentless! I suppose Wellington being known as the “windy city” says it all!

We kind of took things easy for the two nights we were there and spent most of the days on foot exploring the city and surrounds. The ocean walk way was fantastic with a few places to eat and enjoy the seas views (and chair toppling winds), while the city centre was not to far from our hotel either. We walked most of the Victoria Park tracks on the Saturday which were fantastic and offered some stunning views of the city and surrounds and some “old school” biking tracks if the need arose. The days walk also highlighted to us just how far Makara Peak and the bike park was from the city centre- and that when I visit during the Summer to ride- that accommodation closer to the park would be in order. For the remainder of Saturday visit we lazed about drinking coffee, ate tasty lunches and dinners in random restaurants/ cafes and then saw a flick at the local cinema.

The 1920′s cinema called the Embassy was right in the middle of the city and this place blew our minds with its original Art Decco decor throughout. Some highlights were the large marble staircase in the foyer that leads you upstairs to the cinema and the toilets……yes…..the toilets. Obviously back in the 1920′s these parts of an establishment were more than just somewhere you go toilet as they were lavishly decorated with timbers, glass and marble. AMAZING. We got there early for District 9 and had about an hour lounging about on the comfy seats while drinking diet cokes ans resting our tired legs from the days walk. Everywhere you looked there seemed to be reference to Lord of the Rings (LOTR)- and when we ordered a toasty sandwich- we were even given Gandalf instead of a number! After inquiring about all of the LOTR “stuff” we discovered that Peter Jackson himself had invested alot of money into the cinema including a world class sound system in anticipation of the LOTR premier. Being a local Wellingtonian and regular visitor to the cinema, this made alot of sense. Anyway, once inside the actual cinema, nothing prepared us for the viewing area…..it was absolutely AMAZING! Aside from being huge, it was just like the rest of the building and totally period….with one major upgrade….big comfy seats! I can’t recommend the Embassy enough…this place is officially our favorite cinema and need I say, well worth the air fare just to experience it.

Aside from the wind, we were quite lucky with the weather and were blessed with a fair bit of sun for most of the trip. Sunday we were greeted with horrific rain and storms after a museum visit and we were worried about canceled flights it was that bad. Check out was a 10am and our flights were mid afternoon so we spent a fair bit of time lounging about in the hotel foyer worrying about the flights, before heading off. We really liked our brief Wellington visit and it’s a really nice city- bloody windy though :) I can’t wait to get back there over summer to mountain bike too.