Monday 23rd March...

Aaron...

Well that was tough, not just physically but more so mentally for me and I could not have completed the run in the time we did without Chris, he is one amazing guy. There were times on the run I wanted to walk and he said not yet mate wait till we get on a ways, and sure enough I had plenty left in the legs. Then there was the Redwoods at the bottom of Te Mata Peak where I offered him the timing device and told him I would finish but he should go on, but he told me he didn't want it and to get my arse into gear and I did. But that peak was tough, my legs were screaming for relief and because we knew the trail like the back of our hands we knew what was to come but we just kept on going with Chris leading the way. He had a bit of trouble with cramp near the top and thats when I knew it was my turn to take the lead for the first time and try and spur my mate on. We got to the top and our mate Mike was there and things for me seemed that bit clearer and we were off and I felt great. We met the kids again 1/3 of the way down and I had a good couple of swigs of flat coke cola and I was off and I think knowing the way home the way we did helped enormously and I was on a real high. Disaster nearly struck just at the bottom of the track as Chris clipped a tree root and his leg cramped up and he hit the deck, I looked back and though oh shit I am going to have to carry him now. I could see he was in pain and a bit of disbelief as he hadn't had his legs go like that but he kicked on and we eased the rest of the run out and crossed the line in 5hrs23mins with the kids running in behind us and a couple of relieved and proud wives at the finish line.

The whole event was pretty emotional for me on a personal note and I felt like blubbering at the 2nd transition as we ran in past other teams and their supporters who had seen the newspaper article the night before and were pointing to us saying they are come on guys you are going great, but I looked at Chris and he looked strong and I thought I can't cry if hes not. Then at the finish line, all over, we have done it, kids jumping up and down Lucie and my Mum crying, I looked at Chris and he was smiling and I thought "shit I still can't have a cry". I felt so proud to wear the shirt with Gina on the front, I thought about her a lot through the run and asked her for help once or twice. I am also proud that we have created a vehicle that we can raise money for to help kids and their families whose pain and challenge doesn't have the same defined "finish" line as ours.

While I am at it thanks to Lucie, Ellie, Hannah and Callum, your support has been great. Thanks to Fern Ridge for the sponsorship of our running shirts and Russ and Annette Black and family for the entry fee and the countless others that have sponsored us or just said you can do it.

Lastly, and this is the end, thank you Chris and Debbie, you are two remarkable people and I am privilaged to call you my friends and your strength is a constant source of encouragement and inspiration for me and my family, kia kaha Aaron.