A Hazardous Sport

Who would have thought that running could be an activity thwart with danger?

Over the years I have had many close calls with cars when riding my bike and occasionally while running.
However the most bizarre encounters have been with non humans.

Both episodes occurred within a few kilometres of my home.

One morning as I was running in the fields that I had run in frequently I came across a herd of cows. Yes cows, not bulls as I had many times previously. On this occasion like many others the cows wouldn't let me pass and decided to run ahead of me. One by one they peeled off until there was one left. After several 100 metres the track narrowed and came to a gate. Aware of this I slowed down and waited for the cow to turn around and pass me from a safe distance. The cow had other ideas and immediately charged me. By a slim margin I frantically hurled my self out of it's way over the wire fence. An extremely lucky escape!

They look harmless enough

The other episode happened within close proximity of the cow confrontation. This time it involved bees!. Once again I was following well worn paths in familiar territories. I had never before concerned myself with the bee hives that I had passed on a nearly daily basis for several years. However this was not a typical day. As I passed by the hives I became aware that I was being followed. Before long I had bees swarming around my head. A frightening experience! I pulled my T Shirt over my head and picked up the pace. I would have looked a sight! They were relentless and continued to buzz wildly all around me. After about 1 km I managed to outrun them or maybe they lost interest. It took a while for me to settle down from the adrenalin rush of being chased by angry bees! Fortunately I escaped without a sting.

Not too close

Have you had any close encounters of the non human variety?

Time for Celebration

Though a tiring week and term I have had cause for celebration.

Recent reading testing has shown remarkable improvement in the children in my class. I am absolutely convinced that the outstanding and unbelievable improvement is in no small part down to my Glossary programme as described in my blog titled Word Power. Makes all the long hours, weekends and frustrations worth it. I'm so proud of my efforts with them and their achievements.

The other celebration is closer to home. Tonight the family proudly supported our youngest girl as she received from the Mayor, Jenny Rowan a Civic College Community Award at Southwards. Kapiti College nominated her for her services to College Sport in Triathlon, Swimming and Running. The older sister had also won the award two years earlier and she was there tonight to share in her sister's success.

Being involved

About 10 years ago I attended my first Raumati Swimming Club Race Night and have officiated at many since including tonight. It is a sport that heavily relies on parent support and could not function otherwise. My early years involvement were as a timekeeper, moving on to an I.O.T [an inspector of turns] and currently the Starter which I really enjoy. Swimming has brought our family many rewards and I will be eternally grateful to have had the opportunity to be involved. I have valued the spin offs from swimming into running, biking, triathlons and surf. It has been great to share in the girls' successes and give encouragement when all does not go well. I strongly believe that as parents if you do not show interest in your children's sport you devalue its importance. Sadly the girls' time draws to a close. I have enjoyed the opportunities that swimming has provided and appreciate the discipline, focus and determination that has been instilled.