So last night I got hot and sweaty ...
June 14, 2006 at 10:45 AM
by Ashleigh
Joost van den Vondelschool walking the Avondvierdaagse...but not the way you think.
It was the first night of Avondvierdaagse last night. We signed up a while ago and I was sure I had posted, but it seems not! Here's a description of what it is and the history. This is a link to more information in Dutch and some pictures of the walk in 1940!
Quick English translation of the article from wikipedia (my translation may be a bit off):
In 1909 the term vierdaagse (four days) was first introduced in Holland. The NBLO held walking marches during this time and during the second world war these walking marches were forbidden by the occupying forces.The first Avondvierdaagse (evening four days) as we know now it was held in 1941 and quickly gained a following throughout Holland. When the occupying forces found out about this new form of the walks they were forbidden because they were seen as a resistance against the occupiers.
After the second world war the avondvierdaagse was held in various towns. Local walkers associations adopted it and the walks were held all over Holland. Currently, the avondvierdaagse is held in almost every part of Holland. There are also other larger events like the Nijmeegse Vierdaagse.
Over the years there have been other forms of the vierdaagse introduced, The swimming and cycling variants are the most common.
Time sped by and last night was the first night of the walk, in 32C heat!
We met up with the rest of Seb's school at the softball club and started walking a little after 18.30. Halfway we had a stop for coffee*, cookies, water and juice. The kids collapsed on the grass and then it was onto the next 2.5 km. Seb did great but he was very tired by the end of the walk. He cried for the last kilometre or so because there were some trees dropping pollen on us and he started uncontrollably sneezing and itching. I guess it seems a long way to the end when you're itching and sneezing. Of course, he didn't tell his dad about that bit when we got home.
He was a real trooper though and he's all set for tonight's walk. Tonight is forecast to be between 20 - 23C so it will be much much better for walking. I hope Brad can join us today. All the other daddies are there. Last night everyone was asking whether I had gotten divorced. ** They see Brad so rarely that they forget that he exists.
Joe was riding in his buggy the whole time so he didn't feel a thing! Lovely for him!
To give you an idea of the effect of the heat - I usually run on the treadmill at around 6.5 km/h and my heart rate is around 140 - 149 with a max of about 160. Yesterday I was walking at around 4 km/h, albeit pushing a buggy and dragging a six year old, but my HR average was around 120 and the max was a massive 216! So, if you ever wondered what happens to people when they exercise in the heat - now you know. I'm quite fit according to all my tests, but someone who was unfit with not enough water with them and that heat would be a goner.
Last night we walked between 5 - 7 km. Tonight the distance is less, around 3 km I believe, tomorrow it will be longer and finally on Friday its shorter and then there's a party afterwards - yay!
It feels weird to be a part of history so many years on, and I wonder if the children even understand why they walk, but I suppose its one of those things that's worthwhile, even if the reason for doing it is lost in obscurity.
I called the hospital today about Seb's results and an intern in the neuro department is going to call me back this afternoon on my mobile. Fingers crossed.
* Yes, coffee in 32C heat! You can't separate a Dutchman from his coffee!
** This happens periodically.
Comments
Oh Ashleigh, I enjoyed today's post so much, but especially the comment at the bottom about the coffee loving Dutch. :D
We belong to a church with a predominantly Dutch history and coffee and cookies are mandatory at every gathering, lol!
I hope today's temperatures were a little more comfortable for you!
Hi Ashleigh,
I saw you at the parade of the Avondvierdaagse today. You walked in our street, I was at my balcony but you could not hear me when I called your name.
Lots of Love
Marijke
Thank you Ashleigh for this wonderful posting and especially for the historic information. Reason: recently I purchased some VERY old medals and in the centre of each was printed the word "Avondvierdaagse". I can only read English and the only information I could find by "Google" was your's. You have assisted someone (me) in Australia and I thank you. The photographs were wonderful and my grandchildren were fascinated that the children in Holland look happy just like the children in Nairne in South Australia. Best wishes,Kathy
Weirdly enough, the weather was a bit too cold when we had our avondvierdaagse, but I will definately take that over the heat you had to endure last night! What troopers you and Seb are! And he's a super-trooper to return tonight!!!
June 14, 2006 2:07 PM