New Zealand

I returned from another vacation to the Land Down Under and it is probably the last time I will go to that part of the world--too many other places to go. But I do love it. Here are my highlights:

1. Bungee jumping for the first time. Watch it!
2. Finishing another marathon on my quest to become the youngest woman to have run a marathon on all seven continents TWICE. I sucked in the race.
3. Going on a Lord of the Rings Tour
4. Traveling to Milford Sound and taking a boat through it
5. Seeing where they filmed The Hobbit. Guess I must watch it now!
6. Going to a traditional high tea at the Sky Tower in Auckland
7. Eating the most amazing pizza at Winnie's in Queenstown
8. Taking a gondola ride up the top of a mountain in Queenstown and eating a buffet dinner
9. Seeing a traditional haka show from the Maoris.
10. Mining for gold. No, I didn't get any.
11. Going four-wheeling straight into a river
12. Seeing the amazing views of a beautiful country

Time to pick a new place after I build back up my finances.

Marathon in New Zealand

I wrote about running in New Zealand. Click on the link.

New Zealand Marathon

On no training and two broken toe nails, I finished another international marathon in total pain and agony. I suffered from kilometer 17 and on, walking most of the way. It wasn't a pleasant experience. I did enjoy the views and coming over the bridge in Auckland. It took place next to the water and the heat didn't help matters, but I finished. Don't let that smile fool you, my foot is bleeding because at mile 25.97, my toe nail came off and I had to finish limping.

Today is my half birthday (US anyway, not New Zealand) and I celebrated by running my worst marathon ever (minus Antarctica and Great Wall of China). How that clock moves in a direction I don't like.

New Zealand

On no training I'm going to attempt another marathon. It's going to be brutal as I really haven't been able to run at all over the past two months and I went to bed last night with a raging headache, which did not disappear when I woke up this morning. Now I feel stuffed up. I think I caught something on the plane. I did see Auckland yesterday on a tour and it's massive--a lot bigger than I imagined. It's twice the size of London (but with significantly less people.) Known as the City of Sails, plenty of boats and yachts are parked in the harbor. I am having mixed feelings about being here, but now I am fulfilling my dream of going to New Zealand. I think this will be my last trip to the Land Down Under. I'm with a tour group of marathoners, but there are only two of us here alone. Everyone came with someone else, which is one of the reasons for my mixed feelings. It's a bit lonely traveling by myself and I found out three pieces of sad information yesterday and I think my illness elevates the sadness.

But I'm happy to see a new part of the world nonetheless. May the Marathon Gods shine their light upon me--I'll need it.

Bloomington, Minnesota

I spent four glorious days frolicking and twirling through leaves floating to the ground, admiring fall foliage. I tagged along with my dad as he was on a business trip. We stayed just half a mile from Mall of America and I even went on a daily run through its massive parking lot.

The Mall was spectacular with every store imaginable and some I couldn't even imagine. The center was a Disneyland of sorts with a ferris wheel, roller coasters and four-foot tall rides. It included a comedy club, two food courts with numerous sit-down restaurants, a wedding chapel, miniature golfing and more. I want to go to there...

Rafting Grand Canyon

I spent three bug-infested days at the bottom of the Grand Canyon as guides surfed the rapids and I chilled doing nothing but hanging on for the ride. I camped under the stars, ate a few flies by accident, hiked through thorns that tore up my limbs and caused scars, slid off the side of a cliff and hurt my wrist, got bit by who knows what, and partook of powerful scenery. That was a once-in-a-lifetime trip because I don't know if I'd do it again. I don't care for bugs or living without electricity and indoor plumbing. I suppose I'm not as adventurous as previously thought. But I'm glad I went.