Blame it on turning 50 but at the start of this year I set myself a goal to run the Queenstown Half Marathon. I heard it was really scenic and a nice course.   The added bonus was Brett had never been to Queenstown before, so he was very happy to come along as my support crew.

He didn’t realise that being my support crew entailed

• listening to me moan and groan for the last 11 months about why I wasn’t fit enough and couldn’t do this
• kicking me out of bed on Sunday mornings so I would do my long runs
• being left with all the housework while I did the long runs – they take a long time ok
• watching me hobble around for hours/days after I completed my long runs
• looking at blisters
• driving for over 1000 kms because I thought it would be more scenic and interesting if we drove to Queenstown from Christchurch rather than flying in – and it was it really was
• paying for accommodation and food and drinks.  I take a lot of feeding and watering – just saying
• co-ordinating getting me to the start and picking me up at the finish

However being the trouper he is, he did that and more.  I think he say it was almost worth it, because we saw some amazing scenery, drank some fantastic wine, and ate some great food.  And he did support someone who ran a half marathon and finished.  There is even a medal to prove it.

For those are a little bit interested in the running side of things.  The course really is spectacular, particularly on the gorgeous day we had.  You run alongside rivers, and over bridges and down country roads.  The dead possum on one of said roads was a nice treat for the city folk and international visitors.  Mind you, here was a hill on the course that should be banned as it goes up for the longest time and has no place in a run – in my opinion.

3 bands played along the route, and there were the Air NZ Trolley Dollies handing out refreshments – much appreciated.  I also loved the Drag Queens at the 18km mark.  They were fabulous.  There were even Highland Pipers right at the end,  I loved that too.  The slight rise just before the finish line I did not love, and I would like that removed as well thank you very much.

I wish I had taken photos, but you know I was runnering.  And to be honest it is freaking annoying to nearly run up the back of someone because they were taking a selfie and or a picture of a dead possum or an evil hill.

I did take a selfie before the race and you may notice there was snow on the hills behind, so it was rather brisk waiting around,but it certainly warmed up quite quickly.  Did I mention what a stunning day it was?

And here are my results.  My goal of completing the run without falling to bits or injuring myself too much was completed.  Although I do have an awesome blister between 2 of my toes.  According to the physio this is due to my weak glutes and a lot of glute work is required if I want to avoid these type of injuries in the future – yay me.

OFFICIAL TIME
	02:15:33

I will be honest,  I never thought I would do more than one half marathon, but maybe I have caught the running bug.  Some serious glute work is required (booo), I definitely need new shoes and some hills need to be dealt to.  But I can see me inflicting myself on my long suffering support crew some time in the near future.  I will just need to find a location where he hasn’t been before and wait till the bank balance has recovered a bit.

Finally a genuine and heart felt thank you to all of you, who have been so supportive and positive about my running endeavour.  A big shout out to Sister Julie and Greta for keeping me on the right track although I did veer off it many many times.  I couldn’t have done it without you all.