Thanks!!

Monday 27/08/07:

Thank you so much to everyone who has left messages of congratulations on our engagement. It really is an exciting time - one I never really thought I'd bother about much, but I have to say that I think once you meet the right person, all that changes...


And its the simple things - the cards, the lovely heart-felt messages and the things people have shared with us about their own experiences, that really mean the most. Of course we have received some nice gifts too and my Mum is sending us on a weekend away after Daryll gets back from his trip to England, which will be lovely - but its the non-material things that are so special to us. One of the most special things at our impromptu little party was that Daryll's "adopted NZ Mum & Dad" and some of their friends and family, all of whom are Maori, did some beautiful traditional singing and dancing for us... Everyone, even people who have lived in NZ all their lives like me, were totally blown away and are still commenting on it... I guess what I'm trying to say is that its been a beautiful experience, and not just for us - but for our families as well. Its just a shame that Daryll's real family are all so far away, but at least he will be seeing them soon. Here are some photos from the party...



We told everyone it was 'casual' but then we decided to dress up! I even got sent out with a crisp $100 note on the day of the party to buy myself a new dress - very spoilt indeed!

With two of my best friends, Kathy and Fiona.

With my Mum, Colleen. She is totally over the moon, I think she thought she'd never see the day...!

The kids got to have their own special party in the garage!

During the singing... Courtney and I have been made to feel so welcome by Daryll's 'adopted' NZ family, who are really lovely, genuine people. We are so thankful.

Ngarangi & Tom & friends sang some special Maori songs for us... They have amazing voices.

My Mum got us a cake and Courtney helped us blow out the heart shaped candles! Too cute!


So yes, as you can tell I am still buzzing from all of the recent excitement! It kinda feels like a case of this sort of thing always happening to other people - and now suddenly its 'my turn' !!


Righto, this is a running blog after all, so lets talk running! Yes, I have been able to do some since last post... I am due to see the sports physician on Wednesday and to be honest it can not come around quick enough for me - I just want to know whats happening! In saying that, my tibia has been feeling quite good ever since I saw the pod and he referred me to Dale! Maybe it heard and decided to behave...! Either way, I'm not complaining. I've also noticed a bit of fitness returning, I'm not struggling as much as I was cardio-wise...


Thu 23/08/07: 40.11mins, 8.95km, 4.29min/kms.
Sat 25/08/07: 47.11mins, 10.36km, 4.33min/kms.
Mon 26/08/07: 32.51mins, 6.51km, 5.02min/kms.


Now looking at this I'm wondering if the footpod is measuring a bit short - but it shouldn't be... and all these runs have been on the total flat. Still, those times do look rather fast I'm thinking... Although I have to say, on Sat in particular, I was feeling so good and really did open up a bit... I came home totally buzzing with that 'I've had a great run' feeling! And best of all I've had no discomfort whatsoever from the tibia when running or afterwards, the only time its felt a bit 'tight' was on Friday. So I am pretty rapt with that and hence have started going a bit further on a couple of runs, but this morning I deliberately kept it shorter and slower, to mix it up. I will run again on Wed as suggested by the pod, to ensure I am presenting with 'symptoms' when I see the doc! Now of course I am just hoping and praying that he doesn't order more 'time off'...! Will keep you posted.