What next?

To be honest, I'm not sure what comes next. I don't know if I have the energy to go for a fast(er) race in Rotorua (or Chch) 08, then try for the BQ in October. I can stomach the thought of a marathon in a year, but to do Rotorua well next year I'd have to start training in January. I'm unlikely to suddenly start working 9-5, or 8-6. I want to keep exercising, but maybe just to have fun or work out for awhile, not to train. Plus, I'm going to be involved in planning some fairly large events next year- do I want more stress?

But then the emails start coming in- those ones saying "come race with us next year!" and oh boy it's hard not to get excited. Remembering those climbs in Rotorua, the first sight of the lake. The view from the top of the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Seeing my wonderboy's face on the course.

And then there's these whole other goals. Trail races and eventually ultras. There's a 70k I'm dying to do, and I absolutely 100% swear I am going to be hitting the trails on a regular basis. I'm trying to figure out how Rogaine races work- P and I figure that with my cryptic crossword skills and his memory and sense of direction, we'll still be last, but maybe not by much.

Then there's weightlifting, bikram yoga, the new combat class at the gym, getting proficieint on my bike before we hit the hills of the South Island over Christmas. Open water swim season, the summer pool now open in Thorndon. Bridesmaids dresses to tone my arms for.

What's a girl to do?!

THANK YOU!!!!!

Well, the race is over and our fundraising has just about wrapped up (though there's always time for last minute donations). I am pleased to announce that we raised an amazing $1790, $790 higher than our goal of $1000!



So a HUGE public thanks to my bloggie buddies Lana, Mike and Jen C for their generous donations. Knowing I was accountable to the Refuge and my sponsors as well as myself and my blog definitely helped me to snap out of it during my "marathon" moment.

Of course, I have to thank everyone else as well- my fellow newbies who make me feel like I might know something, the others in the "shooting for sub-4" club who know what it's like, the kiwis who get what I'm talking about (and share my time zone), the experienced marathoners who always make me feel confident in my abilities and my preparation. You guys have been awesome, and I can't wait to share the next challenge with you!