Downshifting Abroad

Benefits of Life in NZ - 4 - Back in NZ

September 29, 2008 on 9:38 pm | In New Zealand | No Comments

Been out of the country, but now back and starting to write again. Have been here for nearly 3 years now. On the down side, horrendous car accident (smashed up by a 16 year old driving a UHT), loss of job, heart surgery, feeling ‘What are we doing here…’ but on the up side, kids so happy at the schools, involved in tremendous outdoor camps, got a horse (cheap ex-harness racer…), trying to set up our own business (most stressful thing in our lives at the moment though!) as it is a ’small business friendly evironment’, no nasty bugs and Spring is here, so we’ll dust off those surf boards and hit the beach. More to come on these and more current topics such as the pending election.

Benefits of Life in New Zealand - 3 - Missed The Race!

June 4, 2007 on 10:35 pm | In New Zealand | 2 Comments

Due to compete in the club’s 10km race this past Sunday, however on Friday my back locked. I was sitting on the stairs tying up my laces prior to the last training run with the club when the back muscles went into such spasms I could hardly breathe. Luckily my husband was able to pull me up! I still foolishly drove to the club and completed a ‘gentle’ run, hoping the exercise would loosen up the whole back system. My legs had little power and by Sunday morning just taking a step made the bottom of the back groan. So instead of race entry fees I’m paying for another session with the osteopath….my husband’s parting remark on this matter was ‘perhaps you’re just too old’….

Benefits of Life in New Zealand - 2 - Up the Mount

April 27, 2007 on 8:55 am | In New Zealand | No Comments

Joined the Mount Joggers (Tauranga, North Island) and am following a 10 week plan to run up the ‘Mount’, a hill over 200m high next to the harbour entrance. Great way to meet like-minded people and to get fit at the same time. Club offers creche facilities for Mums, so no excuse! Can only go on Fridays although the club meets twice a week (Tues/Fri) as work intefers! My week runs from Sunday to Thursday, which means I unfortunately miss a vast majority of the sports events held on Sundays. Am looking for a training program to continue with after I conquer the Mount…

Benefits of Life in New Zealand - 1 - Find a Sport!

April 2, 2007 on 9:57 am | In New Zealand | No Comments

After more than 10 years in rural Spain, and over 1 year in New Zealand, I completed my first duathlon (run, bike, run) at the young age of 41. Never too late to try a new country and a new experience. A week before the event I duly completed my evening training after work, saw the night was drawing in so thought ‘no need for a cool down’, hopped in the car, drove home, only to find my back locked and I could barely climb out of the car. A large amount of money later and a huge grin from the friendly osteopath, ’see you after the event…’ left me doubtful of my ability to start the duathlon. I’d trained not just to ‘do it’, but to ‘do it well’. The tremendous support of work colleagues and the general view of ‘Go,Girl, Go!’ convinced me to give it all. The atmosphere was fantastic. Over 450 women entered of all shapes and sizes and my usual English reserve went by the wayside as we lined up to start. If you’ve never done such an event, find one, train for it and then just do it!