Victoria

I just came back from a long weekend in Victoria, BC and what a lovely place! I've wanted to go there for a long time so was super happy to visit for 3 days. Victoria is a lovely little city and is nestled next to the ocean with a temperate climate. The cherry blossoms are out and all the gardens are full of tulips and daffodils so it was lovely to see it in springtime.

I know quite a few folks who are from the west coast so went armed with lots of beta as to where to go, what to do, where to eat etc. My favourite restaurant was the famous Rebar Restaurant. I've seen their vegetarian recipe book but had no idea that they were a restaurant and that they were located in Victoria. Lucky me! The food was fantastic and it doesn't cost a fortune to dine there. In fact, I ended up eating most of my meals there, working my way through their menu, because it was also super healthy and nutritious! Of course, I visited lots of the local coffee shops inbetween, just to keep things in balance! If you find yourself in Victoria, a visit to Rebar should definitely be on your list.

So, after an eating/coffee shop tour of Victoria, it's been time to get back on track. I have Miwok coming up in 8 days. Yikes!

Race report: Tarawera Ultra (100 km)

After being welcomed to the race by director, Paul Charteris, we set off amongst the redwood forest. The starting point for the Tarawera Ultra is Rotorua, one of the most famous towns on the north island of New Zealand known for its thermal hot springs, boiling mud pools, geysers and maori culture. A place not to be missed!
The great thing about this race is that it appeals to lots of different runners; there's a 60km, 80km and a 100 km - you can opt to do any of these as part of a team or run it solo. As daylight breaks, we pass by the beautiful Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake). If you're planning on being in New Zealand in March of 2011, then put this race on your calendar!
I loved the first 60 km of running through the New Zealand bush. I didn't get many photographs and missed capturing how beautiful it is so you'll have to take my word for it.
Whenever I go over to visit, my Dad ends up driving me all over the country so that I can race. The last race I did in NZ was another point to point but was a mountain race so there were no spectators. The nice thing about the Tarawera Ultra is that crew and spectators can drive down to the aid stations to watch. My Dad drove his car down bumpy, dusty forestry roads into what seemed like the middle of nowhere, just so that he could check that I was still doing okay. He did this all day long and then waited for me in the dark to cross the finishing line! Seeing his face as I crossed the line was something I'll never forget! Huge thanks to Paul and the volunteers to making this race such a success!

Made it!

It's hard to believe, but it already seems like an eternity since I was in New Zealand! Funny how that happens once you return from holiday and get sucked back into "normal life". It was a good trip, fun to see family and I'm glad to say that I survived the Tarawera Ultra!

I haven't done a huge amount of mileage so far this year so was pleased to make it to the finishing line, even if it did take 14.40 hours to get there! Maybe the kiwi kilometer is longer than those in Canada?!!

Anyway, I'll try to put a race report together soon. Kudos to Paul Charteris and his merry band of volunteers for putting on such a great show! Thanks Paul.