Greetings from sunny Lake Taupo!

[turnturtle]

I made it to the other side of the world and completed my second run today. It was a lovely level walking track around the lakeside and although, as usual, the first couple of minutes had me questioning whether I actually was a runner (does this ever happen to other graduates?)I eventually got into a rhythm and felt I could have gone on for miles more. It was such bliss to run in shorts and T-shirt after the winter layers I'd been donning in North Yorkshire. I actually ran for 6K and recorded a personal best for 5K (which is still only a miserable 39 minutes, but I am inspired to think that in this climate I will improve). I have 10 weeks here, so by then I will hopefully be confident that I can actually complete my 10K in July. My internet connection here is restricted to internet cafes but when I can I will

post some photos of the glorious scenery to make you all madly jealous!

[Tinyrun Graduate]

Oh how wonderful. Sun, sea and being with your daughter. Did you think you'd ever be running in another country? Enjoy that warmth on your body and the amazing views. In fact we've had a heat wave this morning in England! Oh ok maybe not. You'll be able to do that 10k for sure.

[turnturtle Graduate in reply to Tinyrun]

No I never imagined I would be running in England, let alone New Zealand. I am a bit intimidated by my son-in-law who is training for a 50K mountain-cross run but heck, he's 32...

[Poppy2010 Graduate]

Sounds lovely! Enjoy your holiday and your running! From sunny (well damp and dark at 2.30am) London

[gypsydepp Graduate]

Envious!

Memories of backpacking in 1991....before the volcano in Taupo exploded.....long before I was a 'runner' too!

Enjoy.

Sigh................

[turnturtle Graduate in reply to gypsydepp]

Taupo is still a backpacker Mecca. I even swam in the lake yesterday. No sharks, no waves, no jellyfish. Perfact...

[Oldgirl Graduate]

I'm not sure if I going to speak to you, you promised to take me and pop into your suitcase Sounds like you are already enjoying the NZ life. We stopped off at Lake Taupo for 2 days and ended up staying for 4!!! Its a beautiful place, check out the fishing boats when they come in, they off load some of the biggest fish I had ever seen!! Will do a cycle run on my virtual routes on Monday and look out for you Looking forward to more news from you.

[turnturtle Graduate in reply to Oldgirl]

Did you see me? We ate some yummy trout fresh out of the lake yesterday. I love Taupo too. Sorry there was no room in my suitcase for you. There was no room for my clothes either. It was full of other people's Christmas gifts for Sally and Charlie.

[Rockette]

Oh lucky lucky you !!!enjoy your running & make the most of the wonderfull climate

[turnturtle Graduate in reply to Rockette]

I will Rockette. I am so privileged. I lost a daughter but gained an endless summer!

[Rockette in reply to turnturtle]

Enjoy ! Very cold & frosty morning here in south yorks.

[turnturtle Graduate in reply to Rockette]

I am indeed lucky Rockette. I am back in sunshine mood and feel invincible!

[ancientrunner Graduate]

So envious - beautiful place to run.

[turnturtle Graduate in reply to ancientrunner]

It is glorious. But it is also the running pad for Ironmen and women so you need to get up early to avoid feeling out of your league!

[Hidden]

Love Taupo!!!! Which part of the lake you staying on?

My sister and her partner are part owners of a Bach at Kuratau

[turnturtle Graduate in reply to Hidden]

My daughter's in-laws have a bach near Two Mile beach Helen . Her father in law caught two huge trout which we had for lunch yesterday. Back on the farm now and just felt my first earthquake this trip 6.3 in strength but fortunately centred 150K away! My next run will be along the dirt road to our local village tomorrow. Sadly a tropical cyclone tail-end is due to hit so I may need my wet-weather gear. Never mind. There will only be cows to laugh at me.

[turnturtle Graduate in reply to turnturtle]

Did the country road 5K today and even managed the (many) hills without too much huffing which is a first for me. The bonus was that there were also a lot of downhills so I could speed up to compensate. Managed another 5K PB too. I managed to get down to 39 mins 10 secs. My ambition now is to get below 39. For me it's great to have personal targets, however slow.