Highway to half marathon in Nice, France!

Over the last three months I have made a dramatic lifestyle change - I needed it! 

Embarrassingly, after not having done any proper regular exercise for two years, the consequences of the pub culture in the UK were beginning to catch up with me. Now that I'm in my 30's, I can no longer rely on my youth to hide behind a few extra calories from a glass of vino now and then. It was time to do something about it!

Putney Embankment, London - my training ground

I wrote a bucket list when I was about 18 - a half marathon was on that list. I figured it was now or never, and as an all or nothing type of person I decided to sign up to a half marathon in Nice, France, three months ago. I figured if I was going to run that far, I'm going to do it in the most beautiful place I can find with stunning scenery to reward myself along the way!  

The main motivation was the reward - a three day trip to Nice with seven girlfriends! When I set out to run the half, within two weeks, eight of us were signed up! A Facebook group event resulted in lots of running banter; ranging from from what distance we were running that weekend, to what gear we just bought, and how we were feeling about the impending race.

I found a 12 week programme, designed for someone who can't run... it literally started with 3x 10 minute runs in one week and built up from there. It helps that my stomping ground is Putney, London, which has a gorgeous running path along the River Thames.

For anyone that knows me, training in the morning was a pretty big deal. I actually dread mornings, I'm not a morning person (AT ALL!). Given my type of work has last minute deadlines, I knew the mornings was the only time that I could ensure that I completed my training programme. Once I was out there though, I absolutely loved it, and learnt quite quickly, that it's the most beautiful time of day in London.  

My primary goal was get fit to run the half, and secondary goal was to lose weight. The two came hand in hand!

Putney towpath beside the Thames

On top of the running, I was watching what I ate, and only drank alcohol at organised celebrations and events (after all, the empty calories of alcohol was the main reason I was inspired to take up this challenge).  I ate three balanced meals a day, watched my portions and drank a lot of cups of tea! Thanks to my super supportive husband who would cook me healthy dinners, and my determination to stay disciplined, it wasn't too difficult to stick to the plan.

Weight loss was my initial motivation to keep running, even though building up the distances were difficult. Seeing results, fitting back into old clothes and getting compliments from friends kept me motivated. Once my fitness was back and the addiction to running kicked in, I was on a roll!

The results of my commitment and dedication paid off. Not only do I have closer friendships with 7 new girlfriends, I've also traveled to Nice and Monaco, lost 8kg and finished my first half marathon in 2:08:06! 

More to come on the actual race soon! 

Mrs Dahlia xx

One month in beautiful New Zealand...

One month. That's how much time I took off work over the Christmas period. It was amazing. After two years of working and playing hard in London, it was amazing to finally have some proper R&R and catch up with family and friends.

I forgot how beautiful New Zealand is, and how much I love the lifestyle.

It's much easier to show it's beauty in pictures.


This is the view from the apartment we stayed in Auckland City. View of the Sky Tower



Red Beach on the Whangaparoa Peninsula. View from the surf club deck where I'm a member and used to voluntary lifeguard.



Rangitoto Island. View from Takapuna Beach



My parents dairy farm near Matamata in the Waikato.



View towards the Kaimai ranges from my parents farm

Marahau Beach,Abel Tasman Park, South Island, NZ

Kaiteriteri Beach, Abel Tasman National Park

I know Auckland and Matamata very well, as I've lived in both places for a decent period in my life. We had a wedding in the South Island near the Abel Tasman National Park, and it's just gorgeous. We are definitely having a holiday there in the future... you can do a  3 day walk (or longer if you want I suppose), and catch water taxis to different bays and beaches. It's famous for kayaking. When I'm eventually living in NZ, I'm booking that holiday!

All in all, an amazing time, and a great reminder of the incredible country I come from, that is so so beautiful, and all the wonderful friends and family I have.