A tribute to a beautiful life...

This week is a sad week. Yesterday a wonderful lady passed away after fighting a very brave fight against breast cancer.

Last year I ran the Auckland Marathon as a fundraiser for this wonderful woman...

Her name is Nadia and, although I only knew her for a short time, I am, and always will be, inspired by her passionate, kind heart, her amazingly positive attitude and outlook on life. She leaves behind her husband and her two small children, 4 and 2 years old, and she leaves a very large legacy for them.

The Bible says that the heritage you leave for your family is one of the most important things and I believe that Nadia has blessed her family with a wonderful heritage.

This is her in May this year with her husband just after completing the Baylys to Dargaville 6 and 12km run. She always had a smile on just like this and this is how she will be remembered always, I am sure.

My thoughts and prayers and love are with the family at this sad time.

Thank you for your inspiration Nadia, it was a pleasure to know you, even for such a short time. You will be greatly missed but your legacy and your heritage will always live on.

Packing and remembering...

Getting all excited for the up-and-coming race and it is my first 'big travel' race... Woop!

Today we are heading down to Rotorua, about a 5 hour drive, and run is on Saturday. Packing was successful last night - never want to forget anything important for a big race so had everything I need (and plenty more) laid out on the bed for double and triple checking (plus plenty more things not included in this photo).

Running essentials - including double ups - can never be too careful.

But before all of the race buzz begins, today my day started with the alarm sounding at 5am to get up and get to the ANZAC dawn parade. Time to remember the real heroes of our country and history before heading off on a big trip. Also time to remember the sacrifice Jesus made for us, just like all those very brave soldiers 97 years ago.

Field of remembrance

Me in the field - looking rather tired, yes, but alas... I was!

So now that I have begun my day I will quadruple check that I have all I need for Saturday's race, get in a hearty breakfast and then off we embark on a fun little road trip.

Marathon countdown: 3 more sleeps... Eek!