2017

January is basically over and life has been so hectic, it's taken me until now to get back to blogging.  2017 was an incredible year but at the same time incredibly busy.  I feel like I haven't stopped for five minutes since returning from riding the Elliptigo across Australia. 

Reflection is really important to me.  Looking back over things that went well and things that could have gone better helps to move forward.  Thinking about what makes you feel satisfied and what gives you a sense of purpose is a great indicator of what direction your life should go in.  The easy option is not alway the one you should go with!

For me, I love to be outdoors having an adventure but something that I've added to that over recent years is sharing my journeys with the world.  I really enjoyed sharing my video diaries as I crossed Australia (Sorry, only on my Facebook page).  Putting the footage together at the end of a long day on the road was possibly harder than the ride itself but most definitely worth it to share my story and inspire others. 

​What came from this was a sense of purpose for me.  Everyday people were anticipating the next instalment of the journey.  I received messages from people saying that they wanted to have their own adventures and that following mine was the kick up the bum they needed.  This sense of purpose gave me the drive to push through the hard days.

But anyway, this isn't a blog about ElliptigOz (that will hopefully come later).  This is a blog about how awesome 2017 was.  I had some opportunities to do things and go places that were completely unexpected.

In chronological order, my year looked a little like this:

• Getting back into racing - I overcame my anxiety and entered running races again. If you suffer with anxiety before races check out my tips to help.
• Crazy Wellington birthday challenge - to mark my 33rd birthday I completed 33kms of birthday adventures.
• Running the Routeburn for a job - I ran the famous Routeburn track about 30 times in the year as part of my job.
• Qualified as a Rock Climbing Instructor - A stressful two days but most definitely worth it.  Woop Woop!!
• India and the Himalayas (saw the Taj Mahal) - I've always wanted to visit India but had no idea that it would happen this year, and include the Himalayas.
• Tough Mudder - As part of the Trek Team I completed my first obstacle race.
• ElliptigOz - 7,951km on an Elliptigo.  Best experience of my life!!
• Submitted all the evidence for Guinness World Records - this was a serious achievement in itself.  Months of work!
• New job as Climbing Guide - I work in the most beautiful place ever, sharing my passion.
• Raised $13,000 for charity - My ElliptigOz ride inspired so many people to donate money to One Girl, educating girls in Uganda and Sierra Leone.
• Visa extended for NZ - New Zealand have allowed me to stay for another year.
• Finalist for RunUltra blogger of the year!

Check out the slideshow below for my fave pics of the year!

As always a massive THANK YOU has to go to all the people who helped me and supported me through all of this.  To my old friends, and new friends I've met along the way, your encouragement is superb.  I'm sending you all a huge virtual hug right now.  Hope it's not too sweaty for you as it's boiling hot over here in New Zealand!!