So since the last post I celebrated turning 25 here in New Zealand. Paul decided to surprise me (first time ever he managed to keep a secret) with a 15,000ft Tandem Skydive. We have mentioned that it was something that we both had on our bucket list to do in the past but genuinely had no idea that was what he planned for us to do. He made it out like we were going into town for lunch with Lauren and Emily and even with the early start which I did question Paul brushed it off with we will go for a walk , so I never questioned anymore. It was only when we went into town and we were walking past the skydive shop did Paul put his arms around me and steered me towards the door that the penny dropped and I completely went into panic control which apparently was priceless.
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| Gem enjoying the view! |
So with very minimal time for me to get my head around it the four of us were getting kitted up into our jumpsuits and been given a low down on what we were to expect in the air and what was expected of us. To be honest the part that I was really nervous about was being on the edge of the plane just before you jumped as I remembered that was the hardest thing about the bungy jump and this was going to be a lot more extreme! Me and Paul decided to go for the full package of getting pictures and videos of our jump as we knew this wasn't an every day acurrance. So we got introduced to the guys that were selected to pair with us for the jump as well as our photographer/cameraman.
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| Paul always wanted to fly like Superman.. |
We were put in order of how much we weighed with lightest jumping first to heaviest jumping last. There was six of us on the plane and all of us had selected the full package. So it was a full plane. I think both me and Paul were nervous on the plane ride up as it was becoming a reality of what we were about to participate in. Our crew kept giving us updates on our current altitude and the butterflies were really kicking in when you looked out the window to see how high you were and knowing you still weren't at the height you were going to jump. As soon as we were at the correct height the shutters went up and within seconds Lauren was already off the plane I'm not going to lie I let out a little scream as I couldn't believe how quick it happened. Next up was me I think I went into shock as I didn't say a word or scream during the whole process of free falling it is by far the most surreal thing I have ever participated in. Emily jumped out next behind me and then Paul. Paul landed on the ground the first out of our group his jumper had done all sort of tricks and got the momentum up the most. Paul also really enjoyed his jump and for someone scared of heights he did awesome and you would of never of known.
We were all on a huge endorphins high went we got reunited back together. Finally we were back in town and going for lunch like I thought the plan was all along! After eating some yummy food and getting some lovely presents off Lauren and Emily we had some dessert and made our way home. Me and Paul went for a 25km run for me turning 25. Rach our housemate also joined us not only did Rach run her fastest half marathon she had completed she also ran the furthest she had ever done that evening which was awesome ( Paul made her medal for completing it) . We got back to the house and Rach had made me a homemade apple crumble for my birthday which was sweet. Opening cards and a Skype call from back home rounded off my day perfectly.
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| Post race picture.. |
The month of June saw me and Paul race a few times. As you are aware from previous post that Paul races the marathon at the start of the month a couple weeks later we entered a mile race which was part of the winter festival in Queenstown. It was something neither us had done I have raced a metric mile on track when I was younger but never on road. We thought we may as well give it a go for a laugh. It was two laps around town and the streets were closed ready for the parade that was starting immediately after the race so there was quite a crowd for a small race. Me and Paul decided to go all out and see how long we could last as neither of us have much speed in us with all the endurance we had both been doing. To my amazement I managed to win the women's race and Paul had managed third overall we both had some speed in us that we hadn't realised was there. We both found it quite tough on the lungs tho!
The following week saw us participate in another race this time a 10km it was the same race I had done the previous month and Paul's first one of doing the 10km. It was a beautiful day for winter and both me and Paul were in shorts! We got asked if we minded helping out at registration as they were a bit short of volunteers so we thought why not Rach was already helping out as well so it was a mini housemate day out just missing Chris who had to work. Adrian the race organiser came and got us just before the start and thanked us and told us to go and get warmed up as there wasn't long before the race started. We quickly got changed and made our way to the start line. We both had a good race Paul managed third overall and I came fourth for the woman's race and had ran my fastest time in around a year and a half, Rach had also matched her time of the previous month so a good day out. Whilst we are on the theme of running Paul got invited on to the local radio to do an interview about endurance running and what he has accomplished, which was pretty cool. He did really well and it was really awesome to hear his interview as it aired on the radio a definite first and another string to his bow of talents. For anyone wanting to listen here is the link:
http://1drv.ms/1jbOyhN
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| Enjoying fireworks from a different view to normal! |
As you saw me mention above Queenstown has just celebrated winter fest. After already being to a winter fest in Ottawa we had High hopes for the one here. There was a firework celebration for the opening ceremony, so me and Paul decided to hike up the gondola and watch them for the top to beat the crowds. It was a great display and Paul practiced taking pictures with our camera and go some awesome shots. It was the first time we both have ever looked down at fireworks though it was quite a novelty. Once they had finished we made our way down into town and caught up with some friends and had some food. The next day we participated in the golden mile race which was part of the celebrations and then watched the parade right afterwards. We had planned to take part in the quiz they were putting on but was already booked up. The following weekend we watched Thriller in the Chiller which is where males and females from the local community get selected and are trained up to have a boxing match . It was cool to go and watch and something different to do and a nice way to round off the winter fest . All in all though it wasn't a scratch on the Ottawa festival.
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| Farewell meal with Em and Lar. |
The end of June also saw us say goodbye to Lauren and Emily who left Queenstown to carry on travelling. We went out for a farewell meal with them the night before they left and had our last workout with them too. So all in all it was a very busy month looking back over it. Until next time thanks for reading Gem & Paul x
