Remember that feeling when you look out of the window, first thing in the morning, to a white winter wonderland, and it’s like you’re part of your own incredible, magical fairy tale? I remembered that feeling this morning. But it felt like a very distant and weak memory, and I wondered how I had ever been so naïve. 

Today was the final day for Arnie (my car)’s warrant of fitness recheck. I’d never driven in the snow before this morning. And I didn’t get very far. In fact I struggled so much turning my car around that I just parked it up right where it had started, only facing the other way. Then I slipped and landed on my bum. I then proceeded to hate my life, cry, and wish I was back home in the UK; where summer is now peeking in to my friend’s and family’s lives. When I spoke to a close friend back home, who had just gone in to labour, I again started thinking of everything I’m missing out on with my loved ones. That was the final straw.

BUT, I am not one to wallow in self-pity. And my fellow runners out there will know that there is no better cure for the blues than bounding out into the world in your trainers. Crying in to the wind and rain is optional (yes I have done it). So away I ran. And with each step, I appreciated the magic of this Queenstown winter wonderland a bit more. By the time I made it to Sunshine Bay, I could feel my toes and life wasn’t so bad after all. 

I’m always amazed at how much this landscape changes. Looking back to town at the white roofs and tall pines, it was all a bit Scandinavian. On the opposite side of the lake, a passer by would have been none the wiser about the tall mountains hidden by the low snow clouds. And beyond the hills above Sunshine Bay, the sun was desperately trying to sizzle it’s way through the wintry clouds, and patches of blue tentatively glimmered. 

I picked up the pace for my return route and made it home without repeating the morning slip. My day was picking up. Arnie made it on to the ploughed roads and we went for a canny drive to warm him up. He passed the wof, I went to the gym; pumped iron, had a spa, drove home, and here I am. A successful weekend and I’m ready for work tomorrow (even if it does mean a day of snow shovelling). People, life is what you make it.