“It's, not, where you are, it's where you're going”

Travel outside of North America?  Check!  And another one is stricken from the To-Do List.  Anyone who knows me at all knows I love to travel.  This past year has been the longest I’ve been [stuck] in Ottawa since I was young.  I do love home, but I was ready for a breather from all the appointments…doctors, therapists, dentists.  Oh.  My.

When I was in the hospital, I would often think back to my travels to make myself feel better.  I’d remember how my challenges was always rewarded.  For example, I would put Indian music on my iPod and tell myself I was only uncomfortable because I was in an Indian hostel with a few injuries, a few stomach bugs, but an exotic, colourful world to explore.  Like that time I was in the Himalayas with Hanaa (p.s. Happy Birthday Hanaa!) – an early morning journey to see the peaks of Everest went something like this:

And let’s not forget this:

But I’d do it all again for this:

"It's not where you are, it's where you're going" – travel and life (and The Hours) have taught me so.

So here I am, writing from a coffee shop in Brisbane, Australia.  Isn’t it great having friends in high places (aka Down Under places)?  My leg did surprisingly well on the long flight over here.  Props to Virgin Australia for the adequate legroom.  And yet, props are withdrawn for losing my luggage. 

One thing I’m still terrible at is walking up and down inclines.  Of course Brisbane is THE hilliest place I’ve ever visited.  I have requested the instillation of a chairlift from the main road to the house.  Pending that, I should get stronger legs.  Maybe I’ll even be able to walk up and down staircases when I return to Ottawa?! 

But don’t worry, I am still running and going to a gym on alternate days to avoid getting too stiff.  This being Australia’s winter, I am basking in glorious weather.  So while the hills are getting me down, I have found a flattish place to run in the beautifully cool sun.  I’m finding it a bit discouraging that my leg and running aren’t improving much.  Can somebody (anybody!) please suggest how I might increase my stride length?  No, but seriously, I’m *this close* to running on the spot, people.

To my wonderful sponsors:  I am so grateful for you generosity!  Even if I have to run on the spot, I’ll do it for you.