Perth City to Surf 2012

Last weekend was the city to surf race which I decided to take part in this year, as work was sponsoring it and there would be a few people taking part and all for charity of course.

I thought I would go for the 12km run to give myself a bit of a challenge and force me to get back into running again as had been a few years since I had run more than 4 or 5km.

Then work also said they would sponsor partners get involved so Janice said she would do the 4km walk with Logan in the pram, which is a popular option too! And not really a challenge as she probably does that several times a week as her exercise.

My training was a few days a week increasing the distance slowly which helped as from work to home is approx 6km, so could start there and add on a detour around the park or one of the local lakes to increase it without making an extra effort to go out again once I got home.

I was looking at under 65 mins for the distance by the time the race day came, although had heard that there were a few tough hills so wasn't sure how I would go on the day. So very pleased with my final result of 59.04..... especially as I secretly wanted to beat an hour!

My race result

So a BIG THANKS for all of you who sponsored me and I have raised $265, all going to Princess Margeret Hospital which is the main kids hospital here in Perth. And if anyone hasn't sponsored me a still wants to I think you can do so for up to a month or so after the race: http://fundraisingcitytosurf.com.au/phil_duffy

Janice said the toughest part of her walk was dodging the parents and small kids, but it was a fun experience and not something you get to be involved with very often :)

And she tells me that as it was "so easy for you and your chicken legs", then next year I can do the half marathon.... we shall see?!

Fastest visa application ever

My Australian residency renewal is due in approx a month, as it has to be renewed every 5 years and I got it again while we were still in Canada last time. Can't go for citizenship yet as current rules state 4 years in the country with less than a year in between!

I found out you could do it online and wasn't sure if it would take a week or so to process, so started it around 11am Sunday. Then at about 4pm I get a confirmation that all is complete and here is the new visa number!!  And as its all electronic nowadays I don't need to wait for the paper thingy to stick in my passport, too easy :)

Shows what an automated system and a few hundred dollars can do when done properly....

Thanks Australia for putting up with me for a bit longer :)

Stroll around South Perth

A very mixed cloudy, rainy, sunny day today so we decided to take a stroll along the river in south Perth to get out and about, but not get too soaked if a big shower came along.

Easy to get to, just down the freeway and over the bridge so not a big drive which we didn't fancy as had a slow morning getting going. But had good fortune with the weather most of the walk.

Nice cloud formation growing out of your head

Then as it was turning a bit more unpleasant managed to duck into a cafe for some late lunch (for us and Logan), so everyone happy.

And of course, being his first outing since the brace has come off yesterday Janice was excited to dress him up like a little man again, now he will fit in clothes other than sleepers :)

Look at me in my "real" clothes