Running and renting

Sunday 11th October – the day of the St George’s Melbourne Marathon and we were taking part! Ok so we were only doing 5km of it, but it was still exciting to be a part of it! We got on the train at South Yarra and more by luck than judgement we were on the same train as Mark, Emma, Mabel, Kieran and their friend Sue and her two children. Sue’s husband was doing the full marathon so they had all come along to support him, and us. We got off the train at the next stop (Richmond) and made our way to the MCG. The Marathon, half marathon, 10km and 5km runs all end with a lap of the MCG so walking into the MCG there was a great atmosphere.

Darren and I left the others and made our way to Batman Avenue (great name!) where our run was due to start. There were celebrities that we’ve never heard of and an awful lot of people lining up at the start line – and we were off! We had decided to run together and not have a race and I was the pacemaker. Apparently I set a fast pace, but it was a really hot day so I think I just wanted to get it over with! The final lap of the MCG was the best bit, with lots of support, and in remarkably quick time we crossed the finish line! I was really impressed as I was the 128th female to cross the line, and we did a net time of just under 22 minutes which is by far a personal best, especially as it was apparently 5.5km!

We met back up with our supporters and then headed back to Chapel Street. Darren and I grabbed a quick shower and then we all got the train back too Cheltenham and headed to Ricketts Point for a real aussie Barbie at the beach. They have public bbqs where you can cook your food so we cooked some burgers to refuel after the morning exertions! While we were cooking, the skies clouded over and it suddenly got really windy, but in no time it cleared again and it was a really hot sunny afternoon. There were about 7 families that joined the gathering, with various people having done various distances in the marathon and it was a really nice way to meet a few more people and relax. Don’t be fooled by the picture of Darren at the bbq – I did the cooking!!!! Paul and Paul had done the full marathon and their wives (Sue and Nat) had brought a fabulous chocolate cake and pink bubbly to toast the runners – we were only too happy to indulge!

Monday I cycled into the city to try and buy a cheap suit jacket and a cheap pair of shoes – only to find that such things don’t exist! I really missed being able to pop into town and go to the shops that I know will sell me what I want. I also miss the clothes that I know are on their way but won’t be here for a long while yet! We also found out on Monday that paperwork pending we have got the property that we had put an application in for.

Tuesday I went into the bank to get the bankers drafts for the bond and the first month’s rent and went to Brighton for the afternoon. Darren met me in Brighton after work and we went into the Estate Agents to complete the paperwork and sign the lease for our property. Whoop, whoop – it’s ours! There was a lot of interest in the property and we were lucky to get it. The fact that we were with a relocation agent swung it for us – thank you Elite Executive Services! So here’s the Estate Agent blurb on our property:

“Modern boutique apartment just minutes to Bay Street's cafes & shops and the beach is not far away! Comprising: 2 double bedrooms with BIR's, high quality Smeg granite kitchen, impressive living & dining with gas fireplace and customised picture windows, designer white-on-marble bathroom. Features include: Front private courtyard, rear deck with access from both bedrooms, parquetry flooring, strong architectural feel, gas heating and air conditioning, secure auto 2 car basement garaging plus lift access & video intercom access.”

We move in on October 31st and we’re so glad that it’s sorted – one less thing to think about!