Last weekend, Betty and two workmates and a dedicated client walked the Auckland Half Marathon together. It comes highly recommended.

It begins in Devonport, which feels deliciously provincial at seven in the morning, even when packed with people and almost completely lined with portapotties. Speaking of which, Betty would advise going before one goes, or arriving at five.

This lovely bunch played “When the Saints Go Marching In” outside their garage, in support. The deep north certainly wins the prize for roadside encouragement.

The biggest encouragement, however, was the chance to walk over the Harbour Bridge. They close it at nine, so those who started at seven have to scurry. The Pilates crew ran all the downhills, and still arrived with only fifteen minutes or so to spare. And it was worth it.

Down there is where Betty broke her ankle, once. Good times.

These things are great – the benefits are 50% glucose-related, 10% caffeine-related, and 40% organic-smugness-slash-graphic-design-appreciation-related. The chocolate ones are also excellent.

The course finishes after a trip past the tank farm…

…and the trendy restaurants…

And the boats!

And so on, and you get a banana at the end. No expense spared. Very well-organised. Betty has just a few tips for those thinking of doing the half marathon next year, viz:

1. Wear something decent, because between the finish line and Queenie’s Lunchroom an undies, undies, undies, togs moment does occur. In reverse, naturally.

2. Rent a flat with a bath, in future.

3. The Thorlos socks feel like an extravagance before the race, but they are not.

4. Zombies for the win.

Twelve months to go.