On our way to the start line
We head to the start line, and shortly after, we are on our way. Darren makes sure he kisses me before he heads off to run his own run, I am ok with this. Darren was trying to find his rhythm, and for the first 3-4km was just behind Carly, our adopted daughter, although not legally. He gradually passed her, and by the time he got to the 11km mark, he knew he was on track to get a sub 2:00 time, and tried to maintain his pace until the 18km mark. At this point he was still on track, but the 5km walkers and runners had started, and were blocking the path, walking 3-4 abreast. Darren yelled out to move to the left, but thought he was not going to do his 2:00 hour time. He got going again, after waiting for about 20 seconds, and realised he was still on track. He gave the final couple of kilometres everything he had, and finished with a 1:58 time! The official results are not in yet, but he is very very happy with his time! Minus a numb big toe, he finished with no injury!
After Darren ran off I listen to my music. You see, if I don't listen to my music, I think, and when I think too much, I slow down. The first few Km's pass easy and I am feeling pretty good. It is a scenic path, taking us along the river, which was pretty still for the run. The track keeps the sun off us, as there is plenty of greenery to block the sun. The next few Km's are done, and I'm feeling good still. My music is great company, but also thank the volunteers as I take drinks and pass them at various points along the track. Other runners are very friendly too, smiling and encouraging as our paths cross.
Approaching the 7km mark, Darren runs past me the opposite way, and I am impressed. He looks great, and is sure doing a good pace. It spurs me on, and before I know it, I'm at the turnaround point, having waved to Carly and seeing a friend, Paula. There is something about knowing that you are running the same path that others you know have run, it's totally inspiring!
Drink stations pass, and soon I see the showgrounds, YAY!!! Little did I know the most unenjoyable part of my run was about to begin. The people that were already on the track just would not move out of the way. Same as Darren, I yelled to keep to the left, but people were still in my way. At one point, I almost got pushed over by a girl coming the other way, it was awful. I fought back tears, determined that I would finish the best way I could. I dodged around many walkers and prams, just wanting to get to the finish line. It was all I had left in tank for the final km but I gave it my all. As I ran through the finish line, I was surprised to see I had finished in 2:18; smashing 7 minutes of my Hobart time!
Today's injuries for me are just blisters on my second toe on both feet. I can deal with that.
The medals are fabulous! So fitting for a runner to get a medal shaped like a runner. We catch up with Paula and her hubby and 2 girls, and exchange stories. We say our goodbyes and head for the TORQ tent, where we stock up on gels, recovery powder and fuel powder.
We head back to the caravan park, and soak our legs in the pool for a good half hour. As hungry as I am I know we need to recover really well this coming week as our next run is in 2 weeks in Port Macquarie. We drink our BCAA drink and relax.
This coming week, we plan to head back to the beach for a couple of recovery sessions and do some serious stretching sessions. Right now, we are happy. Finishing with 2 PB's and no injuries, we are well on our way to completing a half marathon in every state and territory!
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