A bit of background to my grumpiness for the week. I had booked Mr D to do the run with me, he was going to be my security blanket, to make sure I ran all the way. He informs me the Tuesday prior to the run that he's doubled booked himself and him and a mate from work are doing the 7 Bridges walk. I know he felt bad, but I was not impressed - surely he should've been honoured his first commitment.
So now all the self doubt starts entering my mind. I have to run on my own. Can I do it?? There will be no one to see me come over the finish line, no one to run with ............... oh no. Thankfully I have a great support network online with my #D30 family and my lovely SSS buddy. Imagine my surprise when I wake up Sunday morning to these gorgeous messages;
Before I left home, I wrote many affirmations and positive messages on my arm - I needed all the stimuli I could get.
I arrive at the race in plenty of time, enter the corral and the wait begins. We were due to start at 8.30 but at 8.45 we're still waiting. I thought the bush fire smoke rolling in may have something to do with the delay. But we're told few minutes later that there was a medical emergency in the half marathon and we were waiting for the all clear.
Off we go, and I set my pace, a nice comfortable 6.30 min/km. I'd be happy to sit on that pace for the whole race. I had set a goal for 70 mins, with the main focus being on running the whole way. I was enjoying the run, feeling fit and all going ok. I hit about the 1500m and the professional runners were doubling back on us ............. man they can run.
It was a nice flat run, only a few little slopes, yay my hill running around Kings Langley has been paying off. Before I knew it I had hit the 5km mark - yay half way there!!! I was chunking my run, without intending to, but since reflecting on my run and training, I do chunk.
The 6km mark, gone, dusted and I made a conscious effort to myself - no crying, no walking. Nope, not even a consideration. Before I knew it, I was at 8km, hey, that's only a run to the park and back or a run to the corner of Solander and Joseph Banks ............... easy!!!
Once I hit the 9km, one more to go, so I started to rein in some runners, push myself. I really had no idea just where I was running. We entered the tunnel that brings us out into ANZ Stadium, the 2000 Olympic Stadium. So excited, so close to finishing and I was going to do it in less than 70 mins.
I finished 1.05.37!!!!!
Thank you to all my supporters, whether my family, friends, real or virtual!!!!
So exciting for you running into the Olympic Stadium. Sends a chill down my spine. Great effort Sue. Sounds like you had a good run and you were able to set a pace for yourself that worked for you!
ReplyDeleteYour time, your run :)
More Power to You!