A quick train ride took us across the harbour to the start line. This course would take us over the Sydney Harbour bridge, past the Opera House and out to Centennial Park before heading back to the City and across to Darling Harbour, the Rocks and then the finish.One of my strategies in running a marathon is to try to find someone to talk to (ha, this is only my second marathon). Found a person crossing the Harbour Bridge and you would not believe it she knew my sister. I ran with her for about 5 km, saw her again at about 38km and then decramped her after the finish line.
This was going to be a marathon of toilet stops. 5 times in the first half!! Could be a new record.
Running up Oxford Street there was a guy calling out "you're all going to fail - pull out now". There were people still coming home from the night before and people hanging out of windows. One of the runners next to me said "whatever you do, don't look up". I took them at their word and didn't. The mind boggles. Plenty of police around this section.
In the Kona Marathon I really struggled from the 30km mark. I was interested to see how I would go here in the cooler temperature. I actually felt good to the 38km mark. There were a number of people on the side of the road under medical attention or just exhausted around this mark. A long way to go to almost make it. 38-40 was pretty ugly, but by 41km as you passed under the Harbour Bridge at The Rocks you can see the Opera House and therefore the finish line on the next headland. Most of this distance was also lined with spectators. Elizabeth was there for the photo shot. She did the Bridge Run, which although it was great, was very crowded.After the finish a number of the runners were slowing going down a long set of stairs. A group of elderly people passes us laughing that they could get down there faster!
4:12 my best time by about 25 minutes. I think that I should be able to beat 4 hours, however the next marathon I do may be after a long swim and ride... we'll see. |
| The Finish |
