Run 4 the Kids...

My fourth time running in this event and it was a beauty.

The carparking was a little tricky but Running Buddy negotiated me around some bollards and had a nifty back way past the Casino that saw us arrive in the pre destined parking bay in good time.

the MCG at sunrise

early start for us

 The course was altered this year so even though it was my 4th run it was new (and longer). After the tunnel and the bridge we ran through Docklands, behind Southbank back to the Domain.

there's something motivating about running with 30,000 others

We still ran through the Domain Tunnel and then up and over the Bolte Bridge. This was the first year I ran all the way to top of the Bolte. I was determined and very pleased to accomplish this feat. It was an interesting challenging route and I felt good the whole 16k but was pleased when the finish line finally came into sight. It was a good event to increase the distances we need to cover before July.

This event more than any other is about participating, challenging yourself, raising money for the Children's Hospital and involving all sorts of runners. Our conversation at brunch was peppered with highlights of the event and the things we spotted, like the man running in a leopard print dress, a man running with a pusher with AC/DC tunes belting out, a short statured runner who's running style looked like hard work, There were lots of people running who looked like they don't run regularly, lots of costumes as well as some famous finishers such as Craig Mottram and Lisa Weightman.

Our next event is a serious one, a half marathon where there will be no dress ups or frivolity, where the time is the focus.

Old anxieties...

The old anxiety about car parking has reared its ugly head today. Fore warned about road closures for tomorrow's Run 4 the Kids event have reminded me of how I used to feel before a big event. I've got the training down, the gear sorted and the fuelling okay and for the last couple of years I've had the car parking sorted as well. But this year's event clashes with The Grand Prix, the Garden Show and something called the Arnold Classic (!)  & means they have closed roads and access from 5am. I'm reassurred a little by Running Buddy's knowledge of the city and alternatives to my Book a Bay booked spot. Wilson Parking's Book a Bay has been my life and sanity saver knowing a reserved car park, pre paid and reasonably priced, has made events in the city very manageable. We haven't had so many messages back and forth for a long time.


But I will not be able to relax until my little car is parked in the city somewhat near to our event. The race itself will be a blast

What's with the weather?...

Training has been proving difficult with this continuing hot weather we have been having in Victoria. Coupled with the high humidity we have been struggling along in clocking up the kilometres. But we usually don't let it put us off unless it is around 40 degrees. Running in high humidity is a new experience for us and has seen us dripping with sweat and desperate for a drink.
Tennis has also been difficult also. As we were running on Friday night I kept thinking to myself...it's just hot, it's just hot and maybe this is the conditions we will come across on the Gold Coast. And I have had chafing in some new and interesting places. One particular pair of shorts were banished until this morning when I thought I might still be able to wear them over full length compression tights.

Next run coming up next Sunday, the Run 4 Kids in the city.