The City to Surf fun run was on last Sunday in Sydney. Strewth, Mr B, Mr CJ and I traveled up on Saturday to spend a couple of days in Sydney, shopping, relaxing, eating and running in the race. As per usual, we stopped in Berrima on the way to Sydney for a coffee or two. That evening we went out for dinner to a pizza and pasta place across from our hotel - very convenient.
We were greeted with a beautiful blue sky Sunday morning. After breakfast of fruit salad and yoghurt plus some toast we eventually made our way to the start, a couple of blocks away from where we were staying. Of course, leaving so close to the start does mean that I end up at the back of my starting group but that's fine. I started in red group (A1), Strewth and Mr B were starting in the group behind me - Green group (or A2). Even the 10 or so minutes I end up waiting for the start feels like an eternity - I really don't know how those people who get there early so they get a good start, handle hanging around that long.
Soon we were off and after a shuffle to the starting line I managed to start jogging slowly and then the never-ending criss-crossing to avoid runners began - you just cannot run a straight line from Hyde Park to Bondi! However I had my music and so rather than get frustrated I focused on what was playing on the ipod - much more pleasant! Ran alongside Superman for a while, passed a guy running in glomesh singlet, shorts and cap, tried to avoid the inevitable crush at drink stations and thought that if I could run under 70mins I would be happy. I never once looked at my time, preferring to run according to how I felt and I felt pretty damn fine. In fact I was enjoying the run and even Heartbreak Hill was not a problem, compared to last year when I could've sworn that it had gotten longer and higher!
The last kilometre I decided to sprint, assisted as I was by the cheers from the CR cheer squad - they are truly awesome! Thanks guys! I had sort of forgotten how long that last bit of the run is - it goes on and on and on and on and would you believe, on a bit more before finally we round the bend and there it is ahead - the finish line. What a beautiful sight but so close and yet so far! My finish time was 65.33mins - a PB by 2.30min! Yay, woo hoo and all that!
Caught up with Tesso who came in just after me, Minersrun, and Go Girl not long after finishing. Briefly spoke to Aki who had done a amazing time despite what had happened, saw Rae P from Canberra, and also briefly spoke to allrounder who had also run a PB. Sat around in the sunshine for a while with Mr B and Strewth and others from Canberra. Tuggeranong Don managed to catch up with us for a quick chat. Mr CJ bought us cappuccinos (he knows me so well!) and these went down a treat. PRB also appeared for a quick chat - its amazing who you manage to see despite there being well over 60,000 people! Then Lulu, Jen and Owl showed up - it was so good to see them. Owl was offering an apricot slice which was to die for (and yes, I have got the recipe from owl's blog!).
Had lunch back in the city then after a quick shower Strewth, Mr B, Mr CJ and I headed off to Darling Harbour - the guys to check out the Ferraris while we indulged in some retail therapy. That night we had dinner at the hotel - a pleasant meal of wine and good food finished off with cheesecake for me and apple cake for strewth (I think).
We had a late checkout on Monday which meant we could indulge in a bit more retail therapy! Then it was time to head home. Of course we stopped in Berrima, as you do, and both Mr B and I had the famous Magpie Cafe apple pie with icecream - this is just the best apple pie. I finished off the day by eating a box of Tim Tam balls so consequently was feeling pretty blah by bedtime. Trouble is I can never stop at one.
Stats:
Distance - 14km
Time - 65.33min PB!!!!!!
Av pace - 4.38min/km
AHR - 171; MHR - 188
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14 comments:
Makes me wish I was there!
Great job!!!!
Sensational run CJ - congrats on a HUGE PB. Was good to see you, albeit briefly. Are you coming up for the Blackmores Festival in Sept?
Great to see you again CJ, and congrats on the fantastic race. Sounds like you handled the heat and the crowds better than most of us!
It was lovely to see you, albeit briefly. Glad you had a good time and a great race.
Great run CJ! You really were flying in that last km. I tried so hard to catch you, then it turned into trying to stay the same distance behind, then it was trying to keep you in my sights, then I figured I'd chase somebody else :-)
Looking forward to catching up in December when I am in sunny Canberra.
PS I tasted Mocha Tim Tams for the first time on the weekend. BIG MISTAKE!
That was some great race and full with friends!
Fantastic to see how you continue accomplishing PB that is awesome!
Sounds like an absolutely perfect weekend!
Sounds wonderful - lots of food, friends and a little run thrown in ;-). Congrats on the PB and sorry to have missed you.
TA
You seemed to be able to pace your races very successful and be very strong at the end.
Great result. You must have appreciated the "warm" weather after that -4C run!!
Wow! Congratulations on your PB - sounds like you had a fabulous weekend!
And with all that retail therapy, did you buy anything cool?
Hilary xx
Great to meet you too in Sydney, CJ. And you are right, it is amazing just how many friends we do catch up with among the multitudes. But that's why I like these events so much. It brings all us friends togother in one place.
Congrats on the pb :)
Glad you found your way to the retail therapy zone CJ.
Good run!
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