So, today (15th of May) was the day that I was supposed to run the Sydney Half Marathon. Because of my knee injury my physio said it was better not to do it, as the chances were high that I would go back to square one with my ITB injury.

On a personal note, I didn’t like it. I saw 14.000 people run, struggle, laugh, have fun and just making the most of it. I was on the sideline, cheering my girlfriend and Nick (also writes once in a while for this website) on. I really wanted this half marathon to be my first one..

I took some video’s of Nick and Sarah (and various others) passing me by on the corner of Erskine and Sussex street.

I’ve been thinking about running or not running the half marathon. I saw so many people who were a lot older than I am and still giving it a go. It actually made me feel like a total whimp for not trying and just make the best of it. My girlfriend (who did it in little over 2 hours) said to me that it would have been my first half marathon, and you want your first to be something you can be proud of. Not starting while you know you can do better and this will probably be the worst half marathon you ever run.

The longest distance I have run after my injury was roughly 10km, and I did that 3 days ago. Going from a slow 10km run to 21km and achieving my first half marathon goal of a sub 2 hour time would have been impossible.

So, next one will be the Blackmores half marathon.. Plenty of time to recover, train and focus.

Sarah’s and Nick’s Course Feedback

They really liked this years course. You didn’t have to do laps like in last years course and the conditions were (mostly) perfect to run in. I wasn’t very hot but a nice temperature to run in. It must have been cold at some stages because just standing on the sideline was bloody cold. Which was more the wind than the actual temperature. For that reason half marathon is a great half marathon to be your first as later in the year the temperature will be a lot higher which for some people might find be a little harder.

The course itself had its usual hills which gave everyone a great competitive edge as they were struggling to get up the hill, but everyone was so determined to set a good time. Must have been a great feeling for everyone finishing. It is and remains a remarkable achievement.

To Sarah and Nick, congratulations on finishing in such great times. We have yet to hear the official times but well done.

I’m curious to hear your Sydney Half Marathon times and comments, so don’t be shy and share them in the comments section below.

Happy Running

Ralph

photo credit: Charlie Brewer