Upcoming Races

Sydney Striders 10km - North Head

Been a member of Sydney Striders for almost a year and have yet to run an event with them. Very poor show. I've either been working or their early starts have been prohibitive given I don't have a car in Australia and weekend public transport to some of the far flung locations is a literal no-go. I do have a hat, though, and I wear it with pride.

That will change this Saturday as we plan to attend one of their 10k series at North Head, Manly. Public transport? I think Transport NSW recommends seven buses, two ferries, and a hot air balloon (now taking Opal Card). Fortunately our new friend and running coach, Timmy Lindop, has offered us a ride. Victoria has been attempting to rort him by claiming her 10km time will be 47 minutes, but he's seen right through that.

My goal? I'm going to give myself a little taper, hydrate well and hit the peanut butter hard and see if I can manage another sub-40 10km. I'm not optimistic though (potentially a boozy night for birthday celebrations on the Friday), and I'll take a sub-42 quite happily. It's nice to have achieved the sub-40 10km already as the pressure is off. Provided I run sub-90 at the half marathon, next year will be the time for trying to better PBs. I may switch the "goal" from time to financial and try and rort young Timmy.


Sydney Running Festival - Half Marathon

This will see my return to the site of my most epic running implosion. Last year's full marathon was not kind. Going well at 21.1km with the 4hr pacers led to an arrogance that was to prove my downfall. Decided to show them my heels and break away. Didn't last long. Shouts from the crowd of "Go the fours!" soon became "Go the fives", as my breakage began at 28km and was complete at 32km. I somehow managed to walk/crawl around the final 10km and finish in 4:08:01, but it was a humbling experience.

This year I'll leave the full marathon for others more foolish and concentrate on the half. What are the chances of going sub-90? Well it's a tough course, with plenty of hills, and the mornings are certainly starting to heat up. With that said, I am intimately acquainted with the route and the benefits that that brings cannot be overstated. It's also a cracking course, going over the Harbour Bridge and finishing at the Opera House.

I won't make the mistakes of Blacktown (read: I won't get smashed beforehand) and I'll give it a good go. I expect a new PB at least.


Melbourne Half Marathon

Excited about Melbourne. Finishing at the MCG will be amazing and would be great to break the sub-90 in that great sporting venue. I'm sure it will be full to the rafters with my blog readers.

The course appears a lot flatter than Sydney, but I'm not as familiar with it. St Kilda's road looks long and boring, but running the Formula 1 race track at Albert Park will be fun.

It'd be nice to have the sub-90 monkey off my back beforehand, and just enjoy the race, but I fear it's going to come down to the wire.

Regardless, I'll be straight off to Chin Chin afterwards to gorge on crispy Barramundi and down the Thai ale. Drinking from 10am? There's a marathon I like the sound of.