It' hard to believe how quickly 12 months has passed us by.
You may recall this time last year when I posted about
my 5km run in the Royal Children's Hospital Run for the Kids and how much it meant to me. Well another year on, and I just completed my longest run ever - 15 kilometers!
This year was no different. It was a beautiful autumn morning in Melbourne and another 6.30 am start. I met up with my 12wbt mates prior to the race for our traditional pre-race pics and then made our way to the start line. Before we knew it we were off and running. We took off in the second wave which was for semi to serious runners hoping to run the whole distance.
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| With Katherine on the start line ready to go |
Within the first few K's we had to tackle an incline up through the domain tunnel and up onto the Bolte Bridge. Running through the tunnel was one of the weirdest experiences. It was so hot and humid almost 'tropical' like conditions and the hill just seemed to go on forever. It's doesn't seem like much in the car, but running it was a whole different story. Not to mention the smell.
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| Running through the tunnel up the big hill |
We were very relieved to see the light at the end of the tunnel as we headed back into the fresh air. As we got to the top of the Bolte, we stopped for a quick breather and couldn't resist the opportunity to take some selfies. After all it's not every day you get to stop on the bridge and take in these views.
At this stage I was feeling pretty good. We were about half way through and plodding along quite nicely. My glute injury was holding up ok, although on the hills I was starting to feel it, so had to take them slowly. What was lovely about this run, was my friend Katherine ran with me who was also recovering from injury so it was great to have buddy and we were able to motivate each other through the race.
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| On top of the Bolte Bridge |
I hadn't run more than 11k's so I really started to feel it in the last few k's and was in a world of pain. Thankfully by now there so many people cheering and kids high fiving us along the way which pushed me to keep going. The volunteers were also amazing.. Every kilometer they were on the loud speakers cheering us on, blowing the horns and making as much noise as they could.
We eventually made our way back down Footscray Rd, through Docklands
into Spencer Street, up the dreaded Collins Street hill, along south
bank and home. As we ran around the last corner and up the straight to the finish line, the emotions started to set in as I realised what I'd accomplished. Lets just say I'm glad I had the sunnies on.
We did it. Our time of just under 2 hours may not have been the best, but it wasn't about that. We just got out there and did it and had fun doing it whilst raising money for our children's hospitals that gives so much.
I would never in my wildest dreams thought I could run 15 k's and to think it's only extra 6 to make that half mara. I must say though, there's a lot of hard work still ahead of me.
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| On the finish line - I did it |
I eventually made it home, and more or less collapsed on the couch after some stretches and more ice. Peter then took me out for a well earnt breakfast at favourite cafe. YUM. I could barely move the rest of the afternoon but was one spoilt girl. Mum brought me some relaxation crystals, so I took a nana nap and then enjoyed a long bath. Pete also took care of the cleaning and then took over cooking dinner.. All so I can just chilax on the couch. I couldn't be more thankful.
So there you have it folks, that's run for the kids over for another year. Thanks for all of you good luck and messages of support then congratulations. I've been overwhelmed and it's means a lot.
Until next time, a couple more pics for you. Night all and happy running x
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| Views from the Bolte |
As you may know a couple of weeks ago I completed my longest run ever (15 k's in the run for the kids). It may not have been my best run or the fastest run, but it made me even hungrier and more determined to reach my next goal - the half marathon. 
