It's been a big year

A little while ago a trend started in my online FB 12wbt runners connect group. Everyone began posting collages of themselves at all the running events they've been in for the year. What an awesome idea I thought, and quickly jumped on the bandwagon and created my own. I also thought it was great opportunity to reflect on my achievements and to thank you all for the support and encouragement you've given me throughout the year! So hear goes:

It all started back on the 19th January when Raels & I decided to try out a local athletics club, so we entered ourselves into the 6 km New Years Resolution Run.  Being the first one of the year, I was bit sluggish and completed it in 39:59. Whilst it was a very well ran event and a lovely course, we were a bit disappointed with the attitude of those in the running club and won't be back.

Next up was the sunset series. A series of three 8km runs. This included a race around & through the Melbourne Zoo, The Tan and Princess Park. The zoo run was pretty awesome and one of my favourite events - will definitely be doing it again next year. Luckily throughout the three races, I improved my time at each one. 56:22; 53:21 & 51.22.

Run for the Kids was next. It's an event that has always been one of my favs as it raises money for the good friday appeal. So on Sunday 13th April I set off to run my longest ever - 15km's! It's a course so unique that it takes you through tunnels and over bridges taking in some of the best views around Melbourne. I was exhausted, but finally made it over the line in 1.58.

Next up was Run Melbourne on Sunday 27th July. This was a special one as it was the first race Peter signed up to do with me and we were also celebrating our sixth anniversary together. Pete of course smashed it, and I finished in just over the hour.

And finally, the big one... My first Half Marathon at the Melbourne Marathon Festival on Sunday 12th October.  And what a big day it was... The adrenalin, the emotion, the highs, the lows, it was the race that had it all, and I actually did it! Amazing.. 

City 2 Sea on Sunday 16th November was next on the agenda. The weather wasn't on our side for this one but it was a nice and flat 15k course that started at the MCG and finished in St Kilda.

And, finally, my last run for 2014 was the Sussan's Classic on Sunday 7th December. Again, weather was terrible, but it suited me as I smashed my 10k record and I'm now only a few minutes off cracking that hour!

So there you have it folks. Thank you again, for the support and encouragement you have given me a long way. It's what has motivated me and kept me going. Who know's what instal for 2015, guess you'll have to just wait and see,

Happy Running
xo

Susans Classic Re~Cap

Well folks, yesterday marked my final fun run for 2014. 

It was an early start, 5.30am to be exact and Melbourne was experiencing a massive down pour. It literally had not stopped raining the entire night... Vastly different from the extreme heat wave we experienced at the same event this time last year. So while the rest of you were sleeping and snuggled up in your doona's I braved the conditions and headed off to St Kilda to run the 10k course.

Ready to go !!! Huddling under a tree from the rain!

 The rain didn't let up for the entirety of the race and it was a bit on the cool side, but I was happy.. Give me rain rather than heat any day. It was a lovely flat course but thanks to all the rain, the last half a kilometer became a bit of cross country course. The course finished on a dirt pathway that was covered in pot holes and puddles, and we had to dodge our way through them making sure we didn't fall over at the same time. 

And we're off

I didn't quie sub the hour I was hoping to but I did beat my PB from Run Melbourne in July by 2 mins to run over the line in an 1.04. At the same event last year which was my first 10's I ran it 1.11 so I'm pretty stoked to think I've improved my time by 7 mins. 

It's all about the Bling!

So what's install for 2015 you might ask? 

At the stage, nothing. I'll probably do my favourite Run for the Kids, but that's pretty much it. As I've said before I really just wanna enjoy the running now and focus on getting quicker and trying to crack that hour for my 10k's and getting under the half n hour for 5k's.  I'm so close, so watch this space!

 

Until next time,

Night all and happy running xo

P.S. The Susan's Classic Women's Fun Run  raises money towards the Breast Cancer Network of Australia.  The BCNA provides support to Australians affected by Breast Cancer and provides Women with the very best support, information, treatment and care appropriate for their needs. It's a women only event, where women run in pink to honor loved ones that lost their battle and to also raise awareness.

Field of women