Three in Three Months

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The euphoria of vacation can make people do silly things. Like sign up for another half marathon. I registered for the Heart of the City half in Burnsville on June 7th. Three halves in three months. A few days ago, relaxing in Sydney, it seemed like a great idea. Now as I sit in the airport waiting for my connection on my way home, dreading work and wishing for sleep, I think I’m crazy.

North Queensland

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A few pictures from the portion of my trip in northern Queensland:
Cape Tribulation in the Daintree rainforest, the area where James Cook ran his ship aground the reef in 1770.

A view of the Great Barrier Reef from the boat of the scuba diving trip. Eleven dives in three days.

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My official time of the Sydney Morning Herald Half Marathon was 1:58:39.

In Sydney

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I’m making good use of my new camera in Sydney.

The Harbour Bridge:

The big spiders:

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Note to self: Check out the course pre-race and train accordingly. The Sydney Half today was the hardest course I’ve run. I didn’t expect the number or difficulty of the hills. I unofficially ran it in 1:58:41 (chip times aren’t posted yet). This isn’t a great time compared to my other halves, but I’m actually happy with it. Hills are not my thing so this race challenged me and pushed me. I’m also happy I was able to stay under 2 hours with such a challenge just a month after another half marathon.
Over 6000 people finished the race so it was a large event, but I didn’t feel it was well organized. The water stops were minimal, including one which was just Gatorade. At pervious races I’ve done, runners are quickly corralled into lines for water and food (frequently including pizza!) but this time it was by luck we found a glass of water and the line for an orange and a banana. I’m still happy I did the race and am thrilled I completed the challenge. As I continue to travel for races, I’m sure I’ll just find each is run differently.

New Camera

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I’ve been trying to get through a list of items I need to take care of before my trip to Australia. Of course this means most of it I’ve done in the last week, including buying a new camera. I’m the excited new owner of a Nikon D70. I bought it used and know it has been well cared for and loved. This weekend I went out and played with it for a bit.

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Solo Run

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Last Saturday I went for my first weekend run alone in several weeks. I pushed through 11 miles more successfully than last week, but I think it had more to do with an improvement in my allergies than to do with running solo. I didn’t mind running alone, however. While I definitely enjoy and even find I prefer running with my Running Friend, I’d forgotten the personal time I enjoy while running alone. I see myself needing the company and motivation of RF, however, as we tackle the long weekend runs during training this summer. Plus, I certainly missed the post-run cup of coffee!

Allergies

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Saturday’s run wasn’t very encouraging for having just signed up for the TC marathon. My friend (who also just signed up for the marathon!) and I did the 11 mile river road loop and it was more challenging than the half two weeks ago. The wind advisory, the high tree pollen count and allergies from dog sitting didn’t make for a favorable day. By the end of our run I was not only wondering about the marathon, but the upcoming Sydney half. I know I have to remind myself that not all runs are good runs and it just wasn’t my day, but I couldn’t help being in a bit of a funk over it Saturday. The itchy eyes and runny nose didn’t help. But I’m done dog sitting and am hoping Sydney has enough concrete to fend off any fall allergies.