The usualish routine begins, up early, put on the clothes that were laid out the night before, swallow some water, have a small breakfast (today was a banana) and then head out the door. Leaving early enough to head to running buddy house to car pool.
We got to Devilbend early and expected lots of cars but we saw none, so the designated driver in their wisdom decided to get closer and ended up on the course driving almost to the start line and getting prime parking thanks to one of the volunteers.
We headed to the start line the weather was cold, the people were milling around and the excitement levels were rising. It was good to hear other's stories, the kids running for a great cause, mainly their sick family members which is sad that they have a sick parent but lovely to hear that they have decided to run to raise awareness for the causes of their illnesses.
There were a few vendors some portaloos and lots of conversations happening.
It was soon time to start. This was the first run I have one to with no plan, no expectations and no idea on any of the course other than I had heard it was challenging. Being a small local event there was no blown up start line or starters gun it was a pink line drawn on the ground and a guy with bad jokes and a mega phone.....priceless. It was such a relaxed atmosphere.
We head out after a 3, 2, 1 go start and we are just cruising. We started at the back end of the pack and let the crowd disperse around us. The first water station was less than a km from the start so we bypass it. We continue running and about the 2 km mark we see the first of the 1/2 marathoners coming the other way, for the next km or so we see many of the 1/2ers pass us coming the other way. We continue down the road and notice about the 3km mark a fairly large man huffing and puffing and Richo encourages him saying that the 1/2 way turn around point is just ahead, he smiles and waves us on.
We turn around and head back just before the 4km mark, the head is not playing nicely and the ass is hurting again after the long run the day before but the feet keep lifting and propelling me forward. We see some rises in the distance thinking the tough bits are still to come but manage to overcome them nicely. Around the 6km mark we see the lead 1/2 marathoner coming towards us again, this time there was a fairly large gap between the groups coming towards us and we encourage each of them as we continue on.
Heading back to the turn into the reservoir Richo heads off to the car for his wallet while i continue on my merry way. He catches up not too far into the distance. We continue up a small incline and hear directions to keep to the right to ensure the 1/2 marathoners have space to come back towards us. We come into the park and then follow a small trail into the reservoir park itself. The ground is spongy, the legs are OK but the head is starting to play up as it does.
Keeping to the trail we go up and around following the other runners, overtaking some and some overtaking us. On our home stretch of this section I see Leanne coming towards us, I missed her at the turn around point. Again we offer the oncoming runners encouragement and keep going. The last little incline was trying to beat me but I had that voice in my head and ears telling me to continue. We get over the finish line, get passed our medals, grab a drink and some fruit just in time to turn around and see the first 1/2 marathoner cross the line. My first thoughts are how does a 21.1km runner cross the line less than 5 minutes after I do 10km? They only started 10 or so minutes before us. I am in awe of these very fit and toned athletes.
On our way back to the car we got overtaken by the last of the 1/2 marathon runners and to our amazement the guy we had encouraged back at the 1/2 way turn mark overtook us running. He was still doing a steady pace, he was covered in sweat all over his back, shorts and even skins but he was doing it. Both Richo and I thought I wonder if he did the 10 or is going back for the 1/2, he was a half marathoner and he was inspiring us. He was not built like an athlete, he was not dressed like an athlete but by golly by gosh he is an athlete and he was out there doing it. Having a look later he took 2:46:53 to complete but he did it. It just reminds me that running is not about shape, size, speed, ability or anything other than the desire to just go and do it.
The course was very picturesque and beautiful, the runners and volunteers encouraging and friendly and the run a beautiful day out for us. It was to me an almost flat course, although you see some rises in the distance when you are on them they are not that tough. I really enjoyed this course and depending on my schedule for next year this could be a 1/2 Marathon potential for me.
Next week Sandy Point 10km for me :) See you there!
