I'd placed myself about 5 deep back from the starting line. All racers started together; 4km walk, 10km run, 1/2 mary & full mary. I had some walkers behind me, so I knew I wasn't going to be in the way of anyone immediately. I possibly started too fast, I had to keep reminding myself that it was probably the 10km runners scooting past me. At the same time I knew I wanted to give it my all.

I think at about the 8km mark I found a girl who was running roughly my pace. We stuck with each other for the rest of the run, picking off people as we ran further along. I took water at every aid station (my running buddy would wait for me) had a Gu at about 10km and a couple of dinosaurs at the 15km mark. At this stage we were on track for a 2:10 finish. But the second run along the bike path with the howling head wind proved too tough in the last three kms. I was hurting and started to let negative thoughts enter my head as I realised the sub 2:16 was out of reach. Crossed the line at 2:17:17 according to my watch, official time with come out later in the week.

Perhaps run a little slower in the start. Or to a specific HR, rather than letting it go.

Thanked my running partner for her company and said we'd see each other at the Run to the 'G half.
Warm down included putting a jumper on! And I ate the best apple crumble I've ever had, well after a race anyway. How indulgent!


More consistent run training would be the key (ie 3 runs per week, no excuses) and losing the additional kgs I've been carrying around since Christmas!! The wind was certainly a factor, but it affected everyone.


I've stayed away from the Sri Chinmoy races in the past because I thought the calibre of athletes would be too high for someone as slow as me. Alas not! Bonus that there where heaps of volunteers to man the water stations 2kms apart and direct those of us who aren't familiar with the over the bridge territory. The feed afterwards was better than the GC HIM!! Even if I did feel a little ill.