Running the City2Surf

Fitness and sports has never really been my thing. I love and value being fit and healthy, but my GAP year in London somewhat destroyed any ‘fitness’ I had. And then I came to uni and decided I needed to get back into it. I started playing netball, joined the gym and did yoga classes at least once a week. And then in August last year, my Dad (who’s in his 50’s) ran the City 2 Surf. And this was the point where I decided that I would add this 14km run from St. Mary’s cathedral in the city, to beauitful Bondi beach with UOW.

And today… I did it! Honestly, my only goal was to finish without dying. I was lucky enough to race with one of my friends, Liam. It was a beautiful sunny day, the atmosphere was incredible and there’s nothing quite like that burning feeling in every muscle as you stumble towards the finish line. So, here’s some of the thoughts, feelings and words of advice that I’ve come up with/I experienced whilst running (beware, when I was approaching 9kms, I was getting pretty delusional).

Have a running buddy. I ran with one of my friends Liam, and I’d definitley recommend it because they push you along when you feel like you can’t take one more step.

Thinking to myself *this is the longest kilometre ever* Enough said.

Motivation, inspiration and determination is a magical thing. I didn’t know I was capable of running 14kms in one go (OK so I walked some of it, but you get my gist). The music that’s pumping from DJ decks, the people cheering, clapping and shouting you on, the amazing sign that said ‘run like Channing Tatum is at the finish line…’ It pushes you beyond any physical boundaries. And it made me realise the true power the mind possesses and how important it is to believe you can do it.

Train, train, train… This was probably my biggest problem. I’m great at procrastinating and managed to make up 101 reasons why I didn’t need to go running after work, or uni, or whatever else I was doing. Definitely make sure you work on your stamina and your core strength. It will make it a lot easier I assure you.

Make sure you arrange a specific point to meet people afterwards. I was lucky that I ran with my friend, but when I tried to meet my Dad last year, my gosh it’s merely impossible!

Make a good running playlist. When the music isn’t blasting from onlooking houses, make sure your running playlist is on point. You want bangerz to keep you pushing through the pain. Any song that would be played at retro night will get you in the mood.

But the most important thing is to make sure you have fun. It’s a rare chance you get to run through the main streets of Sydney with 80 000 other people. I know it sounds cheesy, but it really inspires you to train more, push harder and make the most out of every opportunity life throws at you.

xxx A