It’s 5am on Sunday morning. Race day for the Blackmores Sydney Marathon has finally arrived. I begin my pre-race ritual of morning bed yoga (yes, it is a thing and no, it’s not that thing!), get dressed, grab something to eat and hop on a bus down to Milsons Point with around 3,500 other Sydneysiders who have also made the decision to endure a couple hours’ torture for a free t-shirt and medal. We love it!
I’m pretty nervous this morning – this will my fourth marathon for the year and I still can’t predict if I’m going to have a good race or not. While I’ve had some amazing personal triumphs this year, I’ve had just as many heartbreaking disappointments. I guess have to trust in the consistency of my training (thanks to Sean and Warren from SWEAT), say goodbye to a few toenails and hope for the best!
After a quick hello to some fellow SWEATERS who have come to watch the start, the gun goes off and we are racing. I’m running with the 2:45 pacer for the first half of the marathon. The runner who will end up placing third female is also running with us. Geez she is strong – I get the feeling that this pace is a walk in the park for her!
I’m still feeling strong at this point but as soon as we
pass the 20km drink station and collect my drink the pace feels like it gets a whole lot
quicker and before I know it I’m playing catch up. I
decide that I’m going to have to run my own race from here
on in.
My pace slips in the second half but I hang on as much as I can through Pyrmont and then try and pick up as soon as I get to the start of the wharfs. The new course is great; there are quite a few turns but running by the water’s edge is just lovely. Rounding Barrangaroo, under the Harbour Bridge and around into Circular Quay, it’s nice to see my wonderful Husband, my family and friends supporting and cheering me on. I give them a grimaced smile and wave as I unleash and give everything I have for a strong finish.
I crossed the line in 2:49:31, which earnt me 5th female overall, 1st Australian female and 1st in my age group with a 2 and a half min PB!
What a day! Now time for some well-earned champagne…
Elizabeth Pittaway (Melbourne Pack online client)