Half Marathon Report...

The very fact that there is something to report is a huge bonus considering last week's distractions.

Even as late as Saturday night I was considering binning it. We were babysitting one of Lian's friends and they were running around screaming their heads off. The changes at work were still playing on my mind. And as well as the thought of getting up at 4am and running 21.1km on Sunday - they all combining to make my head feel like it was going to explode.

But I decided that the run would provide a good distraction from all the crap and may sort me out.

So up I got at 4am, wandered around a bit to get my system going, had something to eat, checked the cricket score and headed for the 5.05am train to Milson's Point.

I think I may have fallen asleep on the train because the journey went very quickly. I followed the crowds up to the park, collected my free singlet and dropped off the rest of my ballast at the clothing trucks / porta-loos!

I had a good stretch before the start and ended up stood next to the starters stage - from where I couldn't even see the red balloons signifying the 1:50:00 pacer (they were way behind me). I thought that'd be OK though as I had my trusty Imaginary Friend.

However, it didn't take long to realise that my Imaginary Friend was also suffering from the early start - or perhaps it was because he gets upset being hidden from the sky by the Harbour Bridge / buildings. Anyway, I couldn't rely on his advice of pace or distance too much - but at least it gave me an idea.

I felt pretty good for most of the first half, except when there was torrential rain (probably only for a few minutes - but felt longer) just before the turning point. That caused a fierce head wind going out which died on the way back.

I think I went through 14km (City to Surf distance) in about 1:15 - so a new PB there! I also saw the red balloons pass me on the way back toward the city and kept them in sight for a while.

But then I encountered the hills between about 15 and 19km. They really knocked me around. I remember walking up one particularly steep bit and had to force myself to kick off again when it leveled out.

I ran along with a lad from Sunderland via Brisbane who said he'd been limping since 8km and that seemed to give me a bit of a breather before I put on a bit of a surge down a hill and through to the Opera House.

...to finish in 1:54:30 by my watch.

So 4:30 outside my initial target, but as I said - considering where my head's been for the last week or so - I was very pleased with that.

I wandered round the recovery village to stretch a bit and put some dry clothes, then headed back to Circular Quay station and home.

I was switched on enough to keep drinking fluids for the rest of the day and didn't feel too beaten up.

I really can't imagine how I could ever do a Marathon, but maybe after I've settled down a bit and get back into training I might re-evaluate that idea. I'll certainly give the Half a go again. Maybe the Sydney Morning Herald sponsored event in May next year?