"Born to Run"

I pretty much retired my running sneakers in 2001 after four years of high school cross country and spring track.  I traded them in for the love of zumba.  But in September 2012 I started running again.  This was all so I could train to take part in the world’s largest road race.  The Sun Herald City to Surf has 85,000 registered participants to make it the largest race in the entire world.  Committing to race in this 14km race known for its “heart break hill”  meant committing to a rigorous training schedule.  

Run across the Anzac Bridge - Me, Rachel, and Wendy

In the months leading up to this August race the girls and I ran regularly on Saturday’s or Sunday’s.  Our routes ranged from running through the beautiful eastern suburbs, running over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, taking in the stunning Harbour views while running through the Botanical Gardens and around Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, across the Anzac Bridge and running through Hyde Park and down to Circular Quay.  Wendy, Emily, and I also met fairly regularly at 6:15 in the morning before work to run the Walsh Bay Finger Wharfs or run through Darling Harbour to make sure that “there was a little more exercise and a little less e-mails!”  Running through this beautiful city and past beautiful scenery makes me fall more in love with this city everyday.  

Lovely Expats Before City to Surf in Hyde Park

August 11^th finally came and it was a picture perfect day for City to Surf.  The race started adjacent to Hyde Park in the City racing up towards the Coke Sign in Kings Cross.  The race hugged the coast on New South Head Road past Rushcutters Bay, Double Bay, Rose Bay, and Watson’s Bay before continuing on Military Road to end at Bondi Beach.  At about the 6km mark heart break hill began on New South Head Road and for one kilometer the race was straight uphill – the famous landmark of the race!  It was such a fun day and already looking forward to the race next year.

We survived heart break hill and made it to Bondi!

About a month later on September 22^nd was the Blackmores Sydney Harbour Bridge Run. 

Wendy, Aimee, Me,and Emily under the Harbour Bridge before the race

This was a 9km race where the bridge was closed and we could run across it – absolutely stunning.  The race also ran by Hyde Park and through the Botanical Gardens allowing you to catch stunning glimpses of the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge at various points. It was another fabulous day but an extremely hot one!  

I don't think you could ask for a better view at the finish!

Running has become a new regular in my life now and it is probably made easier and more fun because of the support and encouragement of fabulous running buddies.  Now to look forward to our next race in November – the Electric Run!

Photos courtesy of Emily - thanks!