37th Annual City 2 Surf

It was a beautiful spring-like day, with temperatures in the mid-20s at least...perfect weather to spend outdoors! It was the first time I participated in the annual City 2 Surf fun run (thanks to A's influence) and it was great. Over 64,500 people registered for the event, raising more than $850,000 for charity. Participants were split into 3 groups: the serious competitors, the runners and the "Back of the Pack" (that's us!^^). For safety reasons, the start times were staggered for each group. It was bizarre to hear the winners of the race announced over the loudspeakers before we had even crossed the start line.

We took it easy, enjoyed the live music and stopped to take photos of the spectacular ocean views. As we walked through the residential areas, there were kids who had set up their own little drink stands in their front yards and handed out homemade lemonade and pieces of orange & mandarin to passing participants. The generous kids, the talented musicians, the guy who leaned over the fence/wall to spray water on people wanting to cool down...I love this great Aussie spirit! (^o^)/

Despite only getting 4 hours sleep last night (I went to watch Priscilla Queen of the Desert the Musical...wonderful constumes, great music and dancing...loads of fun! Sorry, got sidetracked...) I managed to finish the race in under 3 hours. Our finish time was around 2 hours 50 minutes (to be officially published in the newspaper on Tuesday), and we each received a bronze "I finished" medallion. Go team!

My goal for next year is 2 hours. I guess I'd better start training!