Well it's that time of the year again - City to Surf
It's when 55 000 of your closest running mates get together to conquer St George's terrace and Bold Park hill to claim bragging rights and post numerous selfies on FB displaying medals and times and cheery smiles that were grimaces some two hours earlier.
I've decided not to compete this year.
Getting up at 5 30 to get the 6 15 train to Perth
Wearing shorts, singlet and a skimpy jumper shivering in the uncharacteristically cold Perth weather
Sitting on a train like Nelly no mates until three stations later similarly uncomfortable looking runners alight shivering, stretching and anticipating the trip home after the dreaded 12 kms is completed
Then the long walk to the start which recently has been at the Convention centre where we are herded in waves until it is time to hit the street - at least this is a bonus as we can use the toilet the numerous times we need to pee instead of the wonderfully endearing porter potties seen on route
I have always managed to find a kindred spirit but it is an event that is more about character building than fitness friendship or fundraising.
You actually spend more time running the gauntlet of public transport , prams and walkers than running - I swear in the past I have run 15 kms ducking and weaving the many and varied obstacles of a Perth fun run on its congested streets, fraught with the occasional road works and potholes. My whinge of choice has always been the Walkers - that wonderful group of individuals who form groups united by either their shared parenthood or the fact they have all been out on the town the night before and feel the need to share tales of lost love and too many cocktails.
You do feel such a wave so exhilaration after you reach City Beach - much like Hillary conquering Everest and is well worth the experience.
It has helped me conquer so much more than aching knees climbing challenging inclines. It has made me stretch myself and conquer all the limitations I had put on myself when it came to crowds , running and doing stuff on my own.
I still do fun runs - I don't feel the need to do C2S this year - I have nothing to prove - I don't need to keep conquering the same mountains - there are new challenges to face and new limits to test and this year I will just have to enjoy everyone else's FB victories 😀😀😀😀
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