I love big cities and I love to run. There is no better way of combining my two loves then by entering signature events like the Melbourne Marathon. However, like most of my entries, it usually starts by a flippant ‘yeah sure, I’ll do that with you’ response to a friend months in advance, just presuming the logistics of time, training, family, work etc will just work out….its the same story for most of us Running Mums who do a fantastic job of ‘the juggle’.

I’m single, two kids, work fulltime and love the variety of running, cycling, tri’s and also my latest acquisition…the mountain bike. I don’t claim to have it any harder or easier than anyone else in this constant juggle of fitting it all in, however the little seed of doubt always exists for me….’have I done enough training?’…..and so….the preparation for Melbourne Marathon had been no different. Outwardly, I appeared fairly relaxed and casual in my event approach.

I remember I arrived the night before Blackall100 (a 100km trail run) with no bladder for my race pack, and Melbourne was the same…flew in on Saturday with a banana, my pre-race drink and 6 gels for on-course, and while on the plane hoping I had at least remembered my shoes and RMA buff! While I have a fairly casual approach, the desire for success burns brightly and deep within myself. The good wishes from friends….’you’ll smash it’, ‘going to get yourself a new PB’ adds to the pressure I already quietly place myself under. However, personally, its a combination that works for me and is allowing me to continue to improve and run well.

My marathon journey began with the Gold Coast Marathon in 2014, where I hit the wall at 40km and finished in 3:43:05, my finishing chute photo is not pretty. That race shook my confidence a little bit and while I didn’t consciously avoid running another road marathon, the next marathon wasn’t until Cadbury Marathon January 2017, finishing in 3:38:08. While I’m no a fan of repeat events, the opportunity to redeem myself in the Gold Coast Marathon 2017 was a challenge I set myself and was rewarded with a new PB of 3:18:03. Therefore…on the approach to Melbourne, my inner doubt of ‘can I possibly run better’ was definitely present.

After Gold Coast marathon, I trained specifically for my first 70.3 Ironman in September, and since then have been a running buddy for a dear friend who is running the NY Marathon in November, so not following a marathon training plan for myself. However, relying on combination of good base fitness, cross training and good luck…..I arrived in Melbourne.

I took the opportunity to attend the RMA lunch on Saturday, which was I glad I did as I met Catherine & Justine who ironically were on the same flight down from Brisbane as me. Dinner Saturday night at a lovely restaurant with one of my running besties Deb who I was staying with, and then Sunday dawned….cool, clear, but wind free. Perfect running conditions.

I Arrived at the start line, found my position in the throng, got a quick hug from Deb and ‘good luck’ and then we were off. I’ve had good success running with pacers in the past, however I quietly had 3:15 as my goal time which was in between pacers…I decided to go it alone and just make sure I stayed in front of pacer 3:20.

I was happy for a slower pace for the first 1-2km until I found my rhythm, a quick glance of my Garmin then confirmed I was on track with my pace and then I just ran. My legs felt amazing, I always dread starting off in a race and legs feeling like concrete, which often happens in training runs. I quietly congratulated myself on successfully tapering, which I find hard to do but just hoped it was enough for the full 42 kilometres.

The Kilometres were clicking over….down tree lined St Kilda Rd, lots of supporters out, I was taking it all in. In through Albert Park, I was in a good rhythm and slowing picking off runners one by one. Down onto Beach Rd and towards the turn arounds, I had the opportunity to see where I was positioned in terms of pacers ahead and behind. I was definitely in front of the 3:20 pacer which meant I was on track for at least a tiny PB. We finish on Beach Rd and start to head back into the city, I admonished myself for not familiarising myself with the course enough before hand.

I reach the 32k mark but it didn’t feel like I was that far from the city, of course then there is a little loop through the Tan. My legs start to feel tired, the balls of my feet a little hot, my mouth a bit dry from gels and my splits show between 35-40km is my slowest. I keep reminding myself, not long to the finish, my friends are waiting at the end, you’ll feel great running around the MCG, and then I’m into the home stretch of the last 2 kms.

The crowd is getting bigger, onlookers are cheering, I can clearly see the MCG ahead and suddenly I’m on the red track and dig deep for a final sprint finish….I glance at the timer clock above….3:13….wow I think to myself…..a new PB! and then I’m through the chute.

Final time 3:12:41. I’m happy with that and thank Melbourne for perfect weather on a great course, and feel grateful for the opportunity to spend the weekend with my running friends. And so it continues….can I get another PB next time???