Sussan Women's Run 2013

The Sussan Women's Run has a special place on my fun run calendar for a number of reasons. Firstly, although the 2013 run was my third fun run it was my first in an area I didn't know very well as my first two were in central Melbourne. It was also the first I did with the encouragement of the Michelle Bridges 12wbt - I remember posting on a local group's Facebook page for the first time the day before a little nervous and receiving encouragement and advice from people I now consider friends.

Finally - and in some ways most importantly - it highlights a cause that has special meaning for me (and I'm sure many others). There are very few of us who don't know someone who has had breast cancer so it's great to bring attention to attention to the wonderful research that is done my going for a run.

So to today's run! As I'm doing the Advanced 10km Running program for this round of the 12wbt I set this year's 10km as my Week 4 Mini Milestone, aiming to complete it under 1 hour, 10 minutes.

I was up nice and early to meet my friend Sarah to share a taxi to St Kilda and I think we both found the beautiful sunrise encouraging.

This year the Sussan Run introduced a half marathon in addition to the 10km and 5km distances and I was really pleased to hear that the event sold out completely a week beforehand. The 10km and half marathon runners started together, so although it was crowded the atmosphere was exciting.

 

It became fairly obvious that this large group of competitors also had it's downside. I love that so many women are attracted to the Sussan Run for a range of reasons, from running personal bests to acknowledging/remembering a friend or family member. However, it did mean that for the first 2km I was constantly dodging around walkers and slower runners - now the event is so popular I'm hoping the organizers consider this for next year.

 

Moving through the crowd in the first 2km

 

 

Despite this initial challenge, my run was feeling really good and I managed the sun by taking every second drinks breaking rather than walking. By the 9km mark, I was keeping to my intended pace and feeling good ... then came the head wind! The fresh, sea breeze had been a blessing for most of the run but running into it the final km was a definite challenge. Still, I sprinted the final ten metres was pleased with my run.

 

 

I completed my 10km in 1 hour, 10 minutes and 8 seconds, which, given the challenges with crowds and wind, I was very proud of. My next goal is to get to 1 hour, 5 minutes and, given I once complete the distance in under an hour, I know I can do it!

I was also really proud of all my friends who competed in today's run - Sarah for doing her first 10km, Paula for finishing in under an hour, Raelene for completing the run in memory of a friend despite injury and Sharon and Louise for taking on the challenge of a half marathon. Well done to all of you!

Congratulations to all involved for great event - I'll certainly be back next year.

Have a good week everyone,
Katherine :)