Remember that feeling of pure accomplishment after your very first race? That’s what running the SAAC 16km back in 2012 was like for me. I’d just gotten bitten by the running bug, and this unknown distance was both terrifying and thrilling. (Imagine lining up with your watch still set on your 1.5 km warm-up with Miles – that was me!) I just ran my own race, and let’s just say, I was pretty darn proud of myself when I crossed that finish line.
This race has seen some changes over the years – new sponsors, and a course swap from Charlie’s epic nature trail to a more spectator-friendly route. Looking back, I’ve only conquered this course 5 times since 2013. Life (and other races) got in the way a couple of times, then there were those pesky COVID lockdowns. Hey, even superheroes get sick!
Winning this race has always been a secret dream, but let’s be honest, champions like Col and Kieran usually steal the show. My peak running year was 2018 – I was a fitness machine and crushed my goals, including a scorching 1:17 finish here (that’s a 4:48 pace – can you believe it?).
Fast forward to this year. Since catching Covid in 2022, my running has been, well, let’s just say it’s taken a nosedive. It even knocked me out of long-distance races altogether. My last long run before this race? A measly 14km back in July. And guess what happened a week later? Yep, you guessed it – Covid round two!
So needless to say, I wasn’t exactly setting any course records this time around. But that wasn’t going to stop me! This race was about getting back out there, on my own terms. The virtual option was tempting (especially with the apocalyptic weather the day before – thunderstorms and rain so thick you could cut it with a knife!), but I decided to show up at the start line with a plan.
700m run/100m walk intervals – perfect for a 16km journey, and a killer RockMyRun mix to keep me pumped. The course, thanks to all that rain, was basically an obstacle course of muddy puddles. Some parts looked solid, but they’d leave you with a lovely layer of mud clinging to your shoes. There was even a refreshing sprinkle of rain for a few minutes (humidity held off though, thank goodness!).
Knowing I’d likely be bringing up the rear, I was surprised when the race became a solo adventure. No one passed me, and I passed no one. At the checkpoints (c’mon, they fell right during my walking intervals!), the volunteers even checked in to make sure I was okay. (Yes, I’m fine, just fueling my inner champion here!)
Honestly, considering my recent hiatus from long distances, I was amazed my body held up. Maybe all that gym work is paying off? Sure, I finished dead last with a personal worst time of 1:40, but guess what?
- I could have totally done another lap (or maybe even two!)
- My fueling strategy was on point (high five to me!)
- I proved I can still conquer tough challenges
- And most importantly, I’m ready to jump back into the race scene!
This wasn’t about winning or setting records. This was about rediscovering the joy of running and proving to myself that I’m still out there. And hey, maybe next year Col and Kieran will have some new competition to watch out for!