What does it mean to the running community to be able to 'take over the streets' and run again after 26 months lock down imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic?
For me, good things really do come to those who wait .. and keep running.
Whoever said that running was an individual's sport is missing out on too much.
This year I ran with friends and waved and cheered for fellow runners I spotted on the course just as loud as I would for Richmond at the MCG!
Further, I was part of a running crew who was supported by friends (pictured above) who got out of bed at 4am and travelled to the city just to cheer us on. They rode bikes to find us, carried drinks and supplies, ran alongside for a bit - and gave us the necessary energy boost when needed. (Turning up the hill to the Shrine is the best case in point!)
This is the benefit of running together. I am convinced that being part of a running community makes me a better runner. I'm so thankful for those who cheered, who trained alongside and have become such valuable friends. I share the running trials (and trails!) and tribulations with them and journey with them all year long.
I am thankful for Diamond Valley Athletics Club and Diamond Valley Striders group.
My beloved city of Melbourne comes alive many, many times of the year for sporting events - cricket, AFL, tennis and more - but never more for me than when we get to 'take over the streets' and run through the very heart of the city.
This year the wider running community was fresh and alive. The buzz was real and there was a sense of 'we're back ... finally' everywhere.
Having been delayed from October's traditional date to December because of the pandemic meant that we could meet outside, without masks, and get on with it.
It was such a long training build up, we were worried about December's heat, and never really knew until the last minute if it was actually going to happen. But it did.
I am thankful for the event organisers who continued to pursue an event date - despite the pandemic difficulties.
And we're off! It actually happened!
In fact I should know this course well by now ... this was event number ten. And that means achieving a running goal I set many years ago.....
I have long looked with admiration at those who ran Melbourne in their special singlets with the word "Spartan" on them. These runners have achieved a minimum of ten races to earn that title. Five of them have even competed all 43 events run.... that is amazing. One of them, John Dobson, lives near me and I have seen him training on our local paths.
The phrase "Go Spartan" seemed to accompany these runners everywhere they went. And deservingly so.
This year I donned the green (10 events) singlet. I too got to experience hearing those encouraging words "Go Spartan" right throughout the day. What a thrill. My good mate, Tim Fearn-Wannan, a Spartan a few years ahead of me, told me what this would be like - and it was one of those life experiences that you cant truly get your head around until you've actually lived it.
I am thankful for the Melbourne Marathon Spartans Club. I have often quoted Groucho Marx's line that 'he would never be a member of any club who would have him', but this Club is one I am very very proud to have joined.
Adding a fourth point here - selfishly, sure - but I'm the author so I can! It's not very often I am motivated to buy the official photos after a marathon, but this year I couldn't say no - not with images that I want to keep in my mind for years to come. Congratulations to my amazing wife who completed her first Melbourne, absolutely smashed her PB, and can keep wearing her orange t-shirt! (in joke).
I am thankful to being able to run life with her.
Finally, huge thanks to the medical crew at the finish
line. We needed them and I am
appreciative of the volunteers and their caring help. These are among the selfish people who give up their time and day (and sleep!) so we can enjoy what we love to do.
I am thankful for all the volunteers - the medics, the drink stations, all of them.
Proof again that running gives you the chance to help others all around you.
Organisation | 9 | Hats off to the organisers - they kept going and got a date. Huge logistics involved and we can only say thankyou. The bag check was the only reason I didn't give them a 10/10. It was a disaster. But Covid-safe measures were good and well communicated, including wrist bands and check ins. | |
Crowd | 10 | ||
Atmosphere | 10 | I hope I've conveyed here the feeling of what is was like to return to the streets. And, what a huge buzz it was for my running crew - we celebrated together afterwards and rode a 'high' for the rest of the week! | |
Course | 10 | It's Melbourne - and we were allowed to run! Also, the MCG never looked better. Spectacular signage and displays. | |
Expo | 0 | Not held due to Covid. | |
Medal | 9 | Nice, and note how there is no date on this edition - that's a Covid thing for sure.   | |
Runner’s pack | 0 | Nothing this year. That's ok, I'm sure the landfill wasn't great from those 2020 dated t-shirts and medals that never got to see the light of day. | |
Injuries | 2.5 | 2.5 black toe nails! This could rise to 3... its slowly coming! | |
