When life gives you lemons, you go running!  Not that I'm one to complain but life's thrown some freakin' mammoth sized lemons at me in the last month that have really been a big blow both spiritually, mentally and physically.  In any case, I'm so thankful to have a hobby that keeps me fit in all those regards so this event

After running the Fernleigh 15 in late October, I thought it would be good to run one last race for the year before things got too hot and too close to Christmas to be bothered!  I've looked at this race for the last couple years and thought it would be worth giving it a go so this was the perfect excuse.

I dragged

I really wished I wasn't still getting over man flu and an injured calf for this event.  I missed a few of the longest weeks of training and it really trashed my endeavours of finishing well under the 3:45:00 I posted last year.  All good, though, plan B was now in effect, which was just bloody run and hope like hell I make it!

On

I was in really good condition for this event and I desperately wanted to crack a sub 100 minute half marathon, which wasn't out of reach.  My only reservation was, I was already a few weeks into a marathon program so no tapering at all before this half.  I was feeling good so I thought I would just show up and give it everything I

No matter how many times I have run this event, it always makes me smile.  I'm so fortunate to have such a great home–ground event.

As can be typical, I got struck down with the dreaded man flu a couple weeks out from this event, which meant I missed the longest weeks of training.  All good, though,

Running over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and then a few nights in the club lounge at the Sofitel...  Doesn't get much better than that, as far as I'm concerned!

After running a half marathon PB up the Hunter Valley I was pretty excited to build up for a full marathon PB.  I was also equally excited to run

I was pretty excited ramping up for this event as I wanted to run my first half under 1:45:00.  It didn't help that I fell ill with the man-flu two weeks prior.  In any case, my training was on track enough that I should have been able to get close.

Lining up on the start I planned to get away quick and try

I knew I was doomed for this event before I started.  Wrong attitude or realistic expectation?  I'm going with realistic expectation...

After a year long battle and a few near misses, I finally purchased my first house.  Unfortunately for me, the settlement date landed around six weeks out from

I was really looking forward to this event, although two weeks out I was struck down with the worst case of man flu I've ever experienced.  It actually resulted in two days sick leave, which was the first two days I've had off sick in years.  Needless to say this obliterated my training program during the most crucial period —