05/10/2024
42 at 42.
A few weeks ago, I ran my first marathon in Sydney, accomplishing my goal I set at the start of the year to run 42km at 42yrs old.
I want to thank everyone for their love, support & words of encouragement. It was great to see some of you watch my run live & cheer me on.
It was an amazing experience from the surreal moment of running on the Harbour Bridge, to the beautiful scenery of Centennial Park to finishing at the iconic Sydney Opera House.
I met Sid, Abi & Etta at the 15km mark which gave me a big energy boost. There were lots of volunteers and spectators along the sideline holding signs and cheering us on, even calling out my name! âGo Flo!!â This was so uplifting to hear especially after the 33km mark when everything started to hurtâŚ
There was great comradery on the field. Words of encouragement to eachother, high fives, and selfies! Hats were blown away by the wind & were picked up & returned by another runner. The runners who were cramping were all helped up and if you slowed down or were on the brink of giving up, someone would yell and urge you to keep going!
The last 3km was the best. The crowds on the sidelines got bigger & bigger. And louder and louder and thousands perched on the steps of the Opera House cheered with pure elation at the finish line, sharing that special moment with us. Running through the finish line was the best feeling! A feeling of pure euphoria and proud accomplishment.
I couldnât have done it without the help & support of all my friends and family. Thank you Sid, Abi & Etta for coming and making a holiday out of it too. And thanks to my good friend .o.x for pushing me to do this and actually booking my ticket and training with meâŚsometimes. đ𤣠And thanks for not backing out.
I donât know whatâs next for me⌠definitely lots of rest and recovery, family time, and some short & easy runs. Maybe a fun/short triathlon at the end of the year. So if you want to go for a run, swim or bike ride, hit me up and letâs do it together. Letâs make a goal to keep moving forward. đđđŞâ¤ď¸