Bridge To Brisbane 2015: Tackling My First Distance Event
The day had finally arrived, Sunday 30th August 2015, which filled me with a bit of anxiety as well as excitement. I was pumped, but at the same time unsure and a little afraid of what to actually expect. The morning was a little cool, especially since it had been raining the night before. However, I was hesitant to wear too many layers, given I was going to be exercising and pushing myself to new limits.
First things first though, which was breakfast! I definitely knew I would need something to get me through the morning. However it had to be something that wasn't going too heavy and slow me down. I'd also left most of the important things in my car the night before, in order to minimise the chance of forgetting anything. Anyway, with that out of the way it was time to get the show on the road.
Initially I supposed to be running with Alysha, whom is really amazing friend of mine, but she ended up having to pull out just a few days before. This was sad, as we were both really looking forward to achieving this milestone together. It left me with a spare race number though, which one of my other really good mates Amy stepped up at the last minute. This was also still a really special experience, as she's been one of my closest friends through everything the last couple of years.
We arrived about an hour early of our start time, which was good, as I like to be punctual and prepared. This is especially when I don't know where I'm going or what to expect. I got the Go-Pro strapped and race number pinned on, as Amy and I waited for the race to begin. I stretched my legs a little, but took the time more to just observe and calm my mind before the inevitable storm. Eventually we made our way down to the starting area, along with the mass of other people and finally we were off.
Initially I quietly confident, as I began trying to push past as many people as I could, especially given the multitude of people taking part in the event. However I was also wary that this was probably the longest distance I had ever attempted to 'run'. After all, I knew I wouldn't be able to go all out for the entire race distance. Despite this though, like I said I wanted to push myself beyond what I thought I could do.
It was within the first few hundred metres though, that disaster struck and Amy tripped over and cut her left knee open. I was a little in front at this point, but of course I went back to make sure she was okay. Like a trooper she soldiered on though, as we shortly found a medic and got her some attention. After all of that we set off again and I tried to settle into some kind of rhythm. Initially I was just trying to take it in small chunks, as well as not get too overwhelmed by the distance to go. I made a point to run when I felt I could, but also not to dawdle when I was walking either.
The first few kilometres for me were more about me just getting over the nerves and anxieties. It wasn't till around the halfway mark that my body began to physically fit back. I knew though that I just had to keep pushing through and take in as much of the experience as I could. Something I would say I'm not overly good at for the most part, especially when I feel like I'm under the pump. Regardless of this though, I was out there giving it a crack, the sun was out and it was a glorious morning.
The last section for me was were things started to align and come together. The adrenaline and anticipation started to kick in, as I knew the end was coming, but I still had a fair way to travel too. I began to toss up when and how hard to push for the final stretch. I was tired, but knew I wanted to finish strong and really knowing I had achieved something for the day, despite obviously completing the event at all.
I settled with running the last kilometre all the way to the finish, as I'm fairly certain I had never run that amount in one whole stretch. So with the 1km to go marker I was once again off and running. Ironically I felt the best of the entire race during that, despite being nowhere near fresh. There was something ultimately for me that was completely freeing and serene. Well that or just a super dose of adrenaline flooding through my body. After all, the finish was now in sight and quickly becoming a reality.
The last few hundred metres I picked up the pace again, as every small step inched and beckoned me closer and closer to the end. I had one thing on my mind, which was my main goal for the day. Finally that moment arrived, as I jumped over the finish line. Well as ecstatically as could manage, given the fact I'd just done 10km. I was both completely stoked and elated with my morning, as I had accomplished what I had set out to do.
I double-checked my watch to work out my final time, which was 1 hour and 17 minutes. Now not really having anything to gauge against I was just glad to have anything less than 2 hours. I then collected my participation t-shirt, which was another proud moment, especially to be able to wear that shirt and show my achievement. After all this was something I never would have even contemplated only a couple of years ago.
I messaged Alysha to make sure she was included, as I was also running the race for her on top of my own reasons. I also got an unexpected call from my Mum telling me how proud she was of me, which was so sweet of her given how much I admire her. After all in some regards, I just saw it as another day despite the obvious anticipation etc. It was awesome to hear her voice though as she's always been my rock and grounding point.
Amy crossed the line a few minutes after me, as I ended up losing her through the pack. I have a feeling though if she hadn't hurt herself so early, the finishing order would have probably been the other way around. Again though, just happy she was okay and to be sharing the experience with her. We went to get some smoothies to make sure we didn't pass out, eventually found our way to the bus back home and that was my very first Bridge to Brisbane.
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