Run Melbourne Half Marathon - Run

This was my first half marathon so I went into it with no expectations. I set myself three goals, to finish, run sub 3 hours and run the entire way. I had been worried all week about having a panic attack at the start line like I did for my Moama 10K but thankfully it did not happen. The start was pretty non eventful and I just tried to hold my ground amongst a sea of people without losing my footing. By the 3K mark I was actually starting to tire, I wasn't expecting the course to be so hilly. By the 5K mark and the first big hill the field had spread right out and I managed to find my stride. At that stage my legs were feeling heavy and I wasn't sure I'd be able to meet my goal of running the full distance so I just tried to concentrate on one hill and one km at a time. By the 9k mark I started to tighten up and being afraid of cramping I started taking in some electrolyte at the aid stations. At the 14k mark I passed my mum and had gotten my second wind. At the 17k mark I was reduced to a shuffle trying to get up heartbreak hill for the second and last time. I ended up dropping back to a walk and striding out for 30 secs to stretch out my legs. Once I hit the top of the hill I took off again. By the 19k mark I was in a world of pain but I was determined to run the last 2k. I kicked at the 20k mark and passed a couple of people to finish as strong as I could.

My lead up had not been ideal, for a fortnight before hand I had done no training and eaten poorly. I was also carrying more weight that I would have hoped, so next time I am hoping to rectify the situation.

Light stretch then a 2+ hour drive home!


Fitness and muscle/leg strength & endurance.


The event was amazing, so well organised and an incredible atmosphere. The volunteers were great, encouraging and supportive of all the competitors. I cannot wait to do it again next year!