Date: Saturday, 22 August 2015

From: Julie

Dunc Slams First Half

July 5th 2015     ASICS Gold Coast Half Marathon

Heya ferals!

Last month, my family and I were lucky enough to 'follow the sun', have a holiday and I was finally able to participate in my first ever half marathon. I say 'finally' as ITB issues and throat infection were a couple of blighters that initially stood in my way!

On the Saturday (4th) fellow feral Leslie Taylor completed the 10 kilometre run and later with children Cooper and Haidin; the 4 kilometre run. The event seemed Taylor made as there were plenty of smiles and discussion of a return to events and maybe even a marathon in 2016!

My event started at 'sparrow farts' on the Sunday. A toilet queue hold up saw my late arrival for the starting line and placed me behind the 2 hour pacer balloon (doh!). The gun went off; it then took a couple of kilometres to get a good pace and some personal space! We headed North for the first 10.5 km; as far as Paradise Point. I experienced beautiful views of parks, bridges, marinas and of course a spectacular sunrise. The roadside support from strangers was also amazing! Most runners were courteous and it took me half the race to realise that strangers on the side were yelling out "go Julie" to me and not someone sharing my name right behind me! (Yes, blonde moment! My bib had my name on it!).

The first 14 kilometres felt awesome but after that distance I tired quickly. A lack of distance training five weeks beforehand caught up with me! However with thoughts of seeing my boys??, catching Olympian Jess Trengrove ??(dreamin'!) and a cuppucino, I 'soldiered' on and was able to complete the run. I so could have kissed the blue carpet at the finish! (posh!)

This is an awesome event which I recommend you try at least once!

GC 5km/10km/Half or Full marathon 2 & 3rd July 2016; bring it on!

Cheers and see you on the hill and hopefully the Gold Coast, Julie Duncan