This past weekend I ran 23 kms along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria.
The Great Ocean Road is a 240 km stretch of road along the southern coastline of Australia and my run was just a short stretch of it.
It was part of the Great Ocean Road Running Festival. There were many events as part of the festival including a marathon and ultramarathon distance. This was my second time running the 23km half marathon distance from Kennet River to Apollo Bay.
The run is stunning. The views are beautiful. This past weekend there was a strong headwind as we ran. I was quite worried about it as I find it quite difficult to run in the wind, but it worked out ok and I finished 20 minutes faster than two years ago.
Running has become a big part of my life. I have run for decades and have become more consistent with it the past couple years. I wake up early in the mornings a couple days a week and run before I start my day. If I have time or if I’m training for a longer race, I’ll do longer runs on the weekend.
It has become something that I have learned to enjoy. Of course it is tiring, but it is also quite rewarding. Since I have started waking up early more consistently, I have been rewarded with incredible morning views. I have seen the bats returning home in the morning and the birds waking up for the day. I have seen hot air balloons sore over the morning sky. I have seen incredible sunrises and rainbows. It allows me time to listen to interesting podcasts. To feel the weather. To feel alive. I’m grateful that I have it in my life and I’m grateful for the opportunity to run in beautiful places like the Great Ocean Road.
