ACT Vets Half Marathon

I escaped my daughter's birthday party sleep-over and six screaming ten-year olds to run the ACT Vets half marathon today.

I had a really strong run and was again helped by Pollyanna, the little birdie at my ear who helped me during the City to Surf two weeks ago. More on my feathered friend later.

There were some sensational runs today and I was totally in awe at what many runners achieved. Special congratulations must go to several friends from my Saturday group. Emma (W35 1.42), Linda (W50 1.54), Marg (W55 1.55) and Norma (W65 2.07) were all age group medalists - simply fantastic runs by all of them.

Elle - one of my running buddies - just missed out on a medal, coming fourth in her age group (W35 1.46). It was an excellent run by her and I know she was very happy with it. The Spirit of Camelot came to the fore again when she said she dedicated the run to our our much beloved friend, the still hospitalised PRB.

I want to say something about today's volunteers. We all know that we owe them so much. But the volunteers who come to the Vets events are just something else. Before the race I went over and had a chat to one or two and loved their infectious enthusiasm for lending a hand. All of them out on the course, without exception, were helpful, friendly and supportive. Leah, one volunteer and a fantastic runner herself, I know you were champing at the bit to be running today but your legs will thank you for the rest.

It was wonderul at last to meet Flashduck (simply an amazing woman and runner) and great as always to catch up with Speedy Geoff and Griffin.

As for me, I was pleased with how I ran. I felt strong and stuck to my race plan of not going out too fast or too slow. A special thank you to Paul who I met for the first time during the last few k's of the race. Paul and I had a great duel, racing shoulder to shoulder when the going was getting real tough. Inside the last km I moved ahead thinking I had put him behind only to have Paul come back to my shoulder with 75 metres to run. It was then a sprint finish for the both of us, with each trying to outdo the other. We dead-heated, with the clock reading 1.30.55. I was amazed when I found out Paul was in the M55 category. A sensational run by you mate, a great guy.

I was just a tad disappointed not to go sub-90 but 1.30 was easily my fastest half of the four I've done this year and my fourth fastest overall out of nine completed half marathons. It was that little bird Pollyanna who I have to thank for this. Paul was pushing me hard at one shoulder. There was Pollyanna at the other telling me to dig deep when I didn't think I could possibly dig anymore.

Pollyanna and I had a chat after the race and my wise little friend told me about the great coincidences of life. Seemingly out of nowhere you can meet someone new who can infuse you with positive energy, making you a better person. There were many "coincidences" there today at the Vets half. So many runners and friends bringing their own unique gifts to the day - their enthusiasm, their determination, their smiles, their quest to drive themselves a little further. Many had their own Pollyannas to carry them through. That's what makes the day such a special one; a Spirit of Pollyanna day if ever there was one.