Losing my virginity

6ft track - Saturday 12 March.

What an incredible day. I am having difficulty finding the words to sum up today's experience (I can't imagine how the competitors are feeling). It was truly inspiring.

Left work a bit early on Friday to head up to Katoomba. Today started at 6am when I was dropped off at Catalina Park to help with check-in. Met Plu (my first CR encounter), Spud and Mr G. After taking care of a few last minute things, the very kind men of the NSW Fire Service offered me a lift to the start of the race in their fire truck !! How could I say no ?? (and all of this before 8am !). Unfortunately they wouldn't turn the lights and sirens on for me :-( but I very much appreciated it.

I arrived at the start shortly before wave 3 headed off. The energy and excitement in the air was just infectious - the mood amongst the spectators was one of joy, happiness and anticipation. I can't imagine how the runners were feeling at this point in time. After the runners set out, we headed to Blackheath for breakfast and then onto Jenolan Caves, arriving about 40mins before the winner.

I spent the afternoon at the merchandise stand with a good view of the final 50m of the run. For the first time, I saw Kel compete which was pretty special. Carole & I gave him a 'high five' as he came down the shute at the finish. Met, and had a chat to Colin and, later in the afternoon OR (avoiding that sweaty, smelly bear hug !) and Mr G. Unfortunately we had to leave just as the presentation ceremony started so I didn't get much of a chance to meet any other CRs but it was a fantastic day.

So what am I doing with all this post-6ft inspiration - thanks to my physio, absolutely nothing. He has made me hang up my Asics for the weekend. Inflammation of both shins (and because I am favouring my left in particular, my left ITB is a little unhappy) caused my inflexible calves. My shins were actually warm to the touch on Friday when I was at the physio....not good. The rest of my weekend will be spent with ice, voltaren and lots of stretches and strengthening exercises for my calves and ITB. The physio has said I should be right to run next Sunday. I bloody hope so. Off to see him again on Monday morning.

Edit: after I wrote this post, I continued to think of 6ft. I couldn't possibly write down all the things that I wanted to remember (god only knows how the competitors feel) but one does stick in my mind. There were, I think, two 70yo + competitors. I hope I forever remember the goosebumps and sheer awe I felt when they arrived at the finish.