Marathon Success!!!! 6 continents marathoned - 1 to go (Africa). Back at the hotel resting. Really good day today. No rain. Temperatures started at 50 degrees and peaked around 68 degrees. Little wind --- pretty ideal conditions.
Everything went off as planned this morning. We met up with some of our friends around 4:15am and walked together to the ferry. We caught the first boat to the island of Davenport - just across the harbor from Auckland. This is where the marathon started.
The first 13 miles were fairly hilly. The highlight was running over the Harbor Bridge back into Auckland around Mile #10. The second half of the marathon was really flat. The course followed right along the coastline. It was splendid viewing. (I say splendid because all day we where continually told the phrases "Splendid work mate" "Good on ya mate" "Your almost there mate - bloody splendid work")
My finish was less than spectacular - 5:10. Earlier this year I did the Pikes Peak Marathon in Colorado. I was so focused on this and had trained really hard for the hills, etc. Once this race had finished -- I trained for Auckland --- just not great training. I actually was really pleased with my finish today. It hurt - but it was rewarding.
Greg was solid with a 4:21 and the others in our running group also did well.
We just got back from lunch and some beers. It's rest time again.
Good day from a tired, sore, very satisfied runner.
50 yards from the start
Our friend Cindy posing on Harbor Bridge
Greg - in front of Sky Tower after race
Pre-race shot
Running Group (Karen, Steve, Greg, Cindy, KB, Clyde)
Great job Kyle! Enjoy the rest of your trip.
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