My first post-pandemic run in Melbourne, Australia took place on 24 July this year was a reminder of how much my fitness level has declined over the months of lockdown and a weight gain which I have not been able to shake off.
After days of bone-chilling cold in Melbourne, the weather gods answered the prayers of the participants, numbering in 15,000 on a nice, cool and sunny Sunday morning - perfect weather conditions for a run.
I signed up for 10k, selected wave C (target finishing time of 65 mins) as I did not want to put high expectations for my first run. By km 3, I was already huffing and puffing and was in dire need of hydration (and an excuse to stop). Luckily I managed a decent recovery in my heart rate, but it set me back at least 2 minutes!
The run was pure joy.. The route was scenic, mostly flat with slopes in the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Some of the city centre's landmarks I recognised were the Shrine of Remembrance, Flinders St station, the MCG and Federation Square. Along the route I crossed the Yarra River twice - on Anderson St and St Kilda Rd.
I crossed the finish line at 57:33, a time I can certainly be happy with as it's my first race in three years. And it was a great way of keeping active and warm in the winter in Melbourne!
