Lovin’ Life 19/9/2019: A Power Walk Around Darling Harbour.


I don’t know why I get as anxious as I do on that Saturday before a race but I do.

The conveniently bundled quartets of safety pins at the race bib collection point were a soothing sight.

I know that I’m there for the fun of running.  The buzz of being part of a group of like-minded strangers as we pound the pavement together.  The unique privilege of being up close and personal with some of Sydney’s most iconic landmarks and locations – without all the cars.  That feeling of being a bit special by virtue of having some major streets closed ‘just for us’.

But I overthink it all.  What if I’m late for my starting time?  What if I’m sick on the day (it’s happening but fortunately I’m over the worst of it)?  What if I’m slower than I hope I’ll be (also happened but I’ve lived to tell the tale and found ‘the hunger’ in the process)?

So.  Many.  Questions.

So I decided to take those pre-race questions on a relaxed walk around Darling Harbour after I dropped my gear off at race HQ.

It was a first for me being in the area just for a bit of exercise.

I’m usually here in the company of Master SSG in search of adventures (or Maccas) or else all dressed up and in work mode for conferences at the convention centre.

Walking with purpose as I followed the cues of my Aaptiv audio-guided training session gave me a different perspective on the CBD’s tourist hub.  With my ears tuned in to my instructor and my mind processing the information and willing my body to follow the effort cues, my eyes were free to look up and around.

With its wide walkways and gentle slopes, the harbour precinct is a perfect place for a power walk.

The scenery that surrounded me was a dynamic mix of hotels, restaurants, bridges and maritime exhibits.

It was not your average walk through suburbia.

And you know what they say about change.

How it’s as good as a holiday?

I think it also went a great way towards easing my pre-race nerves.


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