So today was Round the Bays and one of the most satisfying things (so far) I've crossed off my list.

As you know, I've been sick this week. Well, truth be told, I'm still not feeling hot and I've been quite concerned what state I would be in for this race.

Well, this list is about commitment and so to that end, we left Penny's birthday party early last night to ensure a good nights rest and I awoke to a glorious day. Beautiful sunshine and hardly a cloud in the sky. Breakfast was 2 pieces of toast with peanut butter, a banana and some canteloupe (and a small cup of coffee). Peter kindly drove me down to the train and I should have realized with the number of people on the train and already waiting at Ellerslie station what I was in for. I started to head for the starting line about 10 minutes before it started.

WOW! Talk about a lot of people. I mean a lot. Even with weaving in and out and around I couldn't seem to get closer to the start line as fast as the clock was ticking down. I finally decided to just go with it and wait for it to start and my first group help me push me forward.

The road was split into walkers and runners. Except there were LOADs of people walking and even pushing strollers in the runners side. By the time I cross the start line it had already been 10 minutes since the race started!

9:38, almost 10 minutes after the race starts, and I'm still not at the starting line. At least I can now see it.

The race started off with me feeling like I was in a game of frogger. Continuously dodging walkers or slow runners (or trees in an attempt to run around the walkers). It wasn't until almost Okahu Bay before things begin to open up and the road was a little less crowded.

I gave myself about 4 1 minute or so walk breaks, but otherwise managed to run most of it. And I feel great for it. By the time I saw the finish I was pumping, but also conscious my feet were beginning to really hurt. But it didn't matter. When I crossed the finish line and saw 10:35 I immediately knew I had hit my goal of doing it in under an hour. What a great feeling it was.

The other side of the finish line

Out the other side And unfortunately I was right. While I was running I did get blisters....

But somehow the pain is all worth it.....