Solitary Running on Australian Soil: Phase 1

 

My trip to Australia would not be complete

sans running on its ground.

For me it's classified as "top priority" too.  

My niece Johanna knew it even without being nudged. Yet, I still prompted her. With my reminder, she didn't forget including this highly-awaited run in our itinerary.

Yes, you read it right. December 9, 5:30-8:00am would be Sydney morning run for Dan, my nephew-in-law, and me. It would be a suitable moment to share the road with Johanna’s husband who's been into running, his proactive way of managing his high sugar level for three or four years now. Anyway, I made it clear to Dan that he could stick to his own sked and go ahead without me. 

Evening of December 8, I readied my running gear. Before retiring to bed, I set my alarm at 5:00am, checked my eSim and battery, and hoped that my scheduled pilot run in Australia would give me a feel of treading on a section of the TCS Sydney Marathon's course. 

Beep-beep-beep! Beep-beep-beep! Beep-beep-beep! 

I did budge, but was stuck to the beeeeeeeed!!! Nope, there was no muscle sore at all from the previous day's activities. Frankly, my apprehension about straying while combating Sydney's chilly temperature had me chickened out. I then wondered if Dan pushed through with his plan. My wondering ceased when we assembled at the hotel's dining area for our breakfast before our train trip to Canberra and asked Dan. His reply: "Dae man ako nakadalagan, Tita. Malipoton." (I also didn't run, Tita. It's very cold.) High five to that! Hohohoho!

Sydney running was aborted alright on December 8, but my first run in Australia materialized in Canberra on December 10, after our HOHO (Hop On Hop Off) bus tour.

Thanks to Dan who succeeded in his day's morning run, he shared his track layout from Meriton Suites. He was elated talking about the heritage sites which he discovered along his way. This stimulated me. 

A directionally challenged person, I wished myself "good luck" when I exited the hotel at 5:08pm. Turning left from the main entrance, I saw the direction toward the recognizable Canberra Shopping Centre. From there I was clueless about the street names where my legs brought me, but after a few meters, I found myself at a park. 

 

Contemplating whether I should simply run around Glebe Park, I allowed my adventurous spirit to vanquish me. Opening my Waze apps, I tried locating the National Museum of Australia (NMA) since its near Lake Burley Griffin which is one of the perfect spots for running in Canberra. 

The map was a big help! I even passed by UNSW (University of New South Wales), my grandson's alma mater. I took a photo and sent it to him. 

At 6:23 pm, I saw this walkway bridge going to another park. From the bridge, I surveyed the surroundings and eureka! I saw the fascia sign of Meriton Suites. This means, my present location was close by. I was overjoyed! With my low battery, I need not worry that I wouldn't accurately retrace my steps to the hotel. Geeee! Becoming disoriented was Cristy's main concern especially that I had one hotel key card with me!

Crossing the footbridge, I reached Commonwealth Park where I came across a couple of runners. A few more strides I went past this landmark which I noticed during our HOHO tour. 

This signaled that I was in close proximity to my destination. 

I was right! Here I ran and walked along with several people (even pets!) on the well-maintained paved paths. 

Following the trail, I delighted in the scenic overlooks of the city and this major man-made ornamental lake with more than a dozen of two species of geese which added charm and vivacity to the site. 

At 6:45pm, it was still bright as day but I began doubling back. Alone and alien, I didn't intend to complete a longer loop that evening. To add, I could already feel the coldness which made me put on my wind breaker again. *clacks*

Unworried of getting lost, I simply ran on the exact road which I used. Locating the bridge again almost made me shout gleefully. 

 

Smiling like the cat that got the cream, I was on my way to our floor at 7:05pm!

I covered 10km+ and earned my second fastest 1 mile based on Strava! For this reason, I gifted myself with this weird post-run snack. Hahahahaha. 

Thank you, Canberra road! You were very considerate and forbearing.

Coming up next...

Phase 2!