Solo Striding Through Australian Soil

 

My trip to Australia 

would not be complete sans running on its soil.

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, 5:30-8:30am would be a morning run in Sydney 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. However, I made it clear to Dan that he could follow his own sked and there's no need to wait for 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 counteracting Sydney's freezing morning 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 hall for our last breakfast before our train trip to Canberra and I asked Dan. "Dae man ako nakadalagan, Tita. Malipoton." (I also didn't run, Tita. It's very cold.) High five to that! Ha-ha!

Sydney running went pffft alright on December 8, but my first run on Australian soil materialized in Canberra on December 10, after our HOHO (Hop On Hop Off) bus tour.

Thanks to Dan who succeeded in doing his morning run that day, he shared his track layout from Meriton Suites. He was elated talking about the historical sights that he discovered along his way and this stimulated me. A directionally challenged person, I had to wish myself luck when I exited the hotel a few minutes after 5:00pm. *flushes* Turning left from the main entrance, I saw the direction toward the recognizable Canberra Shopping Centre. From there, I could no longer tell you where my legs brought me but after a few meters, I found myself running at a park. 

 

Contemplating whether I could just 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 be able to retrace my steps and go back to the hotel safely. (Geeee! Becoming disoriented was Cristy's main concern for me!)

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

This signaled that I was in close proximity to my final 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 an 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 getting lost, I simply ran on the exact road which I used. Locating the bridge again almost made me shout gleefully. 

 

At 7:05 pm I was on my way to our floor smiling like the cat that got the cream!

Covering 10km+ and earning my second fastest 1 mile based on Strava, I gifted myself with this weird post-run snack. Hahahahaha. 

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

As for my old goal to run in Sydney, I revived it and finally made it happen after our getting groceries at Woolsworths on December 12, Friday. 

Run start was at 7:30pm and by just looking at this photo, nobody could tell that this was an evening run at Cahill Park right beside our accommodation. 

Unlike the running route in Canberra with several detours, this Sydney course appeared to be uncomplicated. I just have to stay within this wide park. 

 

Many runners were already present. I drew inspiration from them and the picture-postcard scenery at the park. Likewise, I felt secure. 

This line of pine trees led me to a huge football and baseball field where I decided to run on its concrete pathway while a friendly game was in progress.

This added thrill to my evening run and pushed me to explore the area further.

         

I exited the park and ran on the main highway sidewalk while another runner and two bikers passed by me. Nighttime had eventually crawled in, so I backtracked. 

I reached my assigned end line before 9:30pm and I finished 11km+ this time. With lots of stops due to selfies and shivering, my second run was very satisfactory all the same. Hahahahaha...

Hence when I walked on the hallway, I imagined the motion sensor light as resounding applause for my accomplishment. 

It was a cinematic and fantastic overture for our last day in Australia!

EPILOGUE

December 13, Saturday, we left for the Philippines. 

With a smiling heart, I anticipated my reunion with my husband and three sons who considered their dropping me off to the airport during my Manila departure and fetching me from the airport upon my arrival from Sydney as a dry-run in case I opt to be an overseas worker in the future someday. Hahahahaha. 

Incredibly, it felt wonderful to be home! But, I won’t deny that our sojourn in The Land Down Under brought about an abundance of positive feelings that became life-changing. And I have one great person to thank incessantly for making it possible for me: Larry, a constant pillar of my life.

For year 2026, I am hoping that this will pave a way only for the two of us to finally actualize our bucket-list journey. Let's go for it!

Photo Credit:

Johanna B. Llasos