In the time I took to run 17km this morning, the winners of the Gold Coast marathon would have been approaching their 35th km. Lucky my aspirations didn’t, unrealistically, extend to 3 minute kilometres. I was very happy to settle for my gentler run, soaking in the sun, sand and sea while the Husband completed the marathon in unseasonably warm conditions. Having seen him off at the start, seeking reassurance of good hydration practices, I estimated I could fit in my breakfast on the run and be back at the finish to support him over the line.
Although not generally a fan of the brashness that is the GC, the ‘paradise’ in ‘Surfers Paradise’ was an apt description for my run conditions today. I departed adjacent to the Marathon start line and matched the pace of some of the runners as we headed out along the Gold Coast Highway, crossing the Nerang River. Sunglasses were essential to diminish the shimmer reflecting off all the high-rises ahead. At kilometre 2, I branched away from the mass of human exertion and continued up SeaWorld Drive towards the Spit, where I joined the solitude of the Federation Walk, a shady and bushy trail tucked in behind the Main Beach that meanders up to the Breakwater on the Gold Coast Seaway.
There is nothing that quite matches an empty, golden beach on a perfect winter’s day (that really feels like a summer’s day) with a firm base for running. At kilometre 8, I dropped onto Main Beach and ran on the sand for a little over 5km. The tide was just beginning to steal back the nice hard packed sand encouraging a timely beach exit and turn around not far past the Southport Surf Life Saving Club. Tantalisingly, the beach extends on many more kilometres to Burleigh Heads, providing an enticement for future longer training distances as the November Marathon date fast approaches. I re-joined the marathon route on Main Beach Parade. Apparently the clapping and cheering was not for me but some runners approaching their 28km mark. At the roundabout between Waterways Drive and SeaWorld Drive I retraced my steps back to where I began. I was content with my run, but, was humbled by the thousands of people running, hobbling and limping across the finish line of the marathon.
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| Yuzu Lounge |
I will need to apologise in advance, as little groundwork went into my choice of breakfast location today. In discovering the first 2 cafés I tried, had sold out of some of their staples, I needed to adapt to what was available. Yuzu Lounge was well located, with a view of the running course, and seats available. The only issue, being, it didn’t have breakfast. Lucky this Breakfast on the runner is flexible. I was not at all disappointed with what this relaxed Japanese Café produced for only $15. I ordered a salt and pepper fish of the day and was delighted with the appealing and tasty dish. The fish was a nicely seasoned salmon, with rice, a side of cabbage salad, pickled tomatoes and beans and fresh fruit. A very satisfying morning had by all. The husband was still upright and had a smile on his face after a gruelling run.
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| Salt and Pepper fish |
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