Run for the Kids 2013 – Review by Joe Calleri.

Run for the Kids 2013 – Review by Joe Calleri.

Monday, 25 March 2013

I completed the 15km 2013 edition of the Run for the Kids yesterday. Proceeds benefit the Royal Children’s Hospital. I was in that Hospital when I was aged two.

Yes, I ran the entire 15km distance. In a time of 1 hour and 42 minutes. I am very proud of myself for having completed the run. I am a 51 year old runner. I’m not an athlete. I like to stay in good shape. I exercise at the gym daily. I had been in training for this particular run for a couple of months. I have trained hard. And often.

I had not undertaken a similar fun run in more than 2 years. Ever since I developed a small tear in the back of my left knee. I thought that rest would be the best way to repair the knee. So far so good.

The run was a challenge. I knew it would be. I had run the course a few years ago. Through the Domain Tunnel. Over the Bolte Bridge. Energy draining. And, it was warm. And, there were another 36,000 runners on the course at any one time. People everywhere. Too many people for my liking.

So, here are a few of the things I did not enjoy about the day:

Baggage Area – I had no idea how to find the Baggage Drop Off area. No signs. Please, please organisers: next year have some signs to indicate where to find particular amenities.

Toilets – I will be damned if I have to wait to go to the loo. So, I found a quiet loo at Southbank. Problem solved.

Bumping – Here was the big revelation: Runners – male and female - who bumped into me, and other runners, and didn’t acknowledge me, or others. I have not experienced this situation in any fun run previously. My theory regarding such rudeness is that it’s merely a symptom of our broader society. It’s all about “get out of my way. I’m more important than you. I don’t care about you.” No wonder so many people die on our roads. Or, are assaulted on our streets.  

Phones – This comment could also go under the heading: “The Ego Ain’t Such A Wonderful Thing”. I could not believe the number of runners who brought their phones on the run. I guess there are a lot of really important people out there. Some runners were either taking or making calls while on the run. Others took photos with their camera phones. People, seriously - can’t you just leave your phones at home for once?

Gear – I’ve never used so much high tech gear on any run: CoolMax cap; Camelbak Fuel Belt; Compression socks; Knee braces; High 5 energy gels; High 5 electrolyte drink; Shoe inserts; Dri Fit running top. Outcomes? Because of my weight (just over 78 kgs) I get hot quickly. And I sweat a lot. So, staying cool is my number one challenge. Over the next few weeks I will investigate ways of staying cool while exercising. I will post my findings on this blog.

I will also take less gear with me on the next long run.

I will probably ditch the compression socks during the run. But, will wear them after the run.

Not sure about the electrolyte drinks. I might just drink flat Coke instead.

Not sure about the energy gel. Will try again.

I will wear a light-weight sleeveless top.

I will ditch the shoe inserts – the added cushioning was disconcerting at times.   

Until next time …