In justification to Natalie about going to Sydney (and leaving her alone for a day and a half to take care of our 4 Children on Sports Saturday/Sunday) , I said I could do it under $200 !
This meant getting a couple of cheap flights ($160 JetStar) flew in and out of Maroochydore Airport which was very quaint and meant I could rock up to the short term carpark and walk 50m to the Departure lounge (Parking cost $24). Accommodation was another thing!!
I stayed at the Sydney Backpackers just off George St. Very convenient for the Race start. But also convenient for the Star Bar which I felt was attached to my bunk! The noise at 2-4am! Not only that but fellow room 'occupants' coming in at 1.00 and 3.00am and switching on the lights!!
I developed a dry throat and added to the cacophony coughing and spluttering for a most disturbed nights sleep! Mind you I would say that I don't think that had any material affect on my performance. I noticed a bunch of younger runners staying in one of the other rooms.
As I walked around the City the night before to get the layout of the start etc. I was amazed at just how busy Sydney was. Full of people, on the streets, in the bars, in cars. It reminded me of my two years there in 1988 and 1989 and of big city life and socialising on a Saturday night(distant memories for me now).
Sydney certainly looks beautiful when the sun shines as it did Sat arvo and Sun a.m.
Fossil told me the Striders had 700 members - Incredible ! He also mentioned his training squads and reading about Tom's training and squads it's certainly something I'd really appreciate.
However, I got off to the airport straight after the race , and it was pissing down as I watched Queenslander Stephanie Rice take Gold. I hobbled down the steps from the plane (Knees) and basked in the sunshine and 20 o C heat at Maroochydore and I felt good to be home!
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