City to Surf

Congratulations Gabriel!

In 2008 you were 56,549th over the line with a time of 182:21 mins.

The Sun Herald link carried that announcement. Of the multitude that swarmed Sydney's annual City to Surf marathon/walk, I was at the back of the almost 57,000 pack which completed the 14-km effort. Another 16,000 or so opted to abandon the race.

My participation was exploratory in nature -- the intent was to gauge how fast I could complete the distance at a leisurely pace. It was part of a walking regimen to prepare for two separate multi-day treks in November.

It was also a pretext to revel in the excellent views of the city and of Bondi beach from the numerous vantage points.

It was a fine day for a walkabout. Until the skies opened and my final kilometer was typified by rain.

Along the way, I came upon one with an artificial limb. Everyone around him either stared (though not disrespectfully) or stole a furtive glance. But the point was well made.

There can be no excuse.