Kevin Tiller

Today was the Coastal Classic 29km race from Otford to Bundeena. I was obviously running again, hoping to redeem myself after last year’s DNF (twisted ankle and dropped out at Garie Beach 10km).

Michael & Nigel came to our house approx 7am and I drove to Otford and Jaz drove the car back. At the start I seemed to meet a lot of old friend that I hadn’t seen for a while, maybe as I don’t mix in running circles too much.

The upshot was that I started approx 2/3 down the field and started fairly gently, probably overtaking more people than went past me. It was a hot day, possibly 29C according to the weathermen – no bad as it is just into Spring. Michael came past just before the Marley aid station and I didn’t see Nigel at all (he finished a couple of minutes behind me).

Coming down the Sandy Track close to Bundeena, we saw a big red-belly black snake on the track. The guy in front who was suffering from cramps soon got a move on!

My time was 4.18 a bit slower than expected, maybe because it was hot, but also maybe that most of my training had been over a couple of hours and I probably slowed up during the last hour. I was actually quite happy with my run and could easily have gone on for another 10km – maybe even turned back !

Big winner of the day was Andrew Pettica from work who ran about 3 and a half hours or something – pretty good for a first decent trail run.

Afterwards I had a lovely swim in the sea, luckily I have the week off work!

Today was also election day, when Tony Abbott got in, the less said about that the better! The funny thing is Dawn was working overnight and after my exertions earlier I was flaking out on the sofa. The last thing I remember was half of Kevin Rudd’s losing speech then I zonked out, missed the rest of it, and missed all of Tony Abbott’ speech.