You Are Awesome

Yes, 🙌 I’ve set a new personal running record in the 10km run, right at the biggest running festival in Sydney.
When everything for the full marathon was sold out, I had no choice but to go for the 10km run and break my record. The Sydney Marathon Run was held on September 15, 2024, and they aimed to go international alongside other countries. It was a glorious Sunday in spring, and Sydney’s breathtaking views made it all the more special as you finished the race at the Opera House! I mean, who wouldn’t want to be part of that?

What a beautiful country, planet, and blessing we have, and we often underestimate how fortunate we are to live here! Young and free, a land of milk, mines, and honey! Surrounded by stunning golden waters with unforgettable beaches for your enjoyment. God made this island truly special!

Anyway! I don’t need to express my love for this land—you probably hear it everywhere. My 10km run was awesome and unforgettable. It felt like my Sunday morning service while on the run! Praising God along the way! I had to pinch myself to believe it was real, and it was! I saw myself at the start line of the 10km—my goal was to finish it in under 50 minutes. Wearing my brand-new New Balance 680 running shoes. I didn’t want anything too expensive or too cheap; I just needed shoes that would work for a 10km run. My last pair, ASICS, from the previous Sydney marathon, had almost done its job, but it was time for a fresh pair with a fresh record.

At 7 a.m., I arrived at North Sydney train station! I rented a storage locker to drop off my small bag and phone. I didn’t want to hold my phone while running like some people do—it would definitely slow me down! I was so excited to be there! The 7:30 a.m. start was just a few meters away, and I kicked things off with a blast, passing hundreds of runners in 30 minutes. I was catching my breath around the 7-8km mark when two unexpected hills showed up! Even though I wasn’t expecting them, I managed to keep my pace under control. Run, run… no stops for water or anything—though my shoelace was completely loose, so I had no choice but to stop for a second to tie it up.

Yay… the last 500 meters! The crowd was cheering, watching, and taking photos of their loved ones.
Yes, I saw myself at the finish line. There it was—I broke my record! I finished in 46 minutes and 45 seconds. It couldn’t have gone better for me! Of course, pushing harder might yield a better result—but for now, let me enjoy my new record.

Happy 😊 for now!

Your friend is a runner

Dariush Y