I had been running well at high school cross country and track events.
So when I left school and started work I started running more with a Neighbour who lived across the road. He liked to go long.
Before I knew it I was lining up for my fourth marathon in 4 months, age 17 while on holiday in Hawaii.
The first 3 were all done locally where we were living in Melbourne. The Sri Chinmoy Marathon, The Big M Melbourne Marathon (Frankston to Melbourne) and the South Melbourne Red Devil Marathon. I was on a roll so when I heard my Neighbour John was going to run the Honolulu Marathon. I started looking into how I could go.
I ended up the only Victorian on a Sydney Strider Running tour advertised in the Australian Runners world magazine.
My training was not structured at all, just casual solo runs after work and a few local fun runs on the weekends.
Back in 1983 there did not seem to be a lot of younger people running lots of Marathons but I was hooked.
I remember walking down to the start line early on race day near the harbour and with a cannon shot we were off. It was humid but we started in the dark so it was not too bad. I was moving really well and when we circled the marina at the far end of the course ready to head back to Waikiki was such a buzz to see so many people still heading out. I started to slow down 5 kms before the end as one of the Sydney Striders passed me but he was so excited to see me doing so well. With no garmin, strava or mobile phones back them, it was just the trusty old timex watch and the mile markers.
The finish line was so good, mist showers, massage tables and food.
We attended the presentations afterwards and I was so surprised I got a merit award for being the 5th fastest under 21 year old. From memory they gave trophies to 1st, 2nd and 3rd. 4th and 5th got a merit medal for each age group.
I still have the finishers shirt!
Well sort of once it got worn out, and now its just a rag in the shed.
The merit medal
Harbour Cruise
Sydney Striders
