Hannah Law

Last September I participated in the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival Half Marathon. Crazy, I know.

We ran all from Kirribilli to the Opera House, and everywhere else in between. I found the first 9km pretty smooth (probably because that’s how far I’ve been running when I train), had a lull between 9 and 14km but when I hit the 2/3 mark I got a psychological boost. It didn’t last long though and I was struggling again between 16 and 18km but then I was on the home stretch!

I just kept telling myself it was a “really long run” and I think that’s what got me through. Although, I also made several mental notes that no matter how satisfied I felt after the run, I never wanted to do one again. Never. Anyway, I finished the half marathon in 1hr 48m and really impressed myself because I was just hoping to break the 2 hr mark!

Now, in the same way mums apparently forget how painful childbirth is, I seem to have forgotten how bad the half marathon really was. So I’m contemplating doing another one!

What do you reckon: are marathons worth enduring the pain for the satisfaction or am I better off being comfortable on the couch?

Notice my instructor has earplugs in?!

Skydiving was incredible. I didn’t end up being too scared on the day; in fact, I was  more nervous before the Cole Classic ocean swim the next day!

The plane was pretty tiny – there was room for about 10 of us. What really made the plane journey was the stunning view of Wollongong beach which eventually became a tiny speck when we got to 14,000 ft.

There was no time wasting when we got to the right altitude. I was second to jump and I was more excited than nervous! That first moment when you realise you’re not supported by anything, that realisation of the freefall is indescribable. If I become a millionaire, I’m taking up skydiving as my sport just so I can feel that rush every day.

My instructor said I just giggled the whole time during the free fall

I think I’m going to become a sky diving addict. I’ve even considered doing a course so I can get qualified to jump by myself. But I don’t think I trust myself enough to jump out of a plane with nothing but myself responsible for my life!

So, for now, I’m going to stick with the skydiving with an instructor. Anyone up for coming with me again?! 

Here are some of the photos – they are stills from a video I got so they’re a bit grainy but you get the idea!!