Great Ocean Road Marathon

How can anyone come all the way to Australia without running "Australia's Most Stunning Marathon"? I certainly can't be that person, so I rented a car and drove down the coast for a weekend of sightseeing and athletics. 

I will admit that I was a little hesitant to drive on the left side of the road, but it seems to be the only way to get from Melbourne to Apollo Bay. Renting a car in Australia was a breeze. Automatic cars are readily available and they don't even require an international license. With a few quick signatures, I was handed the keys to a brand new SUV. Here we go. 

I looked at the map and was surprised to discover that the city of Melbourne actually sits on the ocean. How did I not realize this until just now? (I thought Melbourne only had access to a river)

Before leaving the city, I drove down to the beach for a little exploring. I parked near St. Kilda's pier and strolled along the boardwalk. The views were spectacular and the whole atmosphere was so much more relaxed than in the business district. It actually reminded me a little of my old neighborhood in Chicago, which was adjacent to the lakefront but still offered easy access to downtown. However, (unlike Chicago) the weather is actually tolerable throughout the entire year. I could totally live in a place like this. 

View of Melbourne from St Kilda's Pier

There were lots of couples and families out that evening, which reminded me of my perpetually single status. I try not to dwell on the fact that I am always alone, but it does change the experience a lot. Without anyone else to help share the experience, it can feel like I am just going through the motions. 

The feeling of loneliness passed when I saw that St. Kilda's is home to penguins and another animal called rakali (which I have never heard of in my life). Rakali look a little like an otter with a long tail. Australia definitely has some crazy wildlife!  

As the sun began to set, the penguins started waking up and climbing along the rocks. It was hilarious to watch them walk around clumsily. Whenever someone would spot a penguin moving around, a crowd of people instantly formed to take photos and admire the sight. We were so close to the penguins that I could have literally reached out and grabbed one. (I was tempted, but they're hard to transport). 

This little guy was hopping along the rocks

Another penguin sleeps in-between the rocks

Walking along the beach at sunset was a wonderful start to another weekend adventure. It's amazing how sand, water, and boats can elicit such strong feelings of relaxation. 

Driving from Melbourne to Lorne was straightforward, but I was a little uneasy about all the technology on the roads. From speed and red light cameras to automatic toll collection systems, it is clear that Australia knows how to monitor its drivers. Even the parking spots have sensors that will alert meter maids if cars have been parked for too long. I was careful to follow all the road rules, because there's nothing worse than a speeding ticket when you aren't even in a rush to get anywhere. 

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Race morning started very early because the entire Great Ocean Road was closed to traffic and all runners were required to take a shuttle bus to their respective starting line. At this point, I had still not seen the coastline in daylight, so the anticipation was starting to build.  

Before I even begin to comment on the race, I need to give mad props to Australians for their luxurious portable toilets. Unlike rows of plastic huts that I typically see at starting lines, these toilets are on huge trucks; complete with lights, water-flush systems, and even sinks to wash your hands. It's basically the opposite of the Florence marathon, where I literally peed in the middle of the street before starting the race.

Luxurious portable toilets

After taking care of business, I still had over an hour of down-time before the race began. I usually don't have much spare time before the race, but I took advantage of the people-watching opportunities. The serious nerds were jogging to warm up their legs, while the fun people enjoyed a coffee in the tiny cafe. I saw all types of runners, including one guy who wore a pink bathrobe to stay warm. What a baller. 

Excellent warm-up gear

When it was finally time to start the race, people were in no rush whatsoever. Twelve minutes later, they were still filtering slowly into the starting corrals. Seriously? I know Australians are laid-back but this was just comical. 

Finally, at 8:16, we were ready to go.

Right from the start, the road was filled with twists and turns, rolling hills, and the most beautiful views I have seen in a long time. I couldn't help but smile.  

It was one of the most interesting courses I have run in a while because I never knew what was up ahead. Sometimes, I would turn a corner to see a long and arduous hill. Other times, I would enjoy a steady descent where gravity did most of the work. Regardless of the vertical direction, each hill gave me the internal motivation to pass one or two people (I just wanted to get them over with as quickly as possible). 

The weather for this race was absolutely perfect for running. Mostly cloudy, temperatures in the mid-60's, and a steady breeze off the water to keep me dry. As the miles passed, I found myself gaining more and more energy. It was such a great feeling. 

I finally started seeing spectators around kilometer 18, as we descended into Apollo Bay and returned to signs of civilization. It seemed like the entire community was out to cheer on the runners. For such a small town, the support was impressive. 

The final stretch of the race was through the main commercial district of Apollo Bay, where people were lining the streets and cheering.  

Spectators line the street near the finish line in Apollo Bay

My favorite memory from the race is all the kids that held out their hands for "high 5's" from any runner who would pay attention to them. I got caught up in the excitement and tried to tap as many little hands as possible. One thing was abundantly clear: these are country folks.

This kid clearly didn't grow up in the city. 

Two girls compete for high fives

After I received my medal, I decided to walk over to the nearby beach. I sat on the sand and listened to the waves crashing in front of me. This truly was a stunning marathon and I am so glad I decided to participate.  

Paradise

Proud to have another distance race in the books

The shuttle ride back to my car in Lorne was fun for two reasons: 1) We got to see the slowest runners struggle through the final miles of the course, and 2) We could re-live the course without the distraction of the competition.

Views along the Great Ocean Road

The road is full of twists and turns

Driving back to Melbourne, I wanted to stop at every turn to take a photo. Fortunately (for my own safety), I did not act upon all of these impulses.

Shallow water creates a perfect swimming bay

The drive back to Melbourne is much more beautiful during the day

Great Ocean Road Marathon is one of those races that leaves people feeling completely fulfilled.  The constant hills present a challenge, but the amazing views help to lessen the pain.  Without many spectators throughout most of the course, runners are forced to motivate themselves. Fortunately, the support near the finish line makes the entire effort feel worthwhile. 

Weekend in Cannes

I arrived in Cannes after a long travel day that truly involved planes, trains, and automobiles.  Weather was beautiful and I was excited for a relaxing weekend before my three week work-cation in the French Riviera.   Then, I opened my work e-mail and everything changed.  I had multiple e-mails from my office asking me to "call urgently because something came up that will affect my schedule".  Of course I called immediately, but my boss was not available to talk.  So I sat in my room, waiting for a call back and wondering what could be such an emergency. 

I couldn't help but worry about the worst possible scenarios.  Would I be forced to end my jet-setting lifestyle?  Did my company announce some big news that I missed while I was traveling?  After what felt like an eternity, I finally talked to my boss and he asked me to cancel my project in Cannes and book a flight to Paris instead.  Fortunately, I was given the approval to remain in Cannes for the weekend but I lost my Friday night to travel logistics and e-mail communications.  

Saturday morning, I woke up without an alarm (which means I woke up at the same early time as every other morning).  The weather was perfect so I went for a long run along the boardwalk.  Even in the off-season, the sidewalks along the beach are overcrowded so I couldn't even imagine what it would be like during the height of the summer.  I literally spent the entire run dodging people and traffic.  

While I was running, I kept smelling food cooking yet I couldn't see any restaurants or food trucks nearby.  Then I realized that the restaurants were actually underneath the boardwalk, right along the beach.  These Europeans really know how to maximize small spaces.

True beachside dining, with scents to entice anyone on the boardwalk!

Maybe it's the palm trees, or the weather, or simply that I don't have to work in Cannes but I truly felt relaxed and energized by the time I returned to the hotel.  After a quick shower in the curtain-less tub area, I was ready to start the day.  (Sidenote: I will never understand why Europeans do not use shower curtains??  Who teaches them how to shower without spraying water all over the bathroom?)

I figured I would get more-than enough french food throughout the next two months working in France, so I searched for a good sushi restaurant.  As it turns out, sushi is not so easy to find in France and the place I ended up trying was more like fast-food sushi.  At least I got my raw fish and, for dessert, a nutella and strawberry sushi roll.  Gross?  The jury's still out...

The afternoon was mainly spent shopping since I barely have any casual clothes and my week-long vacation to Italy is coming up soon.  I don't think my friends need to see me wearing suits every day of the trip.  One of the more annoying parts about traveling non-stop for 4 months is that I have to be so careful about what I buy.  More shopping equates to more hassle every time I need to pack and transport my luggage.  

Weather continued to be perfect so I walked down to the pier to watch the sunset.  It was absolutely gorgeous and  I didn't even care that I was all alone, surrounded by overly-affectionate couples.  I spent a while just listening to the sounds of the waves crashing against the rocks.  I like to use moments like this to think about my life.  On one hand, it can be difficult spending so much time alone, but on the other hand, I am so grateful to have this amazing opportunity to travel the world.  

Sun starting to set - view from the marina

Sun continues to set - view from the pier/beach

On the way back to the hotel, I stopped at the grocery store and bought myself some deli meat and fruit to make a simple meal.  I know what you're thinking: vacations aren't supposed to involve cheapo, self-prepared meals.  But, for someone who eats every meal at a restaurant, a simple meal involving no oil or butter is like a dream come true.  

Sunday morning, I woke up to another gorgeous morning.  When I looked out of my window, I noticed a giant cross on the hill so I decided that I would change up the workout and jog up the hill until I got to the cross.  

The cross on the top of the hill (right side) caught my attention this morning

I didn't bother bringing a map with me because maps are for unadventurous people.  Instead, I just started running in the general direction of the cross and didn't even care if I was taking the long route.  After all, part of the fun is what I will discover along the way.  As I zig-zagged my way up, I had countless amazing views of the city, the water, and so many beautiful homes tucked into the side of the mountain. 

Views from the run

I wouldn't mind any of these as a summer home.

I finally made it to the cross and made an interesting discovery: It's not a cross at all, but rather, an abandoned observation tower!  This is a perfect example of a quest where the journey was more exciting than the destination...

Here's what the "cross" looks like from up close

I think this may be a water tower, disguised as a castle!

Running downhill is a lot more fun

For the rest of the afternoon, I walked around the city again, stopping at a couple churches, the casino, and the Cannes version of the Hollywood walk of fame that involves celebrity hand prints instead of stars.  

Julie Andrews has been here. 

Dinner was at a Thai restaurant because I can never get Thai food at my hotels.  It actually tasted more like Chinese food but, my I was ok because my expectations for food in France are always very low.  

Overall, it was a very quiet weekend.  I'm not sure if this is typical in Cannes, but I didn't get the impression that it is a big party city - especially in the shoulder seasons when no one is out on boats or tanning on the beaches.  On the bright side, I got to enjoy perfect weather, fantastic workouts, non-hotel meals, and picture-perfect sunrises/sunsets.  I feel refreshed for the week ahead. 

Here's my art deco hotel.  

Enjoying my last sunrise in Cannes on Monday morning