Some adventures leave you with a mix of emotions, and my trip to Australia for the Sydney Marathon was one of them. On the surface, it was a dream come true—an incredible race, breathtaking sights, and unforgettable memories. But beneath all the excitement, there was also a deeper, more emotional layer to the experience. I’ll get to that in a bit.

But first, let’s start with the journey!

The Long Journey Down Under

Australia has always been on my bucket list, and what better way to experience it than by running a marathon, right? Well, that 16-hour flight from Chicago to Sydney? (first one quick stop in LA) Not for the faint-hearted! I’ll admit, it was far from the comfort I’d imagined. Thankfully, compression socks and a few mid-flight stretches helped keep my legs feeling human by the time we landed. I recommend both to anyone flying long distances, especially if you’re planning on running 26.2 miles after!

We touched down at Sydney Airport around 8:00 AM on Friday, and from there, it was a quick train ride to Circular Quay Station. Fun fact: Sydney’s train system is one of the cleanest and most efficient I’ve ever experienced. It’s a far cry from what I’m used to back home! I highly recommend using it if you ever visit; it’s affordable, punctual, and easy to navigate. After dropping our luggage at a Bounce Storage (shout-out to them for saving us since our Airbnb wasn’t ready until later in the afternoon), we did what any jet-lagged, sleep-deprived runner would do—we went for a run!

Yes, you read that right. We changed into our running gear and knocked out a quick 3-mile run straight to the marathon expo. Was it a crazy decision? Absolutely. But running through the streets of Sydney, with the harbor in the background and the Opera House peeking into view, it was totally worth it. Sydney’s energy was infectious, and we were ready to embrace every moment of it.

A Day at Manly Beach

Saturday, the day before the race, was all about soaking up Sydney’s natural beauty. We took the ferry to Manly Beach, which, let me tell you, is an experience in itself. The ferry ride is short but packed with stunning views of the Sydney skyline, the Opera House, and the massive Harbour Bridge. And when you arrive at Manly Beach, you’re greeted by pristine sands and the rolling waves of the Pacific Ocean. It’s a bustling spot with lots of tourists, but there’s something magical about the laid-back vibe there.

We grabbed lunch by the harbor and spent a good part of the afternoon walking along the beach, soaking in the sunshine, with a nice walk through the Manly Markets viewing a range of local memorabilia and goods. In hindsight, we might’ve walked a bit too much the day before a marathon, but hey, we were there to experience it all! That night, back at the Airbnb, we prepared our pasta dinner (gotta get those carbs!) and were in bed by 7:30 PM—early, but we had a big day ahead of us.

Race Day: The Sydney Marathon

I had just come off a great training season. Every mile, every workout, every long run felt like it had built me up for this moment. I knew I was well-prepared for the race, but one thing always lingered in my mind—the weather. The Sydney Marathon is known for unpredictable conditions. Last year, the temperature at the start was around 70°F, which isn’t exactly ideal for running 26.2 miles. So, going into it, I wasn’t even sure if I was going to race it, or just aim to finish. But I had trained my best, both mentally and physically, and I wasn’t about to let any external factors rule my run.

That morning, however, threw me a curveball in the best way—it was cold. A crisp 40°F with some strong winds. It was much colder than I expected, but honestly, cooler temperatures are a runner’s dream. I couldn’t have asked for a better set of conditions besides the strong wind. Standing at the start line, I felt a familiar excitement bubbling up, the same rush I feel before every race. It was that perfect blend of nervous energy and pure adrenaline.

I located the 3:30 pacer and mentally locked in. My mantra for the day was simple but powerful: “I belong here.” Every time a flicker of doubt tried to creep in, I’d repeat those words to myself. The start line of a marathon can be overwhelming—hundreds, sometimes thousands of runners, all buzzing with energy, and the looming distance of 26.2 miles ahead. But I reminded myself that I had earned this moment. I was ready.

When the race kicked off at 6:15 AM, I felt an amazing sense of calm wash over me. I didn’t have any particular time goal in mind—I wasn’t aiming for a personal best or a specific finish time. Instead, my plan was to keep a steady pace with the 3:30 group and, most importantly, enjoy the experience. This race wasn’t about pressure; it was about testing my limits while savoring every mile.

And let me tell you, that first half of the race felt incredible. The early miles ticked by, and I focused on one mile at a time. No overwhelming thoughts about the finish line, no stress over my pace. I just focused on staying in the moment, taking in the sights, and embracing the challenge. The route took us through some of the most iconic spots in Sydney—crossing the Harbour Bridge with the Opera House in the distance was surreal.

But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. The course was tougher than I expected, full of rolling hills and sharp turnarounds. My legs felt the burn early on, but I had trained for this. Every incline, every descent, I reminded myself that I was prepared. Somewhere around mile 18, fatigue started to set in, and I walked twice—just for a few seconds each time. I knew I needed those moments to reset and regain focus.

By the time I hit mile 24, the pain was real. My legs were screaming at me to stop, and for a moment, I actually considered walking the rest of the way. The thought crossed my mind: “Maybe I’ve given enough already. Maybe I should just take it easy from here.” But then something shifted. I felt this fire light up inside me when I realized that, despite the pain, I was on track for a personal best.

Suddenly, the fatigue in my legs didn’t matter anymore. My mind was on fire, and I knew I had it in me to push harder. I could see the finish line within reach, and I gave everything I had left. Those final miles were a blur of grit, determination, and pure adrenaline. When I crossed that finish line at 3 hours and 33 minutes, I was overwhelmed with joy and pride. Four minutes off my personal best!

The moment I finished, it was like the discomfort disappeared. My legs no longer felt like they were on fire, and the exhaustion melted into the background. All I could feel was happiness—pure, radiant happiness. I was all smiles, soaking in the atmosphere, and feeling like I had just accomplished something truly special. It’s funny, I think I’ve said it after almost every race, but this was hands down the best race experience ever.

I couldn’t have been prouder of my performance. The months of hard work, discipline, and sacrifice had paid off in a way I hadn’t even anticipated. It wasn’t just about the personal best; it was about the entire journey—mentally, physically, and emotionally. This race, this experience, was proof that when you trust in your training and give your best effort, the results will always leave you smiling.

The Blue Mountains: A Scenic Escape

After celebrating the race (and walking off any lingering soreness), we took an early train to Katoomba the next day to explore the famous Blue Mountains. I had seen pictures of the region before, but nothing compares to seeing it in person. It’s called “blue” because of the blue haze that hovers over the eucalyptus trees—it’s truly a sight to behold.

Our first stop was Scenic World, where we took a ride on the Scenic Railway, the steepest passenger train in the world! We also glided across the valley on the Skyway and soaked in the panoramic views from the Cableway. Every direction you looked was postcard-perfect. Towering cliffs, lush valleys, and endless eucalyptus forests—it was a nature lover’s paradise. If you’re ever in Sydney, this is a must-do!

Exploring Robertson: The Hidden Gem

From Katoomba, we headed to Robertson, a small village about two hours away. If you’ve never heard of Robertson, you’re not alone. It’s a bit of a hidden gem, tucked away in the Southern Highlands, but it’s worth the trip! The village is surrounded by rolling hills, lush rainforests, and picturesque farmland. We spent the next four days hiking through some of the most beautiful trails, lounging on quiet beaches, and indulging in visits to local breweries and wineries.

I felt completely connected to nature there. The trees seemed to beckon me with open arms, and yes, I hugged them—no shame! There’s something so grounding about being surrounded by so much natural beauty. It was the perfect way to recover from the marathon and reconnect with myself.

Back to Sydney, and an Unexpected Twist

After our time in Robertson, we returned to Sydney for one last hurrah before our flight home. More walking, more amazing restaurants, and even more breweries to explore! Everything was going perfectly until we got to the airport on Sunday morning, only to find out that our flight had been delayed until the next day. Three hours later, after dealing with the airline, we decided to make the best of it. We headed back to the harbor for one final day of sightseeing. While it wasn’t ideal, Sydney was the kind of city where an extra day is never a bad thing.

A Bittersweet Goodbye

But as much as I loved Australia, there was a shadow over the trip. Back home, our sweet dog Maya had fallen ill while we were away. By Day 7 of our trip, after many difficult conversations and considering all possibilities, we received the heartbreaking news that she was getting worse and had to be rushed to the vet. The prognosis wasn’t good, and the decision was made to let her go peacefully.

The hardest part? We weren’t there to say goodbye. Coming home was a whirlwind of emotions—part joy from the incredible experiences we had, and part deep sadness from losing our beloved Maya. There’s no easy way to describe that kind of loss, but Maya will always hold a special place in our hearts.

I’d love to hear your marathon or running experiences—let’s share our stories, celebrate our victories, and support each other through the highs and lows of this incredible journey!

With love and care, Francis.