June 8: Happiness is finding new joy in an old setting

Today was the second last long run on my program for the Gold Coast Marathon. I’ve trotted along this same path many, many times. From West End along the river to Kangaroo Point, over the Story Bridge, onto New Farm, back via Eagle Street Pier, through the Botanic Gardens, along Coro Drive, then back up and over Goodwill Bridge towards the final leg home. I can almost do it on auto pilot.

The thing that keeps me sane and makes me happy on long runs – this one taking over three hours – is the beauty I always see along the river. I am like a tourist running in my own city. I have photographed the same bridges and stretches of water many times, but I always find a new beauty in it. Every time. And so the boredom, and sometimes the body pain, is alleviated by the pics I take along the way.