Run 38. Around the “Blocks”. 11/09/2019.
It recently dawned on me that the last 7 seasons of the TV show “The Block” have been filmed on locations that roughly sit between my work and my house. This sets up a run of 21.1 km that will take me past all 7 sites.
As I set off I realise this will be more like an orienteering course than a half marathon, but that’s part of the fun. Fast start and feeling good as I arrive at the Port Melbourne location (season 12). Distance from work – 289 meters.
Then off to South Yarra where there were 2 series filmed. Season 10 and 11 were within 1.5km of each other. Quick turn around and google map direction check before heading to High St Prahran for the Glasshouse in season 9. These 3 being close together meant frequent stopping which helps keep heart rate down but does nothing for rhythm.
Finally I could stretch out a bit as I then headed for St Kilda where another two seasons were filmed including the current one in Grey St (season 15) as well as “The Gatwick” in season 14. Another chance to run for a while as the last “site” to visit was in Elsternwick (season 13). By now it was getting dark so the selfie wasn’t brilliant, but all 7 complete and still had just over 5km to go to complete the half marathon distance. Given it was the first day over 20 degrees for a long time, I set my next destination on finding a drinking tap in Hopetoun Gardens and then headed home. Despite the distraction of hunting for Block locations, I still finished in 1:52:56
My Three Learnings.
Orienteering isn’t just a time based race for a reason.
As temperatures rise, water becomes more critical. This is thirsty work.
Hard to avoid the metro tunnel detours in inner city Melbourne.