Concrete Playground Runs the City2Surf

Anyone in Sydney who considers themselves a Sider knows the Sun-Herald City2Surf. What with it being the largest event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, attracting over 85,000 participants, this charity fundraiser/epic test of stamina and virtue is hard to miss even on the laziest of radars.

With our partners The Athlete's Foot, we're putting one of our team to the test, giving him four weeks to get in shape and make it to that starting line (and, hopefully, the finish line) on August 11. Follow his ups, downs and diversions here, in his #ididit diary. And for all of you out there looking for some extra motivation to join in? The Athlete's Foot is giving away a pair of running shoes each week to their favourite #ididit photo during the running season.

The Runner: Jack Arthur Smith, 24, Rugby Born and Bred

I'm not from around here. In fact I was born, raised and schooled in the small market town of Rugby, England. Yes, the birthplace of that great game we Poms and our neighbours are apparently better at playing than you. But don't let this consequence fool you; I ain't no sports fan. If I was a Lion I'd be skipping down the yellow brick road with Dorothy and letting the Tinman do things to me after dark.

However, while I may have spent last Saturday watching Pirates of the Caribbean and drinking Earl Grey tea, I do strongly believe in trying new things and pushing myself to stay active. I figure if I can pack my bags and travel halfway across the planet, I can handle jogging 14km through one the greatest cities on it. So when the chance to run the Sun-Herald City2Surf came along, just like when I danced in the Mardi Gras parade (twice now) or shaved my head for the World's Greatest Shave, it was against my nature to say no.

Friday, July 19, 12.13pm

Friday, July 19, 12.35pm

Friday, July 19, 4pm

My dad once told me if you're ever going to do anything, do it properly or don’t do it at all. So to fully prepare myself for the onslaught of 14km in less than four weeks, I knew there was only one thing to do: 60 minutes of pure remedial massage bliss. Say what you like, but we all know if you want something done in life, it’s better to butter up whomever you need it from first. And if that's yourself, well, too easy.

Saturday, July 20, 11.40am

Friday, July 26, 12.44pm

Jack: Did 8km todays in 53 mins - #city2surf is just over double that... #FML #ididit http://t.co/tRMT8j07z5

— Concrete Playground (@PLAYGROUNDnews) July 29, 2013

Tuesday, July 30, 8.45pm

Ever since I arrived in Sydney it's become increasingly clear it's true what they say: you people like to exercise. None more so, I would argue, than my good friend Jess Robinson who spends her free time training wannabe athletes or inspiring people from across the globe on her blog, Lazy Girl Fitness. Naturally, being somewhat allergic to exercise, it seemed more than appropriate to seek a little expert advice.

A week and a bit later and I’ve run a total of almost 44km, done 96 push ups, 96 kettle bell swings, 96 squats, 160 Bulgarian lunges (honestly, don’t ask), 96 TRX rows, 40 burpees, planked more than I care to account and come close to vomming all over the gym floor about seven times. It's been all systems go, literally, and if I’m 100 percent honest, I couldn't be luckier to have such skilled support and encouragement by my side. Only two more weeks to go!

Need some fitness inspiration yourself? Pay Jess a visit on Facebook or Twitter.

Wednesday, July 31, 9am

Sunday, August 4, 9.44am

Jack: At Button Bar psyching myself up for the #city2surf. #ididit with #negroni. http://t.co/tRMT8j07z5

— Concrete Playground (@PLAYGROUNDnews) August 8, 2013

Friday, 9 August, 12.50pm

Saturday, 10 August, 5.30pm

As I recline here in my bedroom, rubbing my stomach and groaning from the pains of a triple-decker, hazelnut meringue cake slice from The Rocks, I honestly have no fear for tomorrow. In fact, I’m looking forward to it.

I know it’s going to be killer, I know about 11km in I’m going to want to throw myself onto the ground and let the thousands of feet trample me into an early grave, but I also know I’ll push through. Why? Because it’s fun. Training has been excellent, I’ve become closer with fitness-enthused friends, and, ladies and gentlemen, my love handles have become smaller by the day. It’s a win-win-win if you ask me.

I just hope no one in a Vegemite costume overtakes me.

Tuesday, 13 August, 6.50pm

Two days ago I ran past the finish line of this year’s Sun-Herald City2Surf on Campbell Parade, Bondi.

It was fabulous: the sun was out, the sky was blue and Sydney was alive with the sounds of school bands, house parties and thousands upon thousands of runners hitting road. Atmospheres don’t get much better than this and I managed to smash the race in just over 80 minutes. Proud of myself is an understatement.

Now as I sit at my desk with a one sore big toe, but otherwise generally unharmed, I can’t help but think back to when I was a fat little school kid, getting chafe on my Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award because my chubby legs rubbed together. It’s nice saying “I’ve come a long way”, and I’m pretty chuffed #ididit for Concrete Playground.