Sunday 1st October 2006
GREAT NORTH RUN
We (Neil & Jane) met up with Keith at 7:45 to get the bus to the start, weather was ok considering the storm we had in the night. Lots of nervous but excited chatter on the bus as we made or way the 13.1 miles back into Newcastle City Centre. As we walked to the start line you could hear all the commentary from the local DJ. The weather by now was becoming sunny not what you want when running a ½ marathon. We said our goodbyes and good lucks as Keith made his way to the baggage buses. We sat on the embankment close to our green pen watching people go by. Keith passed us again on his way back to his red starting pen, good wishes where exchanged again. At 10:00 a stillness falls over the starting area as the hymn Abide With Me is played this is a time for people to stop and take a moment to think about those people and charities for whom most of us are running for. Its 10:10 time to get into the pen and think about removing the attractive all in one paper suit we have been wearing to keep us warm. 10:30 the mass warm up starts what a laugh, people everywhere trying to do side steps and lunges. 10:40 we should be off but there’s a delay, the barriers are removed from between the pens and then the gun goes off. 4 mins later and we have passed the start line (that’s good it usually takes 20 mins). I have to keep telling myself to slow down don’t get taken away by the crowd you’ve got 13.1 miles to do yet. By now the sun is shining its hot and the commentator is telling everyone how great it is for running (if only he new). 2 miles so far so good the crowd is great the live music is great. 4 miles and the Lucozade drinks are handed out I take one, bad move not ever having run whilst drinking an energy drink. By 8 miles my energy has gone and I start to feel unwell and walk. I take on some water and feel a little better, by 9 ½ miles I am walking again then at 10 there is more energy drink I take it thinking that it can’t make me feel any worse than I do. At 10 miles a kind lady reminds me I’ve only got 3 miles left to go and somehow something inside me switches back on and I think she’s right I can do this and I will do this and I did do it. The last mile and a bit along the seafront is very hard going people collapsed at the road side but the crowd are fantastic and carry you on I reach the 800m sign and think that’s 2 times round the track I CAN do this. The finish line is in sight and I cross it HOOOOOOORAY I’ve done it. My time is not my best, 2hrs 6 mins, 3mins slower than last year but hey after the year I’ve had I’m chuffed. Back to the caravan for a nice cup of tea and wait for news of the others. All did well. Neil (who doesn’t run) knocked 3 mins off last years time. That’s it for another year.