Look Good, Run Good.... by jamieB

In June this year, I got a message via Twitter.  It was a time when I'd just had a knee operation and was being made redundant. The message offered me a free place at the GNR if I wanted it.  I was unsure but after a few days took it.

This kindness from GreatRun.org was followed up by Andy_Bee who offered to drive me to Newcastle on the day thus saving the annual fleecing of runners by local hotels.

As you know preparation is key and, following on from my last post, there hasn't been much of it for the GNR.  The thinking was that I knew the course, knew it would be slow and was at least rested for it so stood a chance.  My Love felt it was all a bit stupid but gave her blessing as usual and did what she could to help preparations on Saturday.  I'm really lucky to have her in my life.

Sleep didn't come easy especially knowing the alarm was set for 4:30am, you know the thing, waiting for it to go off and then actually getting up at 4am just to make sure.  They still show rolling Ceefax on BBC2 at this time (for those of you too young to know what Ceefax is, please click here) which is funny and low tech.

What I love about Andy is that he is specific, plans stuff and makes things work when he says they will.  He arrived at mine when he said he would and we set of into the night, a long drive ahead for the Bee, for which I was very grateful. We stopped off a couple of times (men over-40 do this) and saw a few runners.  Usually this is a great experience, part of the excitement and the buzz as you approach the start.  At the service station we stopped at, I think it was Wetherby, the first person Andy tried to chat with just completely ignored him.  Luckily we did speak to a few other runners who were friendly and chatty, asking directions and one who thought we looked fitter than we thought.

Anyway, we got there and drove to South Shields, parked up and hit the Metro.  We arrived on time, maybe a little too early, with Andy glad he could get a bit of peace and quiet from me talking all the time.

You forget how big it is and how much work goes into it all.  Arriving early gives you the chance to soak it up and appreciate it, to not queue for the toilets and to take your time.

At this point you would usually get a blow by blow account of it all, the great things and the not so great things.  Getting a free place let me feeling less critical about everything.  I honestly couldn't complain about anything.  It was the best event for a very long time and despite not breaking any records it was the best I've ever run with no pain, no issues and was a great overall experience.

Anyway, here are the highlights from yesterday:

• The man running with a fridge on his back - class, everything that is good about Britain, doing yourself damage for charity and smiling.
• Tony Audenshaw basically being Mr GNR.  Running as a robot and then enteraining the crowds. He's a Legend so why hasn't her got a OBE or MBE?  He deserves it - Realbuzz, start the campaign now.
• Andy's run.  I lost him at about five miles and tried to look for him.  He finished it and looked great after.  His driving was exemplary.
• Almo - I ran behind him at the end trying to catch him - yes he beat me- but he ran great especially in the weather and entertained the crowd.
• The weather - very hot for the first five miles which prompted a quick strip and then wet followed by a beautiful blue sky and sunshine at the finish.
• The Red Arrows.  It was poignant because of Red4 but it still makes me feel like the first time I ever saw them fly, the Airfix kit, sitting in a Gnat when I was ten.  We got them at the start, over the Tyne Bridge and at the beach.
• The crowds epecially the kids low-fiving, low fiving across the Tyne Bridge, kissing a Georide lass and a lass from South Shields.  Seeing an Irish flag at the end.  The guy with the hosepipe on the bus shelter - hopefully they will put a blue plaque up for him at that spot.
• Finishing it without many issues.  You know I didn't dedicate myself to it over the last four weeks so I'd also salute my luck.   The last three miles up the hill at 10 miles were going to be the worst but I felt like I powered up it, passing other runners.  Getting up that slope, which just goes on and on felt like an achievement.  It just looked like utter carnage in the rain with bottles, rubbish, rain and people walking and saving themselves for the beach.
• Laura's run which was the performance of the day.  I love everything about her and the way she has become another of my world class, elite running mates.

The lowlights? Not much:

• People walking from very early on because of the heat.  I am not one to criticize anyone not being prepared and walking but walk on the side, think about the 13 miles and the little clue, RUN.  If you are going to walk it, don't wear a "Born to Run shirt".
• People wearing iPods and the like.  I find it disrespectful to the crowds and other runners, especially when they don't know who's around them and next to them, stepping out and cutting people up.  I know some people need it but listen out, don't zone out.
• Carnage at the water stations.  People not thinking about it and darting around thinking they won't get any water, banging into people.
• Runners who don't get out the way of an ambulance, mostly because they are listening to One Direction or Olly Murs on their iPod and because they are okay and nothing matters.  Please...

It was excellent though and you tend to expect the above don't you?  I can't fault it and in a way I am disappointed in myself for mentioning the above so I'll scrub it all.

Since I was a little boy, I've always liked Sue Barker, so when there she was in the box, reading through her notes, I saw her, I had to say hello.  It was like the Victoria Pendleton moment all over again. 

Anyway, Andy got me home safe and sound.  I experienced that hangover sort of feeling after the run itself and woke up with it this morning.  But it was all worth it.

I'm going to give this to Carol, the Asthma nurse who helped me feel a little better after this post.  The future?  I don't know.  Hopefully I will do something but at the moment I just want to thank Andy for everything as well as Mick6, Tina, Paul and Alison (not forgetting GreatRun.org)  who never seem to give up on me and give me so much.  I love you all but Sue was my lady yesterday...x

Sometimes you can't make it on your own so thanks....