After VLM - What's next? by judith

Sorry it's a long one!!

Thought it was about time you got my GNR report. Set off early Saturday so we could take our time and stop on the way. The first stop was Kendal for a bit of retail therapy and breakfast. Had a look round Pete Blands running shop and a nice litle handbag shop that I like. Followed by a full english breakfast in the Union Jack cafe. Absolutely marvellous. Then the wet and wild journey continued with all of us thinking 'hope it's not like this tommorrow'. PLEASE. Lunch was picnic just off the A69 at Greenhead. Then on to Whitley Bay via Tynemouth market.

Checked in and for once rested up before meeting Janice a good friend of ours who had been let down by some more friends at the last minute so travelled with us and fortunately staying at the B&B on the next corner to us. Met up with her for pasta at a lovely Italian on the Seafront then back for an early night. I had started with a cold on the Friday before so didn't sleep to well and got woken by late night revellers returning to various B&B's during the night. Whitely Bay is a bit like Blackpool!!

Up early Sunday for porridge and toast, then the Metro to the start. It was at least dry for now. Bags on baggage buses nice and early. Met Patti a relative of ours who was doing her first GNR and was really nervous to say the least. But she did really well finishing in 2hrs 16.

Walked with Janice to the white zone wished her luck and found our way to the pink zone at the back. It took us 32 mins to get to the start. Realised when we were in Pete Blands I'd forgotten the communal Garmin so we were running blind on Sunday no way of keeping a real track on our pace.

Mo Farah looked like he was enjoying himself starting the run shaking hands and hi-fiving as many people as possible. An emotional moment was when the Red Arrows flew over the start line from back to front still flying as an 8. Red 4 was running her first half marathon without her husband for the Trust that has been set up in his name.

Had to stop between miles 1 & 2 as one of my laces came un-done. Then I was having problems with my bum-bag that had my gels, tissues, money and inhaler in before mile three. so we stopped so I could saftey pin it tightly to my top and fasten it again. It was really hot at this point so the slight shower was really welcome. Plodded to six miles and then the usual loo stop at this point. As I came out the porta loo and we got going the heavens really opened and it was bouncing. We were soaked and a combination of sweat and rain was running down our faces.

But this passed and the sun came out in time for us to see the Red Arrows display in the distance at South Shields (the finish). As usual the generosity of the local folk cannot be faulted. Between miles 10 & 11 the locls were with all sorts of food, chocolate, chocolate biscuits, cut up oranges and bananas also providing water in plastic cups for us. They really do get in the spirit and help the runners along. We both still felt really strong at this point and were passing people and more to the point we were not being passed.

Then down the hill to the last mile which does actually start with a small climb and it's the first time I've noticed that. I just wanted it over now! I saw a  banner in the road and thought it was the 200m to go sign but it was only the 20k sign. The last kilometre seemed to take for ever and I hated it like I've never hated it before. But the finish line was in sight with a chip time of 3:04:06. A PB for the course and without the stops definitely a sub 3hr GNR.

Then it was off to find Janice, collect our bags and get the bus to the ferry stop. Well we just had to go in the pub first to let the queue go down and emjoy some post race refreshment. Then back to North Shields vis the ferry and up the hill to the Metro. Then home showered changed and out for another beer and then a curry!! I love the way the Aisian curry house owners and staff have Goerdie accents.

Monday brought a full English again and then more retail therapy at Royal Quays oulet then home. Collected the cat from his prison cell (the local cattery)where I hasten to add he is thoroughly spoilt and home to sort the house for the new carpet being fitted throughout on Tuesday.

So back to basics starts tomorrow. The aim over the next couple of weeks  to run 5k with no breaks of any description. Then w/c 10th October starts the training for the Alexandra Park 5k on 4th December. As the runs for this are shorter than we are used to the aim is to put some pace into them and after the 5k build from there.

Sorry for the long post but we really did enjoy the GNR 2011 and I have been told we are not treating it as a day out next year.

Off for a catch up!!