Hello everyone.

Chris here, back from an amazing weekend darn Lahndan.

Pam and I went down last Friday to go on a big walk on the South Downs in prep for the Fruitcake's squillion mile trailwalker walk and to watch Andy & Mick in FLM. Friday saw us meeting up with Katie in the Canadian bar and heading to Katie's patch for fantastic pizza and a brill catch-up.

Sat saw a 17 mile training walk with Katie, Amy and their fellow FC Lexi on the South Downs. I was designated cake carrier (a tough task but I was up for it) - it was my first time to the South Downs and I learned that: old ladies are not as reliable as google maps for measuing distances, some drivers don't understand the country way of walking in the road if there's no pavement and that I'd do anything stupid for cake.

Sat night saw us meeting up with AnneH and Katie back at Katie's flat for an ace meal and a bout of poster-making!

Sunday was FLM day, and I'll admit I was sooooo excited to watch - moreso than being on the Tube! Choo choo! Katie, Anne,  Amy, Pam and I were joined by Russell & Marie at the 8 1/2 mile point for cheering duties. The atmosphere was amazing, and it was truly humbling to see so many inspirational people running for good causes, people putting themselves through the pain barrier for the benefit of others. Saw the Stig who graced me with a sweaty hug (I shall never wash again) and kept my eyes out for Mick (but missed him - too quick, Mick! Pam saw you and was yelling, but my old brain doesn't work that fast!). Met up with Andy and the cheering squad (minus Amy, plus Mike) for a pint in Covent Garden after the race and had a brill chat with Andy and the guys. Oh too soon, it was time to come home.

Work has been a bit rough this week so far, but was glad to get out for a run tonight - first in 10 days or so. It was a teeny tiny run tonight in prep for Alex Park and Great Manchester Run - only 5k. But with my iPod on, I lost myself in my thoughts about the sights and sounds of the Marathon, and what an amazing job Andy & Mick both did at the weekend. They, like so many people on the blogs who achieve incredible things. Sometimes this is in the face of adversity, sometimes people run for friends or family, some run for themselves. All of which are inspirational.

I'm very lucky to know such wonderful friends who do motivate me to get out and run. I appreciate the fact that I'm able to go out and enjoy running and that I have good friends wh encourage me to do that.

There are a few people I was thinking of tonight in particular when lost in my thoughts, you know, the kind of friends who make you glad that you've met them and who give me a (nice!) kick up the bum and make me realise that there are some incredible people in the world. I'm sure my wife knows she's one of them, but I'm not convinced the rest even realise just how much their friendship means to me.

I guess what I'm trying to say is thanks to all of you for being inspirational people to me. Coming across the blogs has meant we've both made some great friends, and to those of you who've really meant a lot - I hope I can show you all how grateful I am for your friendship.

Big hugs and happy running!

C