So its the Great North Run this weekend. Training has been none existent, but looking forward to it.
Fancy dress is being left to the last minute and will be decided upon by mini TC tomorrow. Update to follow.
Ten years of half marathons.. previous years have included amongst others..
Wheres Wally
Mr Potato head
Officer and a gentlemen styley
Fred Flintstone
Jack Sparrow
70"s jump suit and full on "fro
All good fun
although the stitching on the jump suit in the nipple area wasnt much fun after a mile or so
This year being my offical last one is being jogged / walked from pub to pub along the route. Also contemplating stopping off at any garages along the way for a can.. but that might be a little too much. Gary Palmer picking me up from ChezTC at 7am on Sunday and more than likely picking me up at the finishing line if I ever get there haha.
I"ve really enjoyed the runs over the years, the atmosphere is amazing and the banter amongst the "runners" is top notch. The public always come out in their droves and basically cheer you round the whole course. I can"t think of any sections even the remote ones where the sides of the roads arent full. Ranging from families and kids high fiving from the side of the road, to my favourite old women who always has a tin of free biscuits open around the 9 mile mark.
I approach the run pretty much like I approach life in general, laid back, not seriously at all and for laughs and giggles, trying to enjoy it as much as possible. I understand those that are fitter than me (which isnt difficult to be honest) and want to do personal bests etc and the sense of achievement they must get. But thats all too much effort really. Anyone watching it on the telly I"ll be the one near the back.. in fact a few years back I turned round and there was noone behind me.. around 50,000 ahead of me.. and just a row of ambulances following at a crawling pace haha.
Good luck to Gary Palmer and Mark Wright who are both running it. Both stars.
Good luck to any other APATers doing the run. Will see you at the end... I hope.. greasy burger or chip butty for me if you"re getting them in please x