Monday 21 April 2008

Please support me

In July this year I'll be taking part in a very large running race. Large as in lots of people - not marathon large in distance but more on that in a moment. What The London 10k lacks in terms of killer distance it more than makes up for in terms of participatory scale. Tens of thousands of runners will be taking part and I for one will be doing so in order to raise funds for Diabetes UK. Take a look at the left hand part of this page for the links or if you are too lazy:



Now, as a type II diabetic, I take running quite seriously. I use it to look after myself whilst having fun. I monitor my blood sugar levels before and after running. I listen to what my body is telling me when I run. I still have fun though and supporting races is huge fun too. Come along and shout at me to make me run faster. It does help honest!

My eventual plan is to run the London Marathon in '09. I have set the wheels in motion but taking one step at a time (pardon the pun) I am going to race the 10k first. I'll keep my failthful readers posted on progress.

Sunday 13 April 2008

Just another day?

Its early/mid-April, Sunday, another day, another 35,000 tired pairs of feet - and that's just the runners of today's 100th Flora London Marathon (spectators get it tough too y'know).

It could be argued easily that today's race was one of the toughest in recent memory. Starting out as pleasant spring morning typical for mid-April, by just after lunch time (during my second pint), the heavens opened for the first time (of many times during the day) drenching the runners with sleety hail and blasting them with a brisk chilly wind.

Harsh

This was tough going...wet running gear tries to dry quickly at the expense of the runners body heat. T'was a cold afternoon sporting vests and shorts.

Those who had even the slightest risk of the dreaded chafing were guaranteed painful red patches by wet running/rubbing kit. St Johns Ambulance representatives responded with admirable speed and forethought by offering handfuls of Vaseline to passing runners who managed (whilst on the hoof) to discretely secrete the relief giving ooze in whatever nook or crannie that was subject to frictional discomfort.

Heroes

Two of my closest chums (Slick and Smooth to those in the know) showed real guts today getting through one heck of a run. I doff my cap, raise my glass, stand back in admiration and applaud with gusto as they take a bow for showing the backbone that was required at today's race - grit: dey haz it...plenty.

Get real

I'm glad in a very selfish way that today was tough. I was under no illusion that a 26.2 miler is an easy run. I know having done 13.1 how hard long distance running is and what preparation is required. A race such as today is a healthy reminder as to what level of commitment is required to see through such a gruelling challenge.

Hat's off to you girls. I hope to have even half the guts you showed today this time next year...yup, you can enjoy the beer in '09 whilst I slog it round....assuming I get the entry of course!

And here are the photos