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Christine's Running Page

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Warning ! This "Nutty" Runner (Sorry - Barely a Jogger) has been accepted into the Flora "Millennium" London Marathon - picture of "Bob the Banana 2000"

1999 Races Season Write Up's

Flora London Marathon, Liverpool Women's 10k, Chester 10k, Race the Train, Tywyn and Great North Run, Newcastle

christine.paye@btinternet.com

Flora London Marathon -

From a stragglers view.

Here is me going over Tower Bridge at around 1pm

- at this point I would of much preferred to have been going under it.

15 May 1999

Where it all started....

It was a dull, damp day in March 1997 that marked the beginning of whole change in the direction of my ambitions. That was the Reg Davies Fun Run in Telford, Shropshire.

That day I went into a race where I didn't know what to expect or even if I would finish. Ten races on would be a true baptism of fire - The Flora London Marathon 1999. Who would of thought that my first race would compel me to take up such a challenge. In between my first and tenth race I had competed in races from 5 miles up to 13 miles, but never anything near 26 miles.

The acceptance....

Ever since I got my acceptance on New Years Eve, I had only one thing on my mind - Sunday 18 April 1999. Each week I was counting down.

Fancy Dress.....

Last year I participated in my races with "Oscar the Ostridge", this year it is the turn of "Shaun the Sheep" who would be making his marathon debut along side me.

I look back and cannot think of another day in the London calendar of events that you would get away with roaming around the streets of London dressed as a sheep. If you did I would imagine that you would probably be arrested and find yourself having nut case evaluation - In my case I would be sent straight to Shelton !

The Training....

I knew that I was going to have to put in the miles this time, but with two years of short lived training schedules behind me, I knew it was going to be an uphill struggle.

I had set myself a target of 30 miles a week, it all sounds so easy setting up a training schedule, but the harsh reality was that even I didn't know how far I could take the training.

Naturally, my first outing of a 10.4 mile walk was easy, as the aching limbs after the Great North Run were long forgotten and the enthusiasm was high.

My main problem however, after doing a long distance was my ankles which had always proved a hazard in my two non prestigious years of running. It basically meant that they were so sore after 10.4 miles that I couldn't sustain another training session for at least three days.

I had to get over this if I was to succeed on 18 April, so on my first full weekend of training which was scheduled as 10.4 miles on Saturday and then on the Sunday. This meant me having to walk through the pain on the Sunday and by repeating this schedule over several weekends I was most pleased to have broken through this nasty problem.

As the weeks went on, I was doing my usual weekend mileage and also venturing out three nights a week around town after work which were 3.7 milers.

I must say that considering that the marathon was a mere five weeks away I still hadn't found any enthusiasm or ability to run at all. In that week I pushed myself to run a little, and was feeling ready for the Iron Bridge Half Marathon on Sunday 22 March.

For some reason prior to Sundays race I was compelled to go to the track on the Wednesday and after 20 laps I finished with a sprint finish. When I stopped I came over feeling all ceased up and the next day it was apparent I had injured my right thigh. It seemed irrelevant at the time and I just rested it until Sundays race.

Race day came and the injury still wasn't good before the race, in fact it was probably getting worse since the Wednesday night but being the tough nut (fool) that I am I took part anyhow.

The Iron bridge half was to be a big test of how far I had come, and to my surprise I ran quite a bit in the first five miles, but after that I ran out of puff and walked the rest of it, and better still at the time my injury held up to 12 miles and then started to give me some uncomfortable jip. Nevertheless I finished spot on my target time of 3:30 which I was well pleased with.

The Monday after the race was frightening, I could hardly put any weight on my injured leg as the pain was too much. I feared at this point that my marathon was already over. The four weeks up to the race were a case of training being replaced by sessions with the physio lady and left me with feelings of despair and disappointment.

Two weeks before the race my leg was feeling champion, so I decided to venture out to do my 3.7 miler town lap which I made strictly a walk. The leg reacted badly the next day and felt that I had probably lost about a week with the fight against my injury. From that point I was in fear of making my leg worse by even walking any distance so the training for me was over for sure and I would be going in to the London Marathon with no training for four weeks - not a good idea.

In my four weeks of wilderness from training I entered the "Fancy your Chances" competition that the Flora London Marathon were running for the first year. I somehow got accepted in to the final - one of twenty finalists - I was delighted as it gave me something to aim for before the Marathon.

The competition was held at the London Arena on Thursday 15 April. It was terrifying, having to go out on the cat walk in front of all those people. In the end, out of what was a male dominated competition, the millennium bug won it, which was naturally disappointing to us other 19 contestants, but hopefully better luck next year. I already have my outfit planned.

The big weekend....

I was already shattered by my trip to London earlier in the week for the Fancy your Chances competition and the Saturday morning was yet another early start, 5:30 am to be exact. The journey was on a coach and admittedly I am not one of the worlds best travellers, especially coaches but I did make it to London unscathed.

We were staying at the Ibis Hotel, Euston Station. A rather posh old place - don't know how I got in there !

The day went horribly fast, by the time you make the awfully long trip out to the London Arena the day was pretty well gone. I hope that the registration will be at a more convenient place next year.

All that was left of the day was just enough time to catch the football results - Villa actually beating Liverpool 1-0 at Anfield. This was very uplifting to my sprits. I then tried to relax for the remainder of the day before going out for the good old pasta meal in the evening.

I absolutely hate healthy food, but all credit to the Italian place we went to - the chow wasn't too bad, unlike the prices they charged. By 9:00pm I could of quite happily fallen asleep but at this time we were still at the restaurant, so I had to fight my tiredness for a little while longer.

When I got back to my room, I went through the usual pre race rituals of making sure everything was sorted and easy to grab in the morning. At the time of going to bed I was feeling a little nervous but more than ready to get some kip.

Race Day....

Before I knew it the time was 4:30 am, once I had awoken that was it, I was nervous, restless and ready to go. We met for breakfast at 7am, what a fine start that was. We were supposed to get a cooked breakfast, no such luck - just a smelly continental job breakfast. I somehow managed to get some cereal down and a couple of croissants but that was it, my nerves wouldn't allow any more.

The day that I has been counting down to since new years eve was unfortunately here, even though I was wishing it was not !. The time came to check out, stuff our baggage in to the hold and get on to the bus to the race start.

I chatted to a acquaintance on the bus and the nerves at this point were calming down. We were at the start in no time, on the way to the race I had seen Big Ben and thought what a wonderful sight that will be at teatime, that is if I reach it however.

We stuck together at the start of the race as we were mainly at the Red start. After going to the trouble of climbing over the zone barriers I pointed out that it had been a complete waste of time and effort as a mere 20 meters away the stewards had opened a way through.

As time went on I was now settled and dreading the task ahead. I went on the search for some liquid power, it tasted revolting but it was free.

At about 9:10am I departed from my fellow runners to do the good old queuing for the toilet, but to my surprise found some porta-loos which were virtually que less. I am certainly not telling you where !

I went through my pre race preparation of dousing my feet in Vaseline, put my bum bag on and put my sheep on. I went for a stroll and after putting up with some derogatory comments from runners about my sheep I made my way to my starting zone number eight. It was a hell of a struggle getting through the spectators.

The endless hours since 4:30am were over and spot on 9:30am we moved a mighty 10 meters and it went on like this right through to the start point 12 minutes later. I remember saying jokingly to another runner by my side that when we were moving at a snails pace that "I can just about handle this speed !"

The minute that we were out of the Park Gates disaster struck, we started running, I couldn't believe it, by the time I crossed the line 100 meters on I was almost knackered !

The first three miles were amazing, I was in a massive wave of people who were passing by the thousands. On reflection I must say that I being surrounded in such a rush of people was something I didn't really like, especially as in my usual races being surrounded by people wares off after the first 100 meters of a race. I was however comforted by the thought that being this would soon disappear and I would be left with my kind of runners, which of course are stragglers. To be honest with myself I was worried that I would be the only straggler in this race, but to my amazement there were plenty of others taking there time. A couple of men who were walking the race had a great motto - "Built for Quality - Not Speed", my sentiments exactly.

As the race went on I stunned myself by doing the first four miles in an hour. At this stage I was regretting taking on board liquid power at the start, in all actual fact I had been left bursting for the loo just half a mile into the race. It wasn't until five miles that I finally approached toilets not riddled with queues. Its all very well stopping for the toilet, but it wasn't half difficult fitting the sheep into the toilet as well !

As the miles went on at this point very quickly I set my sights on reaching the famous Cutty Sark. It was very nice to see it for the first ever time in person and was surprised to see that there were still people around the famous landmark even though I was passing it at around 11.22am.

It was at this point that a very worrying thing happened. The clean up operation had caught up. I couldn't believe it, the blue line was being removed so early with no consideration for us stragglers on the course.

Fortunately I could make out where the jet wash had impacted along the route, but a serious concern however, was that when passing through the water stations it was impossible to see where the jet wash had been and I am sure that if it had been a wet day I would certainly of got lost for not being able to make out where the guiding blue line had been.

With the further worry of now finding my way around the course I was also to meet my first test of the day - this was entering into the wilderness until Tower Bridge. It was not as quite as I thought it would of been, with communities in certain points carrying you through.

After a lot of sweat and water stations I was mighty glad to see the great Tower Bridge, but what was to follow after turning on to the highway could only be described as soul destroying. That was the sight of what I call rush hour runners, otherwise know as proper runners who were on 22 miles and there I was on 13 miles. The only bit of good news at this depressing section of the race was the halfway mark and the excellent time I had made it in, a very good 3:30:02 meaning at this point I was well on target.

It was also at this point that I felt enormous blisters pop up on my feet, not the best time as I was only half way. From here it was pain every step of the way but I just kept slogging away at it. The miles passed and the fifteen mile point came rather quickly.

I had seen the 15 mile marker yesterday when travelling out to the London Arena and had said to myself I will be pretty happy if I make it to this point unscathed.

Unscathed was the case, other than the blisters at fifteen miles. It was at this stage I was really slowing down due to the pain caused by the blisters. The clock watching had stopped and looking out for the next mile marker had now become the most important thing too me.

I was at last out in Canary Wharf, I had been looking forward to going under the fine building, but by now was getting sick of the sight of it. I felt that once I had gone under Canary Wharf building that I would be going away from it - no such luck, the Isle of Dogs also lingered around the Canary Wharf landmark. It was only now I realised what a long spell it was from leaving Tower Bridge to actually getting back to it.

The miles were getting longer and longer and longer. It was almost to the stage of depressing me, people shouting "you're nearly there" was helping no longer. At 20 miles I had enough, as in the period from 13 miles my times had slowed considerably so I decided to go for it, pushing down the blisters each step trying to find my stride again, I don't think that I managed to recapture my target 16 miles minutes but It was not doing a bad speed considering the pain from my feet.

Going to back to my fears of when I was at the start line of "Hitting the Wall" were long gone, it just never happened to me. Even by my own admission I should of "Hit the Wall" considering the lack of training in the four weeks prior to the race.

The miles went on, the chance of getting hold of some Liquid Power was a joke, the only time I had got my hands on some was at the start and at the 5 mile point. More worrying though was that after 20 miles the water stations had vanished along time ago and it was also getting harder to see where to go as jet wash marks which were my only guide had almost dried up. Nothing was going to stop me now (hopefully) and I defiantly kept on going against the wishes of my blisters and probably the organisers to make it to the finish.

The 22 mile marker came and then shortly after the dreaded cobbles, for us stragglers there is no such luxury of the green carpet, just a load of tourists to struggle past and the cobbles related pain. I still don't know what's the fuss about the cobbles, cant be more that half a mile long.

The 23 mile marker was a great relief to see, the long hard miles of slogging were behind me and I was on my way home. I trudged along at this point and found yet another dark point of being a straggler - no way through Blackfriars Bridge which meant diverting onto a lower section of the Victoria Embankment and before I could rejoin the embankment an obstacle I could of done without - steps. This was a real test, as I went up the steps my legs felt like elastic - but strong elastic at that.

The sight of Big Ben was one that I had been relishing all day and it had seemed like a lifetime since the cobbles to even getting my first sight of Big Ben. Firstly I had assumed that Big Ben was something you would see from the Cobbles and secondly it would of only been a stones throw distance away.

This was not the case so I soon learnt. In all actual a fact Big Ben was a mere landmark in the distance. From actually getting my first sight of Big Ben to actually reaching it was the longest part of the race which I can only describe as an "Eternity".

All that was left now was the obstacle course from Big Ben onwards, the worst bit was an enforced stop at a pelican crossing which cost me two minutes and also gave me the extreme pain of having to put wait back on to my blisters - this was painful, but was endured as the Mall was near - unlike it was at 9:30am that morning.

What a fabulous sight down Birdcage Walk, all those trees, it was like being back in the stix and even better was a sign saying "800m to go", I knew that I had a mere two laps of a running track to last, but knowing that I could barely run a lap around the track when fully fit it would not of been a good idea running so early. It seemed to last for ever, Buckingham Palace was now in sight and one more turn there it was, the long awaited sight of the Mall - Hallelujah!

The joyous moment of making that final turn down the Mall which had driven me through my training schedule was finally in my sights. All I had to do was focus, to keep on going regardless of the fact that at this point all I wanted to do was to stop and sit down.

I put the pain aside to run at what could only be described as a snails pace down the Mall to that glorious finish, crossing it was wonderful - with my arms raised for that all important finishing picture.

The time I recorded was 7:53:33, by a proper runners standard you are probably in disgust, but for me I was pleased, only half an hour later that I had estimated as my finishing time.

At this point my day was far from over, for us that finish late on there is no walking onto ramps to get our time recorded, instead the very difficult task of lifting the foot with the time chip attached to it on to a foot stool, that was painful.

Then the crowning moment, the thing that had driven me all day - the all important medal. After this comes the task of trying to find your baggage, no vans - instead a long walk to the end of the Mall to a pick up point to reclaim your kit bag and to also get the goody bag.

My after race plans to walk across Green Park were a bit of a disaster. First of all I had to push myself to walk all the way down the Mall again, and then the long walk across Green Park (It didn't seem a very long walk on the Wednesday when I was planning the best route to the nearest tube station).

At the stage of reaching the tube, I was shattered - too tired to remove my sheep and wrapped in my space blanket I asked the guard to let me through the luggage gate as the sheep was too big and too much trouble to go through in the usual manner.

With my great feeling of achievement I awaited a train to arrive, a long three minute wait - all I needed, my feet were in agony now. A lucky break at last the train arrived and there was a seat, and after a few odd looks I just sat back and enjoyed the luxury of taking a load off until I arrived at Euston.

My walking pattern at this stage was one of one where you are measuring with your feet as the blisters were really hurting. I knew that the Ibis Hotel was only across the road so I kept it together and made it to the hotel.

On entering the hotel I came across another disadvantage of being a late finisher. The tour company that I was with only kept a room for after race showers until 6pm - I was back at 6:30pm - It was a quick change in the Ladies, one of the other group members was getting my stuff together and commented at my blisters as "You've got some beauties there". Other than the extreme mess that my feet were in - I was fine, which was very odd as I usually cease up after any distance.

I limped on to the bus and off home we went. At this point the thought of ever running again was something I could not even focus on at this time.

The after mouth ...

On stopping on our journey back we of course had a stop at one of those highly expensive service stations. At this point I felt rather sick and walking on the blisters was very painful, although I managed to stretch the old legs I couldn't face any food which is not good as I should of been piling in some calories to rejuvenate my tired body.

Hours later we finally arrived home at midnight, by this time I was tired and still feeling a little off colour, I got home and went straight to sleep. The next morning I felt weak and emotionally drained. The feet were so painful I decided to visit the nurse who gave me advice on how to treat the blisters. I lasted until only 1pm that day at work as I still felt rather sick.

I went home and just lay back on the bed for the rest of the day. It was hitting home at this stage how much the Marathon had taken out of me. As the week went on I my feet slowly got better and by the Saturday I was already saying that yes I will do the London Marathon again.

What's Next ?....

After the buzz of taking part in such a big event it has been difficult to find any direction again. I will be participating in the Women's Liverpool 10k on Sunday 23 May 1999 and with it being a mere week away it looks like I won't be doing any training until after. I will however have to pick it up again as I still have to train for another 5 races this year ending with the Great North Run.

The harsh reality of being a straggler....

Any race that I participate in is difficult, to be a tail ender you have to be strong willed and you have to learn not to worry about finishing maybe an hour after the last proper runner.

Big organised events such as the London Marathon and the Great North Run do cater for fancy dress fun runners, but other races don't. It seems that the racing nation has forgotten that running should be fun and not just about the front runners.

I am one who believes in putting the fun back in to running and those of you that dress up in the big races why not start doing it in the smaller races to brighten things up.

Liverpool 10k Women's Race - Sunday 23 May 1999

It was an early start to the day (yet another one !). We clambered together at the leisure centre at 8am, with a long journey from Newtown, Powys to Liverpool. The weather was pretty good even though we were stuck in a minibus for 2 hours.

Arriving at Sefton Park around 10am, naturally the first stop was at the good old porta loos. Going through the usual pre race routines, it was 10.30 before I knew it, which could only mean one thing, the pre race rush to the porta loo. By the time that I got to the front of the que, it was 5 minutes before the race start (Good job I wasn't constipated !) There was a mere 15 porta loos by the start - for 3000 runners, plus spectators - I think that someone got there sums very wrong.

Now with a mere 3 minutes to find my starting slot, also translated as the back, I was basically running just as I had found my place. By this time, it was very muggy and hazy and also my first outing since the London Marathon. I knew deep down that compared to London, this was a mere walk in the park, even though training since London was zero.

Somehow, I managed to run for six minutes, that was an all time best. After this it was rotating between jogging and walking, unfortunately as the course went on, it was mainly walking. I was again accompanied by my trusty "Shaun the Sheep", even though I did get some odd looks on the way.

Ten minutes in to the race I got quite excited, as in the distance I could see a marker with one on it - how dopey can you get, I thought it was one mile - no such luck, only a mere kilometre.

The race went on and on, with it remaining humid through out, I was getting along fine, but by 9k was wishing that it was the finish, as you do in any race. The last kilometre lasted a lifetime, and finally the finish line was in smelling distance.

Through the duration of the race I had been joking with two other ladies, which kept overtaking me and vice versa. This is what I call "Run Rage". Before I turned to the finish those two went running past me. I decided that I was having none of that and managed to put together a sprint finish, and just piped them on the finish line - that was a great feeling which I still look back on with some satisfaction.

I must give all the credit possible to the organisers of this race for doing such a fine job all round, especially to the aspect of the marshals having respect for people taking anything up to 2 hours and waiting for them patiently to kindly direct them around the course. I can think of many races that should take a leaf out of there book.

This was a terrific race, with a nice  medal to take home. This race is a must for any women that wants to a 10k, but much like myself, won't due to the in consideration of mixed races, where anything more than an hour is considered unacceptable.

Chester Race for Life 5k - Sunday 20 June

These early starts, I swear will be the death of me - departing in my car at 7:45am, I set off in to a place to me which was unknown. Between traffic lights and road works I had to get through after just 15 miles in to my journey I felt that somebody was trying to tell me something. Once getting to the Chester area and getting lost once or twice, I finally found my way to the venue with an hour to spare. On getting out of the car it was rather windy which is the only thing that does not mix to well with my fancy dress "Shaun the Sheep".

It really seemed like one of those days, but never fear things can only go from bad to worse. This worse thing was the footbridge over to the start/finish of the race - fine before a race, but after a race can be a little tricky.

Again I received many odd looks for wearing my sheep, but hell, who cares this sheep has raised £450 for charity this year. There was a sheep dog barking, I kept my distance, otherwise he might of shepherded me in to a pen !

The race start was weird, there was to my amazement a man standing with a board saying "Walkers", all credit to them, anyone should be entitled to walk any race, but I couldn't believe how many were in this race to specifically walk the race.

The race started, and it seemed forever before I even left the start area. When I was five minutes in to the course I glanced behind me, and there was a army of walkers in the distance, and was backing up the running group.

The weather was warm and sunny, but fortunately many parts of the course were shaded by the hedges along the narrow country lanes. Before I knew it, I was heading back to the finish area, and as I was entering back in to the arena, only my mobile went off, puffing and panting I said go away, I am nearly finished and will ring you back - dam mobile phone.

I have got a taste for sprint finishes, and do so with every bit of effort that I have left in me. I did the same here, with plenty of supporting spectators still left.

The only challenge now was to lug myself over the foot bridge, which I felt was the hardest part of the race.

Again this is a well organised race, which I enjoyed a lot. A perfect race for any first timers, just the right distance without the pressures of the race organisers that don't care about those who are slow competitors.

Race the Train - 5 Mile Fun Run

Race the Train offers absolutely everything for a spectacular day out, you have four races the big one a mere 14.5 mile trek, a 10k race, a 5 mile fun run which all follow across similar hard going cross country land, and not forgetting the toddlers trot back on the finishing field - whatever kind of runner you are, this is certainly a race not to be missed.

For myself, it is the annual trip down to Tywyn, Gwynedd where I once lived. I consider myself not fit enough to do the big race, but more honestly have always chickened out of the big race because of the 3 ¼ hour time limit.

I was for the third year participating in the 5 mile fun run. As usual my nerves were there regardless of the fact that I new exactly what was ahead of me - "Shaun the Sheep" was raring to go - unlike me.

I consider the fun run to be value for money, as you get in the entry fee a ride out to Dolgoch Falls, with a limited number able to travel out on the Talyllyn Railway.

As always I made the doggy decline to the start from the station, a little slippery when wet, my nerves now virtually gone, I was ready with half an hour to wait before the start. I went through my ever usual pre race routines - and yes you have guessed it - queued for the porta loo !

Make conversation with the people that I meet up with at this event every year. I don't know about anybody else, but when a race official announces 10 minutes to the start it runs fear through my bladder !

All ready after many odd looks to go, the train goes cho cho as it passed, all of a sudden were off. The only aspect of this race I don't like is the fact that you are supposed to be racing the train - in my case it has gone way past before I get in to the next field. I like to think that I maybe beat the third train back.

Knowing exactly what was ahead of me I seemed more at ease than last years event, my ankles were good, no pain at all. As I progressed along the course, I eventually reached the first mile marker, in an awful 22 minutes - I remain convinced to this day that they measured the first mile with their eyes closed, even at my pace I had already done nearing a mile and a half.

My ability to cope with hills has much improved in the last year or so, and I coped very well, however nothing on this planet can prepare you for the hill that you go up just after 2 miles. I can only describe this hill as a short but very steep, and when you get to the top of it you have to climb another short steep hill.

I must confess that this hill nearly kills me every year, but once you are over it flat all the way home, except for the odd climb. It was by this stage of my running season that something was clear - "Shaun the Sheep" was certainly not a hill sheep !

I was well on my way home, and this year had set myself a improved target of 1 hour 30 mins. It was tight, the final mile was upon me and I went for it. The last mile is very difficult as you have to pass the Holgates Honey Ice-Cream Factory but I resisted my temptation and kept on going. Absolutely going for it now I was just going over Talyllyn Bridge and disaster - a TV crew interviewed me, all I wish to say about this was tongue tied, and prey to god they never use it on Trans World Sport.

I started running too early, but kept on going, with this year a great deal of support from people at the finish, a semi-sprint finish and I did it, an official time of 1:29:57. I was well and truly chuffed. Now I could relax and watch the big race which kicked off at 2pm.

Next year I have decided to do the 14.5 mile race, I discussed it with the race organisers and they said it would be ok if I took an hour over the time limit, but there would be no marshall's after 3 ¼ hours, just the course markers to guide me. Now, that's what I mean by catering for all running abilities - well done to Race the Train.

In the afternoon for the first year a real treat - the RAF Parachute Team - what a fantastic display, as well as the chance to meet the dishy RAF men after the jump.

The evening social should also be congratulated on the good food and also the booze on offer for reasonable prices. During the evening a huge amount of good individual and team prizes awarded to those better runners, who absolutely deserve what they win for some real classy running, which I can only dream of. The night is rounded off by a live band and a pretty good fireworks display.

Great North Run - 13.1 Mile Fun Run

My last race of the year, it has been a long time since March of this year. In life you generally do not do something ever again if you did not enjoy it the first time around. Obviously I have not learnt that yet !

This was my second Great North Run, last year I just had memories of a cold and rainy day, and for some reason, I did not remember the endless inclines along the course.

As ever, a long train journey with another early start. Arriving at Newcastle Upon Tyne at 12.30pm. At least this year I knew the place a little better, but did not have a clue where the Bed and Breakfast was. After getting to Alexandra Road on a bus, and after ½ hour of walking around in circles found the place (thank BT for the mobile telephone). To be honest for the low price I paid for B&B I was amazed at how tidy the place was. I was worried that I would not even of had a bed for the price.

The Pasta Party was on my mind, even though I had to go all the way to South Shields. On arriving it was the long walk to the marquee by the finish line. It was only at this point I realised what a distance I had walked after last years race back to the Metro Station in the poring rain.

It is funny how our pre perceptions of something always differ. For some reason I was expected to enter the marquee and be able to sit at a table, but instead it was just a load of space to stand and some stalls. Regardless of this, congratulations to Tesco, a jolly nice bowl of Pasta and Sauce. After this, as I was at the finish area for tomorrow's race I took a walk to the finish line, which last year I could not see for rain on my glasses.

I don't know what it is about the finish line, it is inspiring to look at, and I certainly need that as my motivation for the race was just not there. I stood there in quite contemplation for about 15 minutes, thinking how fabulous it will be to sprint down it, in just 24 hours time. At that point it was back to the hotel for a night in.

My best nights sleep followed, I was asleep until 6am, but surprise, surprise I had nerves ! Breakfast arrived which was greasy and which I was just unable to face, just a slice of toast. There was four blokes in the hotel, all doing the run, and we were going to share a taxi. The race being earlier this year by 2½ hours meant the roads were closed earlier, and when the taxi hit £5 we were out on our feet. After 20 minutes of walking I was horrified to find ourselves at the Hay Market Metro Station, the nearest you can get via transport. In basic terms we had walked further by using a taxi, and now I had the walk to the start, with many other thousands of people.

Time was pressing, I only has 20 minutes to get from the front of the race and through all the people to the back of the race where the baggage busses were located. It was a push but I made it, no need for a warm up, I just done 3 miles, and was done for. With an hour to recover, I took a load of on the road side and relaxed, the nerves had gone. Met up with some of the fancy dress runners that I had been in the London Marathon Fancy Dress Finals back in April. I had given up on the thought of waiting for a porta loo, and instead used the bushes like the majority of runners.

There was a minutes silence to remember those people in the Paddington Rail Disaster, which was respected perfectly. After that it was time for the off, and this year it took 13 minutes to get through the start, which I found annoying for some reason. When I was through the start the after stopping and starting, it was run, run, run. I just ran and walked a bit. My physical condition was not there at all with no training since the London Marathon.

I remembered the course well, but not the inclines at all. It was a very warm humid day unlike last year and I was gasping for water after a mile, but careful not to use my water reserve bottle reserve which I carry for emergency use. Only at 4¼ miles did I get some water.

The miles, as ever progressed, the inclines seemed to get worse and worse and the water stations, did not have any water, which was not good, I was overheating. The only water around was that left in discarded bottles on the floor, which I used, but did not risk drinking.

The half way point came quickly and I was accompanied by two older gentlemen along the way, who were good company. By sticking together we pushed each other on. The funniest part of the day was the tail ender bus, where the driver was trying to entice us to give up. There was no way, 9 miles and steaming forwards. I pleasantly told him to bog off. There was a couple on the bus that we saw, they had to retire due to injury, they were devastated, but I hope they will return to put the disappointment behind them.

With only four miles left, we pushed on, forgetting about the pain and tiredness we were feeling. Only one more climb, and it was down a hill and along the prom. This year, unfortunately I could see ahead, and that meant that I could see an incline, which I did not realise there was last year. That made it harder, but once over it, it was flat.

I could hear the finish line announcer and thought - must be near - oh no it wasn't, as I learnt. But then 5 minutes later I could see the BBC gantry box, knowing from my visit yesterday that the finish line is before that gantry box. I started running, and so did this woman 5 metres in front of me, I was trying to brake 3:55, but ended up racing her, and once again I won a sprint finish which really sapped me when I stopped.

After the race I collected my T-shirt and medal, which lacked so much imagination, almost the same as last years. I hope that for the Millennium Great North Run they think of a different design of medal.

I was done for, and unlike last year the place was buzzing with people, as it was still warm and sunny. I got some hot dogs, and to my delight was able to board a bus to the Metro Station. Then just an hours wait to board a train. The queues were horrendous to say the least.

I has enjoyed the race this year, and achieved 75 miles in Shaun the Sheep. Very tired I got back to the hotel and just relaxed, after a bit of sleep at the hotel, I decided to get some food around the corner. It was at this point I realised that I had done exactly the same injury as I did in the race last year. It must be something to do with the inclines.

The next day it was even worse and most uncomfortable to put any weight onto it. This injury hindered me for three weeks before getting better. It is rather worrying that maybe these unexplained injuries that I get might one day not clear up, and end my fund raising running, but in the mean time I will keep on running.

I hope that if you have read this far that you like what you have seen, I am always eager to make new running contacts, and if you would like to e-mail me please feel free to do so.

Whatever your thoughts, or if you visited this web site please let me know, so I can keep a count of my visitors, my e-mail address is:

christine.paye@btinternet.com