Run n Done

After snoozing the alarm, we eventually dragged ourselves out of bed and got moving. 6.30am on a Sunday morning and we were up and about.
Soon on our way, we encountered what seems to be the usual tube problems as we finally made it to North Greenwich and the O2. Thankfully, the start of the RuntotheBeat half marathon had been delayed from 9.45am to 10.30am. The reason? Tube delays - honest! And we'd arrived at 9.30am...

So, with an hour to now fill in, we got our bearings and milled about in the crowd until we had about 20minutes to go. Off came the outer layers, which were well needed on a grey, cold, windy London morning, and into the competitor area we went. Some time in the queues for a "pitstop", then it was into the "pens" to await the starter's gun.
We didn't actually hear it, with the speakers playing music out over all 17,000 of us, but we just waited in the wind with everyone else until the slow walk gave way to actual running and we crossed the start line.
Pacman, the Stig, Batman, SuperGirl, Rudolph, Rhino's, telly-tubbies, Lion, Tinman & Scarecrow, you name them and we saw them out on the course. It's amazing all the different types of folks at events like this - large, small, skinny, (a-hem) "wobbly" and of all ages. I kid you not, we passed one elderly lady who had to be well into her 60's or 70's. Those that lined the course also did their bit to create some kind of atmosphere - ranging from sponsor support groups to little kids to high-5 to one old lady clapping by her front gate... there was always something of interest or to give you a smile.

Sheryl set the pace (helped by the crowd, the atmosphere, the music and the occasional bit of sunshine) and we ran the course more comfortably than we expected. No stitches for Sheryl, and my calf held up (despite pulling it earlier in the week). The final few kilometres had more people lining the streets cheering, which really does make a difference. The pic above is with about 500metres to go...

Once across the finish line it was time to pat ourselves on the back for a run well done, before spending several hours trying to get home on the worsening tube. Time to put the feet up and relax before tomorrow's big adventure starts.

A big THANK YOU to all those who donated to WSPA to sponsor us too. You can see how much was raised above and on the right in the little light blue box. If you would like to donate and add to that tally, then you can click on the donate button there or just go to http://www.justgiving.com/simon-welfare
Cheers!!