Well, here we are again. It's the eve of the Great North Run and people all over the country are getting ready to converge on Newcastle to take part in what is, for some at least, an annual pilgramage from the city centre to the coast at South Shields. I'd probably include myself in that list.
This will be my 6th time and although I'm not going to be challenging Mo Farah, I will be hoping to set a new PB (and hopefully not getting too wet). Sure, there are bits of the race that are frustrating, such as standing around for 40 minutes after the gun goes, or waiting for the bus at the end. There are also bits which are sapping such as the long drag up John Reid Road towards the 9 mile mark. However, all of this is outweighed by the feeling of achievement, the sense of camaraderie and most importantly the feeling of being alive, especially when you hit the Coast Road around the 12 mile mark, knowing you're nearly home.
It's also a testament to people in general and the people of Tyneside specifically that there are so many people along the route cheering us on. Even on a wet Sunday last year, they were there cheering and willing us on. We may love the underdog in this country but we also love a trier.
Sure, the questions are ringing around my head know. Have I done enough training? Can I run as well as I know I can? What if, what if, what if.....? However, come 10.20 tomorrow, I'll have to put those out of my head and focus on the next 13.1 miles.
Tomorrow's race is made more special because Dad is running it too. I promise not to flood the sodialmediasphere with photos but maybe the odd one.
Anyway if you see a overweight red-faced man in a blue running top and a pink number on your TV screen or even live, cheer him on. It might just be me.
