Great North Run

Today I collected my race number , timing chip and all the other assorted bumph for the Great North Run. Thanks V for letting me be you for the day!! Even so, am getting cold feet at the thought of having to run for over 13 miles, as I have never run that far before Oh well, if push comes to shove, I can walk it in just over 3 hours!! The biggest hassle at the moment is finding somewhere to stay - I started looking for hotel accommodation in Newcastle in May, and I still can't find any - well, I found one hotel who wanted me to pay £180 per night!! The price didn't even include breakfast - so what the hell are they playing at?-the local one in the chain charges £65 per night tops!!! I know I am getting pretty desperate for somewhere to stay, as 2 nights in the car or a tent [provided I can find a space in a campsite!] are not really conducive to a good run, but I refuse to pay £360 for a run of the mill box without breakfast!

So, tomorrow, I will be out there again trying to run a bit further than last time, and perhaps even get in a quick session at the gym - especially as it's a Monday, and the women get the jacuzzi and steam room! The steam does help me breath better, and the jacuzzi is just wicked - the jets really pound the lactic acid out of your aching legs...

The other slight worry is that I am due back at work after the summer vacation on the day following the GNR - will I be able to get there? Will I be able to drive home after the race, or will I be so stiff I can't move?! Its nearly 200 miles to drive home and I expect it to take a good 4 hours, so having to go in for 9am and start teaching a new cohort of graduates is daunting to say the least. Perhaps I should have a back up plan [i.e. my colleague to stand in for me]...