Great North Run

Sunday saw the 25th running of the Great North Run from Newcastle to South Shields, via Gateshead. Last year I was unable to take up my place to run, as I had just had major surgery, but this year, I 'borrowed' a friends number, and ran. Well, due to my lack of adequate preparation, I ran some of it - it was really hot and sunny, and I looked like a beetroot - then when my knee started to make a major complaint at 6 miles, I walked the rest. 3 hours - not good, but hey, I completed it. Next year - I WILL be good, and take it more seriously, and be faster!! The worst bit was the drive home afterwards - It took 5 mins to get my legs out of the car when I finally made it home. This morning was agony - I was teaching a new course at 9.30, so HAD to get out of bed - my colleagues were amazed to see me hobble through the door - talk about mind over matter! I kept moving all morning 'cos I knew if I sat down that would be it.

At least I am only suffering stiff muscles, knee and a bruised ego - it was sad to hear that 4 of my fellow competitors didn't make it - I wonder if one of them was the one I saw being loaded into the ambulance at the 12 mile mark...

Four die as runners feel heat on Great North Run