THE END!?
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Finally on the 27th May 2012 I have reached the final destination and what a fantastic venue to end on. The Bupa London 10k event took place this morning right in the heart of a beautiful sunny London and ended my six month journey to raise as much as I can for the outstanding ST.GEORGES HOSPITAL CHARITY.
My final week began with a return to work after a wet cold windy week at home sorting out the garden and thinking ''Oh well nice weather to run in.'' What a mistaka to make. I confess to putting on the heating last Sunday night whereas 24 hours later the air con was in full flow!!
I had decided to taper right down this week and only run on Wednesday evening and that, a mere 3 miles. Crikey blimey boys and girls, it was a hot Wednesday evening and each breath of air was a suffocating lung full and the sweat poured from everywhere. Returning home like a soggy rag I hoped that the weather would turn for Sunday and to be fair they said it would but like all good forecasts they didn't know what their bottoms were doing let alone the skies.
Pre-run day, Saturday, I decided to relax totally in the garden and laze in the sunshine. Well that didn't quite go to plan, after reclining my lounger at 11.00 O'clock I became aware at 1.30 that the obvious had happened, I had fallen asleep. Not deterred I turned over and awoke again at 4.00 looking like a tomato. Worse still my knees were burnt so bandage support was going to be sore tomorrow, yes what a plonker.
A bright and early start to Sunday morning saw my entourage board a taxi to Woking train station at 6.40 a.m and become the only people on the platform, eerie or what. We had arranged to meet my mate Sean and his better half on the train to Waterloo and all went to plan with us arriving in London just after 8.00. An absolutely gorgeous walk along the streets towards Green Park and the start area saw us arrive in plenty of time at 9.00 and some great photo oppertunities.
Standing in the middle of the Mall, a week away from all the Diamond Jubilee celebrations was a treat and we made great use of the Palace backdrop to get some piccies in. Nobody knock the Royal family or I'll send the boys round, I love the Royal Family and so does the rest of the world as you can see by the crowds that gather in London to see all the sights. Anyone don't like the Queen or Royal family can #@$%$*! off to some far and unpronounceable Country and leave the patriotic alone to enjoy our England.[Had to be said]
My good friend Nigel, [Yes the nutter] had mentioned he may pop along to watch the run so I was hoping to get a picture with him at my final quest. Well in true style he didn't dissapoint, he only cycled up from Guildford with his equally mad mate but it was great to see him and so good to get the picture. He is off his trolley, what can you do with him Sarah?
Within no time at all we were all called to our start pens [Baa Baa] and the elites took their place at the front. British number 2 Scott Overall and then the mighty MO FARAH, British number one and world record holder 10,000 metre champion. I ran against Mo in 2009 at the same event so there was a grudge match going on but him starting at the front and me halfway down the field wasn't really a fair start and I couldn't get through the field to challenge, he was lucky and so went on to win in 29 minutes 21 seconds [nobody likes a showoff]
CHECK OUT MY LITTLE JOG ON THIS LINK
The jogtracker summary tag states that I have now run around 560 miles and I can tell you I'm into my fourth pair of Brookes Beast trainers.
The heat underfoot as well as above was intense and I thought better of going out for a fast time rather settling on coming back alive, [Holly had said midweek of the run ''Your gonna die'' not quite realising what she'd said but nevertheless unsettling me a bit - I mean, what if I did? Who would eat the celebration chocolate chip cheescake Rebecca had made for me]
My face glowed the brightest red ever in the sun, following yesterdays unfortunate over cooking and boy could I feel it. Regular dowsing with water did little to keep me cool and so I took a quite leisurely pace and actually enjoyed the crowds, the music and London. If you are ever stupid enough to take part in one of these events then you must get your name printed on the front of your shirt, the crowds are brilliant at calling you out and giving support, sometimes to the point of annoyance to those around, wondering who this bloke Alan is.[Obviously only print Alan if that is your name or it doesn't quite work the same.]
As I rounded the Parliament Square and entered the final 400 metres the music from the mall got louder and I ran the last yards doing the Y.M.C.A and waving to the crowds - fantastic. Picking up my medal was quite emotional in some ways, knowing my adventure was finished and my thoughts turned to Maribel and all the team at Georges Charity who have been the reason for all this.
My Virginmoney giving page is still open and will be for another month and so I ask graciously if anyone would like to donate just a little, it would go a long way to help all the good work that goes on at St. Georges. Two generous anonymous donations this week so gratefully received - thankyou.
TO EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU WHO HAVE READ MY BLOG - THANKYOU.
TO EVERYONE WHO HAS GIVEN SO KINDLY - THANKYOU AGAIN.
TO ALL THE STAFF AT ST.GEORGES
THANKYOU
What tune to end on, well it has to be my old mate, from 1977
By Johnathan Richman
Roadrunner once.
Roadrunner, roadrunner
Going faster miles an hour
Going faster miles an hour
Alan. xxx
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Goodbye one and all........
