Staff Member "runs" for Charity

I survived the Great North Run!    My official completion time was 2hrs 20 mins,  and my finishing position was 23835^th (not bad out of 54,000).  I am so proud to say I ran the whole 13.1 miles without stopping and have raised a whopping £893 for Bowel Cancer.  (I will send a gentle reminder to those who still owe me money - thanks ).  Thanks to everyone who has made a donation online too.   

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for all the support you have given me over the last few months on the build up to this big day, for listening to my moans and groans, hugging me when there were tears and for showing me so much support and encouragement.

My training for this run started back in February, a very memorable and emotional day when I told Steph that I would be doing this for her and in memory of my friend Fiona.   From then on I ran every other day building myself up from a very gruelling 1 mile - which believe me back then was a huge distance!  I increased my distance very slowly building up eventually to being able to run 7 miles back in August.  Unfortunately I then developed an injury down my left leg and had to drastically reduce my training - eventually having to completely rest with no training for 2 weeks before the big event!  During this time the office staff supported me with ice packs, tissues when the tears flowed and lots of TLC.  

The big day finally came and nervous did not even describe how I felt, having only ever run 7 miles the thought of attempting to run 13.1 miles was slightly scary!   However, on the day after lots of tears at the start and lots of support from my hubby Andy, I set off on the long road to South Shields.  The streets were lined with people cheering us on, children were giving out much needed ice pops to cool us down and jelly babies for that sweet rush, they were holding out there hands in the hope of a tap from one of the thousands running and generally enjoying the music from the bands playing along the roads.  The atmosphere was out of this world and definitely carried me through the whole 13.1 miles.

To complete this half marathon without stopping was a huge achievement for me and it was a very emotional moment running through that finish line to be greeted by my very proud hubby.  The tears flowed again and again as I made my way (slightly wobbly with very heavy legs) to the charity village tents to a very well earned massage and a hot drink.

Steph and Fiona my two very special friends - this was all for them and I know they will be so proud that I have done this in their memory.

Thanks again everyone for all your support and if you see me hobbling around the Academy please be gentle with me!