Christopher Morgan
GREAT NORTH RUN 2006
Fundraising for RNIB - Royal National Institute of Blind People
Story
THE GREAT NORTH RUN - 1st October 2006
First, the credits. To Diana for being my support team, and watching the GNR on TV every year, which made me want to do it. To John who did the London Marathon 3 years ago and made me feel I could do the GNR – not the Marathon! To Jenny at work for encouraging me to go walking at lunchtimes. To Steve and Trace who inspired me to actually run – a little bit. To Nga at her wedding, who said I should go for it.
To Rachel Allen of RNIB who insisted on accepting my application to the team, despite it being received later than anyone else’s! For RNIB’s sake, if anyone hasn’t sponsored me yet, please……….? Sight is something we mostly take for granted. Not everyone can, and it doesn’t get better with age. You may need help one day.
And finally, all my thanks to everyone who has sponsored me, on and offline. The thought of all those contributions made sure I started, and finished. So, what was it like?IT WAS TERRIFIC. Absolutely, brilliant, and I thoroughly enjoyed the day. The atmosphere was truly incredible, and the weather couldn't have been better for the event. RNIB’s race T-shirt had my name on, so I got lots of shouts of “come on Chris” all the way.
Over 1,700 finished behind me - although 34,517 were ahead of me - but what the heck. A lot who entered didn't even start, and quite a few must have dropped out, including some celebrities. I always predicted a time of 3 hours 15 minutes, but really wanted to beat 3 hours. If anyone had asked where to place their money, I'd have said between 2.55, and 3.15, so that was spot on......................
as I did it in 3.06.32. I know I could have done a little better. However, I wanted to finish in the first 35,000 and did. I would have liked to finish in the first 30,000, but they were quicker this year than last, and I'd have had to do under 2.40. I wanted to pass Carol Vorderman, 'cos she had a 30 minute start, which I thought wasn't fair. First 2 miles, mostly run - on track for under 2.30, bloody hell; this is good, steady boy! Second 2 miles about half run, but slowing down on upgrade to Heworth, and in cooling shower. Third 2 miles, still going OK and running short stretches, and passed half way in 1.25 - thought I should still make 3 hours. 4th 2 miles, temperature now 20C, feeling quite warm, not running too much, but keeping pace with the millipede, the clowns and Scooby Doo. 8-mile mark. Nuts. Things now going wrong, and I knew it. Not running any more, except a few steps to overtake slower walkers. It seemed the miles were getting longer, and all uphill. Not many running at this stage - almost all walking. The map says the 4 miles from 8 to 12 are mostly uphill, but a very gentle gradient. For a non-runner this is where it begins to hurt. The Red Arrows went over, so I knew the real runners had already finished. I think it was in the mind as much as the body. I managed to stop my stopwatch, so lost track of my time. Had to retie a lace and could hardly stand up again. The millipede was getting away from me. My back ached; the soles of my feet were beginning to feel sore. However, my lungs were recovering from a long lay-off. I passed Fred Flintstone, who I now believe was guarding Carol Vorderman - so I must have passed her too. As I crested the hill I saw the sea for the first time, just before 12. There was the final pick-up bus stop. "NO WAY", I responded to the invitation. (They weren't getting much trade as far as I could see.) There's a very short, steep downhill section just before 12. Whoopee, thinks I, and started to run. But the soles of my feet protested, too much pressure going down hill, so I walked a bit more.Finally, onto the downward straight of one mile towards the finish, I was ready to summon all my energy for that final lap, never mind any blisters. One step, 2 steps..... AARGH!!! Tops of both calves in total synchronisation, just below the knee, locked solid in agonising cramp. Hop, skip, jump, totter. STOP!
Managed to get going again. Found a way to do a fairly respectable hobbling quick walk, but saw over 100, who I’d passed, pass me on their final sprint finishes. And my intention to do a final run across the line didn't work either. The hip that had been troubling me two weeks ago twinged for the first time in those last 10 yards - that weird speed-hobble-walking finally did it!! Damn!
But who cares? I did it. Met some lovely people, and now have the GNR T-shirt and 2006 medal to prove it.
Lessons for next year? 1. It's a long, long wait at the start, and there's bags of time. Q for the loo there - it wastes time on the run (didn't do that, but thought I might have to). 2. Learn the basic art of drinking from an Aqua Pura bottle on the run - frequently. Only drank half a bottle and now realise I was severely dehydrated by the second half. 3. Slower participants should start from the left hand lane. It gets away 10 minutes earlier. (I didn't move an inch until after the first starters would have completed 4 miles! I started 27 minutes after them.) Faster runners get caught in congestion wherever they start, unless elite. 4. Don't get beaten by a ****** millipede (20 runners in line ahead connected with concertina body, and wonderful antennae at the front), see; http://www.bbc.co.uk/tyne/content/image_galleries/gnr_06_finish_costumes_2_gallery.shtml?41 Or by a pair of clowns like these; http://www.bbc.co.uk/tyne/content/image_galleries/gnr_06_finish_costumes_2_gallery.shtml?42 who almost overtook me on that final run in after being near me all the way. Many thank's once again to all who've already sponsored me online, or on the various sheets that were circulating. It's not too late to add a bit more! Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It's also the most efficient way to sponsor me - RNIB will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you. I'm aiming for £1,500. The Abbey Charitable Trust are contributing £500 to match the first £500 donated, and that's now included with the offline donations. This site will remain open until 1st December.Chris
P.S. The photographers did catch me right at the end - 6 times - see; http://www.marathon-photos.com/index.html and follow the link, then enter Bib number 49531. Yes, I am on the picture on the Tyne Bridge! Right-hand side, near the kerb, trying to stay in the slow lane - but you'd need a magnifying glass to spot me.
Diana tried to get some shots on the course, but was defeated by the traffic and couldn't get near enough, but that's her story for the day - it's almost quicker to walk!!