North run

10 or 12 years ago I ran this race and said never again, not because of the pain, but some small minded notion about big races. Fool me.
Anyway I came up to the north with the redoubtable dodgers and set off in good time for what ends up being a long prerace preamble. Lots of music with predictable psych you up music, Queen, Black Eyed Peas etc, one odd moment when we had Glen Campbel's Rhinestone Cowboy. which I doubt is in anyones top 100,000 songs to run to.
Then we had warm up by a mr motivator type, Chantelle correctly pointed out that I was not joining in enthusiastically which was true, so I did a few stretches. (- reckoned I had 13 miles to warm up).
Then start time came, and with best wishes to Paul and Chantelle the gun went off, briefly I was 100m behind Haile.
Straight away my gluteal pain started and carried on all race(to be honest it didn't slow me down.)
It was busy running, so lots of weaving and winding. Typical of GNR one minute running with 2 big hairy fairies, then a donkey, then a gorilla wearing a bra and a thong, this wasn't Ilkley running scene.
Running over the tyne bridge was fun, at 2km we were over taken by the red arrows, so they must have started at the back.
At 3 miles I lost precious time for what seemed like the longest wee I've ever had (split 2min dead)
I pootled along nicely to 8 miles, great crowds, and entertainments along the way. Beyond then I struggled and slowed down a lot but resolved to press on and enjoy the show.
Great shout up from dodger wives and families at mile 12 before the dip, a view of the sea and the mile home.
I did stop at 800m from home as some poor chap collapsed, with help we supprted him toward the finish line, but with that in sight he elected to stop with St Johns (he did have his head in my armpit)
Finished in 1:48 which on recent milage was fine.
Some of the joy of today was my fellow dodgers and sue ryder runners who individually and together were a joy to share this with.
The event is really something other, the stories and journeys of these runners would fill a few librareis.
When I arrived this am at race start I was reminded that 28 years ago my dad ran this race. It's nearly 25 years sine he passed away now. Before, during and after todays run I thought about how that was for him. He still inspires me.
So finally to the dodgers who provoked me to run here again and shared the journey, esp to Chris and Tracy,also to Ian and Steve who joined us, to Peter who donated his place to me, to well wishers and sponsors, supporters and 54000 others who joined the dash to South Shields, respect. It was an honour.
Maybe next year again.
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