GNR Just For The Joy Of It

Ill prepared and physically and emotionally weary, and I hadn't even started. I nearly didn't bother but so pleased I did. This week I read a blog of Ryan Hall a sub 2:05 marathoner(that 's super speedy) , it was titled the greatest runner and Ryan took the approach "what would Jesus say", which whilst not every one would agree with this rationale, I suspect few at today's GNR would disagree with his judgement. Ryan suggested the greatest runners would be those with the greatest heart and joy in their running. The race was started by FlyMo and Emma Egging whose husband Red arrow Jon died recently, having set us on her way she ran the race. Seeing the red arrows on their race flypast with no 4 position vacant was more spine tingling than usual. So many stories and emotions make this a race like no other. I passed a bloke running carrying a fridge on his back raising money for the homeless (and presumably fridge less) , one young lady had written on her back the fact that in May 2010 she had a liver transplant ,-"respect" , I could go on. Any way I decided inspired by Ryan not to be a running grump to run for the joy of being able to run(and the somehow poetic appropriateness of running away from Newcastle to Mackem territory) and enjoyed every minute (well most of them) on my way to South Shields, with the usual assorted motley crew that make up the field. As ever the Geordies out did themselves encouraging the runners with more than a little mirth and maddness. My 1:53 was slower than my slow run last year, but loved the run too much to care. Had a good relax with the dodgers,swapping stories celebrating the wonderfulness of it all and sharing the runners high at the Sue Ryder hospitality at the end, I even got myself a bit of physio, (some lovely lady who introduced me to new extremes of pain, I'll never be impolite about dentists again). Mrs Mackem managed to nurse her painful heel around and did so quicker than previously and did so running naked(without a watch).
Back next year - You Bet!