I always thought I'd be a grown up when I grew up

Ok; my official finishing time was 1:17:14 (placed 18272 out of 25,000 starters), according to the Great Run site. Other work people (all but one being super-fit gym bunnies) managed 1:00:57, 1:07:14, 1:09:59 and 1:19:12. Colour me smug.

We all have aching legs (mainly quads, though my shins are slightly sore too). Interestingly enough (are you reading this, brute_force?) I'm the only one who isn't also suffering with back pain.

Thank you to everyone who sponsored me; including the offline donations I raised £400 for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

The instructions & map for the Great Manchester Run arrived today.

1. I'm in the pink wave. Orange is first, for world champions and serious runners, then white for almost serious, then green for fit people, then pink for those who might fall over & litter the route. Pink! Bah.

2. I have to run, near enough, from my office to vulgarcriminal's, via the Man U stadium, and back again. Holy crap.

3. PINK!

4. The route goes past Bentley Manchester twice. I'm supposed to keep running and not stop to press my nose up against the window & rub around the ankles wheel arches of the display models. Sheer, unadulterated, cruelty.


Should anyone want to come & cheer me on, I'll be geting changed in the office then meeting up with the rest of the Marie Curie team in their marquee in Albert Square until about 10.15. There's rom to watch by the side of the route, a big screen will be set up, and I'll be carried back to the Marie Curie tent afterwards. I'll grab a shower at the gym, but then lunch would be nice if anyone's interested in meeting up.

And the Beeb are showing it, later that night I think. I doubt I'll show up in the actual race footage, since I'll be starting after most of the first wave has finished, but there are always a few shots of "runners of all ability" (read: unfit nutters). And I'll put money on being the only one there in a steel boned corset...

I've just paid £26 for the privilege¹ of running² 10km through Manchester City Centre on 21 May.

It's the Great Manchester Run, sponsored by BUPA, and I'll be running² with the Marie Curie team. Possibly foolishly, I've told them I'll be doing it in fancy dress (as an excuse to walk), and on the application form explained that I'll be running² in a corset in "support" of Mum's breast cancer.

As well as that, MC have offered to cover me in daffodils. If anyone wants to sponsor me, I'll be most grateful.


Like I said. I must be mad.


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¹ Oooh look, I can spell.
² For "running", read "walking".