If you body were a car.......what would it be?

On Thursday this week waking in London for a long day of business meetings I took advantage of the early morning sunshine to clear the head and ventured out for a lap of the Serpentine in Hyde Park.

Running at home I can often be out for an hour and only see one or perhaps two fellow runners. So it comes as somewhat of a shock to find yourself at 7am in the morning surrounded, literally surrounded, by fellow runners. There were tall runners, short runners, thin runners, fast runners, slow runners, serious runners, club runners, tourist running. Looking out over the spectacle the Serpentine appeared to have transformed into a race track and I found myself pondering the question "If your body were a car what would it be?"

Evaluating those around me I saw at the front of the field the club runners; their sleek and efficient bodies finely tuned for performance and speed representing Formula 1 race cars. Equally visible were those appearing as Mercedes saloons; luxury models designed for style and comfort but clearly delivering an exellent quality of ride. There was a large mid field of family saloons, Ford Mondeos perhaps - designed for economy, performance and comfort. Towards the back were a number of Citroen 2CVs or VW Beatles, perhaps best described as low cost, simple to use and reliable; whilst never going to win the race they are always going to finish. Due to the sunshine a number of convertible models were out in force where perhaps there was more focus on the look than the quality of the ride.

So back to"If my body were a car what would it be?" . It's a question still troubling me. This is perhaps because there seems to a gap between the reality of what it is versus the aspiration of what I would like it to be!! The engine, whilst much improved, is definitely in need of some work and attention to bring it back to prime condition. There is also an undoubtedly for some serious body work. Even when running well it's never going to be at the front of the race so definitely not designed for speed. Equally right now it's not even built for long distance journeys - more akin to today's new electric cars rather than the classic car some of the other attributes appear to suggest. All very perplexing to say the least!!

However, my pondering does allow me to understand that whilst I may never make a Formula 1 model I could be improved to be at least more Mercedes like - although perhaps a convertible one!

The ongoing restoration may take a while - but I know it will definitely be worth it!! 

Inspirational!

Today I completed my 3rd BUPA Great Manchester 10k. I have a particular affinity for this race as without it, it is unlikely I would have ever become a runner. Three years ago my brother entered and I decided if he could do it so could I! At the time I could barely run to the end of the street, how things have changed in the ensuing 29 months.

However, I went into the race this year struggling for motivation and hence light on training. I was definitely under prepared compared to 2010. Race preparations were further challenged by a friend who has run with me in the last 2 years organising his 40th birthday party for last night! It would have been so very easy to rollover this morning and enjoy a lazy Sunday.

But no!! I'm made of stronger stuff than that.

Fueled by thoughts that "I've paid so I might as well go" I hauled myself out of and headed for the station for the short journey into central Manchester.

Boy!! Am I glad I did!!!

Arriving at the local station I found myself surrounded by other runners, but nothing prepared me for the inspiration - and kick in the butt - I received on the train! I found myself sat with a large group of runners, running for Cystic Fibrosis. As we joked about how were we going to get round, it came to light that the teenage girl sat next to me was a Cystic Fibrosis sufferer and these were her family and friends, raising money for a charity to close to their hearts. How could I worry about my hangover and the challenge ahead of me, when others face such greater challenges!

This was the first of many truly inspiring moments today, there was the 4000 runners participating for The Christie. many with "In memory of ...." pinned to their back, there was the runner pushing a cancer suffer in a wheelchair smiling as he overtook me, there was the man in his normal (as opposed to racing) wheelchair propelling himself round, there were the runners so overcome with emotion for their causes they ran with tears running down their cheeks, I could go on, but believe me.............. it was so very humbling and hugely inspiring!

For the first time ever today I ran without music. What a difference it made - I took in the atmosphere!! I enjoyed the banter with the crowds, I was encouraged by many as they passed me, I encouraged those around me who were struggling, I enjoyed the bands on the run (particularly encouraged by the one playing "Chariots of Fire"!!)

I didn't break any records, I didn't run a PB (although I will blame last nights Sauvignon Blanc for that!), but today I definitely blew the running cobwebs away. Today will remain with me on the next hard training run. I need to remember there will become a time I can no longer do this. Until that day comes I have no excuse not to enjoy and remember how fortunate I am!

150 days to go!!!!!

YIKES !!! This morning on Facebook I was greeted with the news that there are now only 150 days to go to the Royal Parks Half Marathon!

Once I'd stopped saying OMG (or similar!) and got over the shock I started to apply some logic through the panic. I realised that this is still an achievable goal - with some dedication, focus and hard work - and I've never been afraid of hard work!! I realised that even for me with all the other distractions in my life - work, holidays, food & partying (to name but a few) I can and will do this!

So today I've had to have a serious word with myself ; The dedication and the focus does have to start now. That is today.....not tomorrow, this weekend or even next week (a particular favorite of mine!)

and hence my mantra needs to be " You MUST get off your FAT and increasingly wobbly bottom and get out there!!"

150 days and counting!! Remind me if you seem me!

GREEN WAVE!!!!!

Help! I've just received my race pack for the BUPA Great Manchester Run on May 15th. To my horror I find I'm not in the final wave!?

In my 2 year running "career" I have consistently been in the final wave of every race I've entered. I take great solace that I will be running at the back with the other "fun" runners. Although in my opinion anyone making the mistake of calling us fun runners has never donned a pair of trainers and taken to the streets themselves and has little appreciation of the efforts we go to even be able to complete 10k!

The final wave always has a certain camaraderie where no-one minds being overtaken by  numerous fairies, Batman and Robin, Fred and Wilma or even the giant panda. There's never any pressure in the final wave - no one is looking to win, everyone is enjoying the taking part. 

I guess I'll find out how much more serious the penultimate wave is. Who knows I may be surrounded by club runners and the delightful aroma of deep heat, rather than charity runners in fancy dress. 

Right now I guess I'd better get out and do some training or I could well be finishing in a different wave to the one I start in! 

And one more thing I'll now need to do as part of pre-race build up - buy a new T-shirt to ensure colour co-ordination with my GREEN wave race number on the day - I usually run in pink!!!