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!
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