Great Cumbrian Run Half-Marathon

Hi geordieangel

Don't worry, most of us are probably not as well prepared as we should be. If you've run 8 and a half miles already the adrenalin of a race should get you through the rest. And your bloke nagging you of course!

Good luck on Sunday. 

Afternoon folks!

2 more sleeps!

I can also honestly say I'm not exactly well prepared for this race either. My training has been pretty much hit and miss over the last 6 weeks and the furthest I've done is 11 miles. My last run was an 8.5 miler Sunday just gone. It will be interesting to see how close to my wanted 2:05 I get

As for the weather, rainy is fine by me.

Geordie - you may not yet have the full distance under your belt but what you do have is the benefit of a gradual build up from scratch over a good period of time! This, allied to a determined spirit (which you would appear to have) and the "encouragement " from your bloke will stand you in great stead on Sunday. And you'll feel an enormous amount of elation when you cross the finish line at the Sheepmount Stadium running track on Sunday.

Talking of ill preparation, mine (I'm desperately ashamed to say) has been abyssmal. I'd even go as far as to have a small wager that nobody has done as little as me to prepare for this one! Confessional time now...my preparation for this race has amounted to 3 runs over the last 3 weeks...the longest of which has been 10 miles in an ultra slow time!!!!!!!!!

Prior to these 3 runs, the previous time I ran was the Leeds 10k in June - "another infamous lay-off!!" Now perhaps you see the reason for my last night decision before finally committing to do it and also why my only goal for Sunday is completion!!!! 

Lack of preparation seems to be the order of the day.

(Smug face) I have done as much prep as I planned and am fittest I have ever been. Did a 12 miler last week.  Even shed a few pounds of running weight.

 On the other hand my hubby has peaked at a 7miler and found his last run of 6 tough going. eek. To be fair to him he didn't even want to do GCR but I entered him anyway.

To put a bit of perspective on this I will (hopefully) plod in around 2:10 and he will whizz in at 1:40...no doubt in the company of all you other ill-prepared folks.

I am here to tell you that as far as running is concerned life is not fair and applaud Madame M for all her training and her fear that she'll be bringing up the rear with her gel belt! One day us tortoises will beat you hares!

Dead excited for Sunday. Good luck everyone and have a good one.

You lot should seriously think about packing it in!  For goodness sake, what's up with you all?  Those of us with proper injuries (if anyone doesn't know what I've done then I'm more than happy to go over it again for you) are gutted to think we can only stand and watch you on Sunday.  You'll be fine....trust me.

Now then, for those who have expressed a desire to meet up beforehand and engender some camaraderie can I suggest the following meeting place?

At the front of the castle, where you'll need to be 'cos there's no back door, there is a huge lawn.  The lawn is split by a road, on which the race actually starts.  The left hand lawn has some trees on it (4, I think), but knowing that this may cause some of you problems (SM, are you paying attention), I would opt for the right hand lawn.  On this lawn you will find one solitary tree.  If you/we meet by the tree we could all say 'hello!'.  Apparently you athletes need to be inside the castle by 9.20 so I would suggest a meeting at 9.00 would be just fine.  Now being a wimp, I am a little concerned that the weather may be inclement.  However I will do everything to brave the elements to cheer on my running buddies so hopefully see you there.

SM - Are we still on for that beer on Sunday evening? 

Nexus - Tomorrow the mighty Blues will turn the corner.  I'll be there!

Rob - Did you say you were travelling from Newcastle?  If you are, then regardless of whether you come straight through on the A69 or take the turning at Brampton and come in by Crosby on Eden, you will actually drive past The Sands Centre, so if you need to go there for your chip, just pull into the car park and then worry about getting to the Sheepmount and then the Castle.  You could actually leave your car at The Sands and walk - it's not far.  You can walk along the river from The Sands to The Sheepmount and then back again afterwards, or you could go the whole hog and get changed at The Sands, but you would then need to walk back there afterwards.  Does that help?

Sounds good to me Millsy. Now are you sure, there is definitely only one tree?

Oh, I'm number 451 and will be wearing a blue and white Sunderland Strollers vest 

Do you want me to go check again?

Checked today on my way home, and it's quite a big one so should still be there on Sunday.

Are you bringing Mick with you?

Millsy wrote (see)

Rob - Did you say you were travelling from Newcastle?  If you are, then regardless of whether you come straight through on the A69 or take the turning at Brampton and come in by Crosby on Eden, you will actually drive past The Sands Centre, so if you need to go there for your chip, just pull into the car park and then worry about getting to the Sheepmount and then the Castle. 

I'm travelling across with Mick, aye

Graham, I've just re checked the race info, and yes chips need to be picked up from the Castle on Sunday.

Well you cannot park infront of the Castle!

Presumably the wise move would be to park the car, get changed and then go to the Castle to collect your chip just before the start - if that's possible.

i think im starting with a cold!!!!!!!!

Not another one

Sunday night is looking good.  I actually asked Mrs Millsy if she wanted to join us but she reckons all runners are weirdos so I think that was a NO!  Are you coming to the footy tomorrow afternoon or do you need to earn some browny points?