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I received the Email re: photos yesterday & was amazed at the video clip!  How ace is that? ... spotted myself on my 'glory' sprint to the finish line on one angle & them switched to 'After the finish' view.....and i appear to have not stopped running!!! hahahahahahahaaha! Excellent!

I really enjoyed that run. Great to be part of a 'first'. For sure there are a few things to sort out - Start process/area/directions etc, as well as more visible mile markers (did anyone spot the 12mile one?..there were about 3 that i didn't spot)...almost squeezed a PB with 1:43.44 (PB is 1:42 at GNR)

However, well done to the organisers and well done to Brum City Council for proving that sometimes they CAN actually organise a p*** up in a brewery!

Hope the major casualties are ok though.... saw one on a stretcher attached to a drip  

Here's to '09 now - my 'season' is over......where's the chip shop!!!

Wilkie, you're absolutely right...i did it to get a place so yeah, in that respect i've used & abused. However, once accepted, i have done my best to raise the required pledge (didn't want the bailiffs a-knockin lol) and went into it with a reasonably charitable outlook - i at least chose one that i believe in, not just the 'cheapest' if you know what i mean.  It just seems a shame that there will be people out there that give it their all in terms of fundraising & attitude - yeah, for sure, i've been at about 85% really - raise the funds, go for a little more and job done. I'll happily admit that, but i just feel for those that are really committed to the charity side of these events.... i don't feel massively let down as yeah, i got my place, but even a 'generic' acknowledgement would show that efforts by those that fully try is valued. Does that make sense?....is this representative of most of the organisations? or have i just chosen a pretty poor charity?

I like that last idea better - get a ballot place & raise funds. That's great - no 'pledge' pressure &, probably, able to give to a more personal local outfit. If i get into FLM i'll probably do that.

Oooh, don't forget.... Haymarket station is being refurbed! - ok to use to get off, but supporters/crew going back to the finish to meet us all will need to use another station - it's all in the race packs innit?

Carbs kicking in, energy starting early - yowzers! can't wait!  So, a tailwind? of course it is - 30mph? "<phatooee!> i speeet een tha fayce of 30mph!" ......

Anyway, my girlfriend reckons she has a more stressful time trying to reach me at the end. Laden down with 'Essential' post-race kit, packed metro trains with fellow 'support team' members also en-route to South Shields. Last year she met a bloke who was going to meet his (running) girlfriend - he had 4 kids in tow, two of which were in a buggy & a third on his back.....the 4th? - his little legs got some early training that day!! hahahahahahaha!

So, whilst all the best goes to the runners..... here's a HUGE "THANKYOU!!!!!" to all of those in our respective backgrounds that help to make it all possible anyway!

Cheers darlin', you're ace!  x

This year is my first 'charidee' entry on the GNR. Previous 2 occasions have been by gaining a place via the ballot. I missed out on the ballot this year, but was desperate to to prove (to myself) that i could match or beat my time (1hr 47 - pb) So, i went down the charity route. I have to say, i won't be doing it again. I've always been cynical about these entries & the bulk of my fears have proved founded this year. Aside from the actual entry and a pants cotton shirt (after twice requesting a running vest) there's been no support/communication at all. (bear in mind vests were offered, so not asking for anything special)

Ok, so in terms of 'support', i'm kind of ok...i train alone & just put the miles in - i don't mind that bit. However, as i feel that i had a choice of plenty of other charities, the communication since choosing 'x' has been non-existant (Apart from "Join us in the tent at the end on Sunday"). Would be nice to get even a generic 'team' email to say "Hope all is good, here's the work we've managed to do" etc.

It just leaves me with a sour taste in my mouth to be honest. Yes, ive raised the minimum 'pledge' required....and they know that via JustGiving...but no 'Thanks' or 'Well done'.....just - "So, now how can you raise more???" THAT'S the biggest issue i have with the charity route. We train hard AND have the stress of raising funds - but for what in return?  Oh, maybe it's just me, but the fact that there are still charity places  available for GNR this weekend suggests that maybe some should be re-appraising their approach?

Sorry, maybe ive just got the 'carb-loading grumps' .... or else i've actually turned into my dad without knowing!