RUNNING AND FOOTBALL

Becky was running in the Newcastle Quayside 10k this morning so I made an early start so I could see her at the finish.  I checked the buses and had everything planned.  Got a bus at around 8.25am and got off at Gateshead Interchange.  Got on another bus which should have taken me down to the Gateshead Quayside and I would have crossed the river over the Millennium Bridge.  However due to road closures because of the run this bus went nowhere near the Quayside this morning.  So I had to get off in Newcastle and walk back down to the Quayside.  I had allowed plenty of time so I was at the finish in time to see the winner Sam Gebreselassie come through. His time was 29 mins. The elite runners had gone off at 9am. Becky was in the second wave and her start time was 9.20am.

I managed to spot Mike and Astrid and we stood near the finish line to look out for Becky coming through.  She came in strongly and her time was 45 mins 19 secs.   The weather was bitterly cold this morning so we soon headed for somewhere warm... ...The Pitcher and Piano.  Becky and Mike had cooked breakfasts and I had a coffee. Astrid was happy to munch on a hash brown. She said it was yummy.  It was lovely to sit and chat and have a catch up.  The place was quite empty when we arrived but it soon filled up with runners.

After that we went our separate ways.  Becky, Mike and Astrid were going to Retail World near Gateshead for some shopping and I was headed to St James Park as Newcastle had a home game - kick off 12.30pm.

I assumed ( and everyone else at the bus stop assumed ) that as the race was long since over that the road would be open to buses.  It wasn't,.  The app said buses were due but they never turned up. Waited around 15 mins and then decided I would have to walk up to St James Park.  Not something I would do by choice as its uphill all the way.  And of course it took longer than a bus would have done.  I did make it to my seat in time for kick off..... just

Newcastle were playing Bournemouth.  Although the weather was cold it was VERY sunny and for most of the match I had to shade my eyes with my hand just so I could see the action.  Mind you it might have been better to have my eyes closed as Newcastle were terrible. They certainly had an off day.  Outclassed by Bournemouth, sluggish, sloppy... etc, etc.  Final score Newcastle 1 Bournemouth 4.  Worst display I have seen from Newcastle for a long time.  However I stayed in my seat until the final whistle.  Many fans didn't and started heading out of the ground well before the end of the game.  I would never do that - I support the team win or lose.  But I hope next time I go its a win

Before coming home I popped into Tesco for a food shop.  Got a bus home without any problems. 

My main blip shot shows the Tyne Bridge, The Sage and The Millennium Bridge. My Extra shows the Finish area, Becky, her medal and the top 3 in the men's race on the podium

Steps today - 12,874