I run like a gazelle (not)

Goodness it was hot! I chose wrong with my bottom half and had trousers on with for too much and too heavy a material. Also, as it transpires, make me look like a fat old lady.

I took Clare's advice and refused to have anything to do with the group warm up. In the direct sun, leaping up and down like loons. I stood under a tree and did some careful streches. Then positioned myself right at the very front of the race to avoid the other 3299 people.

Both tactics worked a treat. All my aches and pains had gone, I was slightly shocked at everyone literally sprinting off but adopted my regular plodding pace in plenty of room. And it was all fine, I ran for most of ot, walked for a bit, didn't make a fool of myself and finished in 40.51. Not rocket speed, I grant you, but 2 mins faster than I did last Saturday and well inside my 45 minute self imposed limit.

Kardimomma and I missed each other completely (me running, her watching). After I had been home for 30 mins I texted her. I then got a surprised call, she was still standing waiting for me to come past!

Anyway, enough now. Thank you all so much for your very staunch support and encouragement, I am not planning on mentioning running again. I really appreciated all your comments, they have helped a lot. And I have raised £400! Am delighted with that, and that it is all over and that I actually did it in the first place. Yay me! (Not something I ever really think about myself)

And then we went to the beach for a picnic and the children had a swim. Very lovely.