07 October 2008

Dear RTTB Team

Dear RTTB Team,

I had a terrific day on Sunday (although it's taken me a while to get over the pain to realise!). As I have said on the forums, the transport and weather problems didn't make for a great atmosphere, but I thought it was great. Yes there were hiccups but it was the first London Half (we made history!), and me and my friend David Sandland (charity place for Leukemia) thoroughly enjoyed it.

We were there in time (after horrendous journey which took over 2 hours and 2 cabs, instead of tubes and less than 1 hour), facilities were plenty (toilets no problem), Banana Army tent (could have done with more ponchos) was great with coffee and jellies. We queued at the Help tent (wrong line) to collect his number and there were plenty of safety pins for those that forgot, as well as wrist bands to help track where you should be at mile markers to be within your target time. The mile markers were clear (saw all but one) and these were my focus (blurry focus at that!) and fortunately the timing chips worked even in the rain!

We started 8.30 over the start line which was no time at all (compared to previous 10ks I've run) and naturally we were soaked when we started.

The crowd, completely crazy to stand in that weather to support, were great, in particular the guy with the cowbell brought a smile and seemed to turn up everywhere!

With plenty of training I didn't expect a good speed, and problems with my knees made us slower than I would have liked, but with a finish (and almost collapse) across the finish line, we finished in 2hrs 35mins.

Collected medal, more water, goodie bag, collected bags no problem and got changed in the very vacant portaloos.

The times published are correct for us, and the sportcam photos are fab! Really in action.. can even see the pain on my face as I try to smile for the camera!

 I've enjoyed blogging which my friends also see on my Facebook, and have now had 1100+ views on the page where called 'I don't know why I thought I could do this'.

 Well I did!

Thank you RTTB - I got exactly what I wanted out of it: A major personal achievement for me and raised over £900 for Meningitis Trust.

Yesterday was a definite no, but today my legs are slightly less painful.. and I'm thinking.. maybe next year ;)

Best wishes and good luck for next year,

Tracy

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Comments

# Border said:

I think RTTB ought to give you an extra medal for all your motivational posts etc!!  I was in the last hundred or so to finish, but without reading your stuff, I probably wouldn't have even turned up for the run (under prepared, stinking cold for two weeks prior etc).  So I just want to say Thankyou Tracy Bliss!!

Tuesday, October 07, 2008 6:48 AM
# TracyBliss said:

Oh Border! Thank you so much! The blog actually kept me going and even on Sunday I was blogging in my head (think it's called 'the voices'!).

I wondered who reads my blogs as the ratings shot up in the last 2 weeks.

I'm so pleased I helped and it wasn't just self-pitying and self-motivational drivel I was writing.

Well done on completing it. Today I'm actually thinking about entering next year ;)

Will you do further runs? You've come this far! x

Tuesday, October 07, 2008 7:03 AM
# Border said:

Against my better judgement (!), I have already put my name down for next year, when I hope to start and finish surrounded by a few more peeps!    Hopefully it will be better organised, I will take my own music etc etc.   Decided I would get a place now, rather than find no places left later on (logic or madness, who knows!).

Hope the pain has gone, I couldn't walk too well yesterday, but did a jive class last night and ice skating this morning..still, I did walk at least half of the RTTB.....

Tuesday, October 07, 2008 7:20 AM
# TracyBliss said:

OFGS! I have to do it now then don't I? ;) Am registering right now.. just trying to decide if I can improve my entry time :)

Yes.. knees lots better thanks, just thigh muscles and mental pain now ;)

jive AND ice skating! Your poor legs.. aren't you mean to let them recover, even from walking half the RTTB? I'm resting now until Saturday when I hope to be back at the gym (after celebratory curry on Friday night).

T

Tuesday, October 07, 2008 7:43 AM
# TracyBliss said:

Dear Border,

Motivated by motivating you.. me and my friend have signed up again ;)

Thank you for the push!

Tracy x

Tuesday, October 07, 2008 10:16 AM
# Border said:

This time next year ......

Tuesday, October 07, 2008 11:36 AM
# TracyBliss said:

So soon Border? ;)

Tuesday, October 07, 2008 3:07 PM