Well we did it! Our eighth Great North Run is now in the bag!

Amazingly, the sun has shone for the eighth consecturive year on the trot on this special day, although the air was quite cold, especially first thing when you're waiting nervously at the start.....

Louise had been full of a cold all week and didn't feel very well and was concerned about running on the day. Also our friends couldn't make it this year so it was just the two of us. We normally run at different paces, and I knew she would be fine but decided to run with her just to keep an eye on her despite her urging me to go ahead. We ran a steady pace all the way to the end (10 minute miles) and I think the circuit training and not running all on the flat this year helped. My knees were stiff after abouut 10 miles and Louise had to take shorter steps on the last big climb through South Shields to the sea front, but being able to see the sea is always a relief......even though there is another 1.1 miles to run along the coast road!

We both crossed the line together in an unoffical time of just over 2 hours 14 minutes - just need to check that she hasn't actually got a better time than me ;-) We got back in time to watch the Red Arrows do their amazing display at the end.

As always it was a fantastic day, seeing all 52,000 runners pushing themselves to reach their own personal goals and to raise such a lot of money for so many charities. The support we all receive from the spectators is amazing so a big thank you to everyone up there in the North East.

We don't just do it for the fun, we do it for a good cause and I'm pleased to say we're well on the way to raising £500 for Christie's Hopsital, and thats not including the £100 or so of gift aid that will be added on top of that.

We both want to thank all the UKAutotalk members who supported us by sponsoring us, some of whom we've never met, these include Dave Harney, Peter Wright, Mark Murhpy, Brian Cowan, Andy Amor, Rob Sculfor and Mike Whitworth. Whilst Christie's Hosiptal is world famous for its cancer treatment and research, we do appreciate that it is a regional charity and are therefore amazed that support has come from all over the UK and Republic of Ireland and not just the North West.

Just another two to reach the magic 10 ;-)

Thanks again to everyone for their support. Don't forget our web page on JustGiving will continue to accept donations until the end of the year so, don't think you've missed the boat, there is plenty more time to do it.

Regards

Sean & Louise

P.S. We've updated the picture on the JustGiving web page to one taken at the end of the run back in our B&B showing us with our medals. Hopefully Christie's will have updated their website soon with the pictures they took at the end of the race. I'll include the link when they've done that.