Thank you all so much for your kind and generous donations, I really appreciate each and every one of them, They have certainly made all my hard work and training worthwhile.

Here's a little story of my day

Finished 29501st in 2.25.54

243 in my age gender group (55-59)

1049 age result

10048 gender result

I cannot believe that’s I’ve done it, over the past 32 years I've watched the GNR on TV, I've watched the boys graduate from the Junior Runs to the main one, each year I've  sat and cried and said I would love to take part, but 2012 a week before my 60 birthday, I've made that dream come true. Considering I haven’t run since school I am immensely proud of my achievement.

 

The day was awesome from beginning to end; in fact I was surprised it was over as quickly as it was. The friendly banter while we were waiting to start was brilliant. We were all first timers right at the back so you can imagine how nervous we all were.I met people from Ireland, Wales, Manchester and Derby.It was 40 minutes before we went over the start line, as you can imagine we were just desperate to get going.

The atmosphere was everything I had been promised it would be, the crowds were phenomenal and kept you going when you started to flag. Going over the Tyne Bridge was one of those iconic moments. It was 1.30 when I reached South Shields and the crowds were still huge and still cheering you on. They had been standing there for hours in the rain,giving out sweets and ice pops and high fiving you as you ran.Loved it when they actually shouted your name- it's amazing how when you here a complete stranger shout "Come on Lynn you're doing really well" makes you work that little bit harder. Thank you to each and everyone of you who were there supporting every runner.

 

The Red Arrows at the beginning always makes me cry but then to top the lot, I was onto my last mile running along the front when they finished their display and did their final flyover was fantastic. A very special moment I will treasure forever.

The bands at every mile were fabulous and you no sooner heard  one finish and you could hear the next one in the distance, spurring you on. Some fabulous drumming bands especially one just after the Tyne Bridge. After the Olympic Opening ceromony I would love to start drumming. Must find out who they were.

Reading peoples messages on their backs was both humbling and tear jerking and showed that almost everyone has a sad story to tell.

 

I had a lovely cup of coffee in the Breast Cancer Care tent and a couple of bags of M&M’s. But unfortunately didn’t find anyone doing any massage so my legs feel like two dead trees today. I really need to go for a walk and get them working.

Instead of hanging around and soaking up even more atmosphere I decided to head home wrapped in my space blanket which someone kindly helped me on with- told them I wasnt very domesticated so had never wrapped and turkey up before, I headed for the buses- thank you James for telling me about them. So much easier than waiting for the metro, waited about 15 mins before I was on a warm bus chatting to a first timer from Crook who had got exactly the same time as me.

Must admit I’m having a bit of a duvet day today with the dogs as feeling like a washed out rag- not surprising really! I've got no appetite and I lost 4 lbs yesterday so I'm sure I should be eating lots of carbs and protein to replace it all.

It was a brilliant day and I've already registered for next year so might even try and get a few more friends to join me.

Thank you all again once again.

Lynn

xxxxx

Only 3 more sleeps then the big day arrives. I've got constant butterflies, I'm so excited but absolutely petrified !!!

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I've always said I wanted to do the GNR before I was 60 ( I'm 60 in September) and not being able to run for toffee I never thought this would be achievable. However after making a rash statement at the Gym I applied to the ballot on the last weekend. I  never expected to get a slot and lo and behold I got one!!!!! I was shocked to say the least so thought I better start training.

It's now the middle of June and I'm loving it. I'm up to 8 miles ,and getting faster and fitter all the time. I've done a couple of charity runs and looking forward to the Race for Life in July.

I'm keeping up my promise so now its your turn to help me.I'm going to raise money for two charities. Firstly Breast Cancer Care, several friends and colleagues have been diagnosed and had their breast cancer succesfully treated. Particulary Pat a dear and special friend, who's coming up to her 5 year clear, I just cannot imagine my life without her around so I'm eternally grateful for her recovery.

My second is offline for 'Contact Morpeth' a charity set up for mental health service  users and their carers.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.