Graham’s Blog – Nottingham, Holme Pierrepont (04.12.2017)

When this run was added to the 20 Half Marathon schedule, I imagined the usual very windy conditions that the National Watersports Centre at Holme Pierrepoint in Nottingham can bring. On the day it turned out to be the exact opposite with very calm conditions on a completely flat course, and thoughts of another personal best started to enter my mind. The many runners who had dressed for the occasion certainly gave the day a Christmas-y feel, as did the glow-in-the-dark Christmas tree finishers’ medals.

A CHRISTMAS RUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY

Whether you were running the 1 mile fun run, 5k, half or full marathon, this run had something for everyone. It was great to see the number of families there who it seemed were covering all the distances between them. Even Santa Claus was there – although I’m not sure if my request for fresh legs at the half-way stage made it onto the Christmas list! Maybe I didn’t need them, as I soon recovered to run a new best time of 1:43:03! A special thank you to Eleanor, our Business Development Manager and her son Jamie for joining in the challenge by taking on the 1 mile run, and for being my race day inspiration.

Best Moment – For those of you that have ran around the lake at Holme Pierrepoint you will not be surprised to know that starting the last lap of four- and- a- half was easily the best moment. Added to this, just as I set off on the final Lap I received some great words about the impact of our charity from a fellow runner. It turns out that her husband had received support from one of our services and she just wanted to say thank you – her comments made me feel like I was running on air for the last lap.

Most Unusual Moment – As we were walking to the start area one of the runners got out a bottle of red wine and decided to have a glass. Not the best idea I’ve ever heard as he explained to his friends, “Well it is Christmas after all”. Hope he got round safely!

IKANO ROBIN HOOD HALF MARATHON – OUR BIG NEWS!

We are very proud to announce that Double Impact will be one of the Local Charity Partners at the 2018 running of the Robin Hood Full, Half and Mini Marathons. So there is no excuse now to start aiming for our 20th Birthday Final Half-Marathon Celebration at the end of September 2018. More details – robinhoodhalfmarathon.co.uk

NEXT RUN

Next up it’s the ‘Turkey Trot’ in Keyworth, as I attempt two half-marathons in a week (for the second time). I’ll need to clear up a chest cold before Sunday if that’s to go ahead. I’ll keep you posted on Twitter @DI_Recovery & @DI_Runs. Six down – fourteen to go – thanks for reading…

GET INVOLVED

If you would like to join me in running for the Charity’s 20th Anniversary please contact me or if you would like to make a donation to the campaign please click here.