Graham’s Blog – The Robin Hood Half-Marathon

ROBIN HOOD, NOTTINGHAM – 24.09.2017 – THE PERFECT START

Well, the activities to mark Double Impact’s 20th birthday are now underway with my first of twenty half-marathons completed in Nottingham, where our charity was founded.

What a day to run the first one, if a little hot! Nottingham really did look at its best in the September sunshine, especially along the Embankment (nothing to do with it being mile 13!). It was an emotional day, seeing thousands of people running for so many different causes, including our own. It was a privilege to be part of such a powerful train of good will, fantastic energy and public support.

Thanks to everyone who has made a donation so far and to my support team of family, colleagues and friends who came along to give a shout of encouragement on the day – with a special thanks to Lisa Emmerson, Double Impact’s HR manager, for pacing me to a new Personal Best (not to mention the 600 miles of training in preparation!).

THE MORNING AFTER

Already the anxiety about getting through the next few has started. Will my blisters heal in time? Will I get any feeling back in my thighs? And when will I stop having bad dreams about the steep hills still to come (Glasgow, Birmingham and Worksop not well known for flat running)?

So – rest day today, followed by training runs on Tuesday and Wednesday. Another chance to stretch my legs at the Nottingham City Business Club’s Charity Golf day on Friday, where Double Impact will be the benefactor! Then it’s straight to my hometown of Glasgow for another 13.1 miles on Sunday in the Great Scottish Run. More from that one next week.

Best moment – getting a new Personal Best of 1:48:40.

Silliest moment – singing ‘That’s Amore’ on the downhill stretch out of Wollaton Park – and getting others to join in – swiftly followed by Lisa saying to me – ‘You run ahead’ !!!

One down – nineteen to go – thanks for reading.

If you would like to support Graham’s 20th anniversary fundraising campaign, please click here.