Thursday 15 March 2012

Paris Half Marathon - 4th March 2012

So, after a little jaunt on the Eurostar to Paris, we arrived ready for the Paris Half Marathon that lay ahead of us.  Saturday involved lots of sightseeing and walking, which in hindsight wasn't so wise, as my feet killed by the end of the day.  The "carb loading" was good fun though.  Bryony managed to swing an entry at the last minute, as someone from her running club could not run.  So after a bit of a mystery "rendezvous", with a man that neither of us had met, in the middle of Paris, running numbers were exchanged and for one day only, Bryony was now "Mike".......





The run was around most of the areas that were SE of the centre of Paris and its famous landmarks, but with over 25,000 people participating and some slow miles at the beginning, it was hard work.  It was clear to see that no PB was going to happen, so we did our best to lap up the experience and the "Allez, Allez....." spurred us on, as we were feeling the effects of some tough running over the month.


With the run complete and a body that was aching, it was only really then that I could look back and say how pleased I was of the achievement.  This was more than trying to get a PB, or getting mileage.....my knee hurt, my feet hurt, but it was all worth it for these two pictures here.....


My Mum and Dad had never been to Paris in their life and to share this weekend with them and Bryony, knowing that I was also raising money for a great cause, made this trip all the more special. 


The training is really going to be kicking in over the next few months and all the support that anyone can offer me will be just what I need to spur me on when the going gets tough. So, if you haven't donated yet, what are you waiting for...........?


Many thanks for reading.

John

Pink Place vest gets a "makeover" for Paris!

So, I couldn't go to Paris and not make a real effort, could I?

Thanks to the amazing work of one of our art teachers (http://www.sianstorey.com/), I was now "dressed to impress", ready for Paris Half Marathon.....