I've only run at 3 events, 2 x 10ks and 1 x 5k, all of these organised by a very friendly local company, and set at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park. Fabulous fun, great animal themed medals and tee shirts! About 1200 runners. I'd watched last year's Great Manchester Run on tv and thought I'd enter; it looked good fun and a very different experience.
We drove to Chorlton and got the Metro in. Lots of runners on the platform and on the tram. Felt quite excited at this point. As we passed through Deansgate station I could see down onto the roads and oh my, soooo many people 😱 of course I knew there would be but actually seeing them made me question my decision. I run on my own, and this was on a different scale to my previous limited experience!! My OH, bless him, was amazing, telling me to just walk round the streets with the others to relax, we found a seat in St Peters Square and did a bit of people watching, all of which really helped. Just lots of people enjoying the sunshine, excited to run or sharing stories if they'd finished.
I was in purple wave, so last to go at 1254. So nice and hot 🌞😳🥵
Made my way to the pen. I'd been dreading this actually as I'm claustrophobic 🙈 but it was fine, everyone chatting to each other, taking photos etc. Got chatting to another lady, we tried to follow the warm up but could neither see nor hear the commentator so made our own routine up 😁
I had my Shokz on low as I wanted to hear what was going on but like my own music playing. Through the funnels and then....set off like an absolute fool, pulled along by crowds and a slight downhill 😄 I know, I know...had a proper word with myself at 3k especially as the heat was awful and there was v little shade. The upshot was I struggled in the middle section. An extra water station had been provided and I stood and drank to have a still moment (tbh I've never mastered the art of drinking on the move). I'd also got Tailwind with me as I thought it would help in those conditions (it did!).
Picked myself up at about 7k but boy, it was hard, the heat was energy sapping but the crowds were brilliant. Took a little while to get used to people shouting my name lol. The last 1k was just great, and the noise to the finish was something else.
Queued to get my goodie bag which had my medal, finishers tee shirt, water, protein bar, and jar of vit C tablets inside. My OH was waiting by the side to ply me with Lucozade, sweets, sausage roll (that hadn't been in the bag before 😂😂) and water.
By this time Manchester was in full party mode 🥳 and Man City supporters were out in force. Rather unsportingly I just wanted to go home 😆
I thought I was taking it all in en route but saw not one photographer, other than those at the finish line. However there are 18 of me 🤦🏼♀️ 🤷🏼♀️ !!
All in all it was a great day and I'm so pleased I did it. I have a ballot place at the GNR in Sep and I think this experience may really help in not being too overwhelmed when I'm there.
Back to my country lanes tomorrow, rather glad to be home 😊 x
Great Manchester 10k
A Generation Thing (sorry it's a long one) 
Great North Run 2019 report, I would call that a success!!! 
great manchester run
