9.2 and My Running Route has been Stolen (and bombed).

[Runon]

For over 9 weeks I have been running alongside or on MY Beach. I have rehearsed in my head what the final runs along this beach would feel like as I pass the Life Boat Hut cheering wildly under the gaze of a BBC Outside Broadcast Unit. But perhaps this is not to be. Today, access to My beach is denied - there are barriers and barricades everywhere - it is the Southport Airshow and 2 miles of My beach and all access roads are closed. One reason is safety - planes dropping explosives on the beach is not good for runners as they can cease to exist or fall into the bomb craters, and the other more important reason is to prevent non paying members of the public seeing the show… But I’m darned if I’m paying good money to run on My beach - I have a right to run unmolested/untaxed/unobstructed on My beach - Magna Carta says so. Even so...

I am stopped at the barricade by a man with a small moustache intent on preventing me gaining access to My beach.

But now with a smirk on my face I present my ’Airshow Staff/Trader Pass’ which I managed through devious and despicable means to appropriate yesterday. Mr. Moustache looks at my attire, hesitates as the cogs of his brain attempt to work out exactly what kind of staff/trader dresses like this and finally realises that in spite of his better judgement he must let me proceed.

So run 9.2 was run amongst camouflage nets, sideshows, hot dog stands, military guns, some old and new planes, helicopters, military personne, four further attempts to stop me (I tried not to break pace) and Uncle Tom Cobbly an’ all.

It was an absolute joy and I found myself thinking ‘Ain’t Life Grand’. I just hope they manage to get all the barricades down for My Run of Runs - The Grand Finale, next week - on second thoughts perhaps they should leave them up to hold the spectators back!!!

PS. I'm actually very lucky to have the Southport Airshow on my doorstep, once you get over having your window panes rattled by low flying bombers - it is on today and tomorrow.

PPS. Dear BBC - you might wish to consider televising the Grand Finale of 'Runon’s Run of Runs C25K Special Reality TV Sports Event Spectacular'. The tv rights may be acquired for a mere £…..

[AncientMum Graduate]

My goodness! An exciting run dodging Jobsworths, spectators, bombs and low flying aircraft. Think that should definitely be on telly, maybe in a Roadrunner cartoon Congratulations on doing w9r2 under such extraordinary circumstances. Only one more to go. How on Earth are you going to top today's run though?

[Runon Graduate in reply to AncientMum]

Joking aside AncientMum, and with an element of humility that is unusual for moi - I think achieving The Final Run of C25K will probably be enough in itself. If anything I suspect it will be just a little sad as I have enjoyed the journey and challenge so much that I shall be sorry to see it over

[Slookie Graduate]

Wow! Dramatic photo. Well done for stretching authoritative bungee ropes. Hope you were selling tickets for your grand finale along the route?

[Runon Graduate in reply to Slookie]

Now there's an idea - I shall return this afternoon and see If I can persuade Mr. Moustache to buy one :))

[Mobo40runner Graduate]

Brilliant stuff! What an exciting run you had!

[Runon Graduate in reply to Mobo40runner]

It was indeed - one of the delights was that there was so much unusual stuff going on and barrier people to avoid that I got completely distracted from gremlins, elves, etc.

[serendipitygal Graduate]

Oh Runon, that has made me smile: in my head, i also saw you rolling over and jumping up behind an aeroplane, running under a pile of camouflage netting to escape those trying to stop you, I saw you crawling through tarpaulin as people with walkie talkies ran around trying to find you and then doing a climb and absail over a hugboarde piece of ...Lord knows why ( I am seeing it as an assault course) lol but thats what I saw.

Well done you!

I do like a cheeky, defiant nature and Love that you fooled Mr Moustachio at the entrance so as to complete your run.

Your final run will be tame in comparison

[Runon Graduate in reply to serendipitygal]

Serendipitygal - you have sixth sense - there is indeed an assault course on the beach but I'm afraid I did give that a miss I like your imagery here though - my run takes on the qualities of Mission Impossible combined with Run Fatboy Run!!! :))

[serendipitygal Graduate in reply to serendipitygal]

That should be huge piece of board :/

[Runon Graduate in reply to serendipitygal]

I like a hugboarde - sounds medieval or is that mediaeval?

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Crickey! Well done to complete despite all those obstacles. I hope your graduation run doesn't feel too tame by comparison.

[Runon Graduate in reply to Ullyrunner]

Ah thank you Ullyrunner. This lovely weather helps a lot. Everything is so much more fun in the sun For me my graduation run will be the pinnacle of millions of years of evolution now how could that be tame :))

[GettingFitter Graduate]

Great post. Glad you didn't let aircraft and bombs get in the way of completing your run. Look forward to your next one and graduation.

[Runon Graduate in reply to GettingFitter]

Thanks GettingFitter. I started my run next to an old Spitfire and the owners were playing the Battle of Britain theme - inspirational - I felt like holding my arms out and pretending to be a plane.

[c4ts Graduate]

Great post and photo - enjoy the Grand Finale

[Runon Graduate in reply to c4ts]

Thank you c4ts - but what to do after the grand finale? New horizons C25K+ ??

[c4ts Graduate in reply to Runon]

Definitely C25k+ I only really like the Speed podcast - might be that I tried to do one of the other ones the week after graduation failed miserably and never dared to go back. Parkrun if you have one nearby - my nearest is 30+ miles so just do it occasionally, but have ended up doing lots of races - and stepped it up to 10K with the help of local running club.

I only ever followed the programme to do a Race for Life as a New Year resolution set by a friend and did not think this was where it would lead. Perhaps your beach could inspire you to go running other beaches. I had a lovely run at Saunton Sands after a recommendation from the Truffes on this site.

[Runon Graduate in reply to c4ts]

What a tremendous idea - searching ourt other beaches - I shall become a beach runner! The idea really appeals to me as I simply love being by the sea. I'm joining my local running club this coming Wednesday - bit scary but I've come this far and ain't no stopping me now!

[misswobble Graduate]

Run of Runs! Tee hee.

I know! Jobsworth stopping you getting on your beach. Cuh! Beggars belief. What's blighty coming to! Explosives! Oh well then. That explains it.

I got stopped going into my park last Sunday and a man told me to use the other gate. I told him I preferred this gate as it was the one I had walked to specifically, it being closest to my house. He had his orders so rather than climb over it I walked round the corner. LOL I'm more well-known for squeezing under park gates but that's another story.

[Runon Graduate in reply to misswobble]

Now that sounds like a tale to be told. It is a pity that there are still a few people in this world who would prevent others enjoying life - but we runners know different - don't we

[Clara29 Graduate]

Haha! This is taking 'keep calm and carry on' to new heights! Good luck on 9:3

[Runon Graduate in reply to Clara29]

Many thanks Clara - I'm hoping it's all downhill from here on - literally!!!

[Hidden]

Oh, that wasn't the crowd for your graduation run then. I'm a bit disappointed by that !! Sounds like the penultimate one was fun anyway, you had plenty of interesting stuff to look at on your way. What larks..!

[Runon Graduate in reply to Hidden]

No Henpen - this crowd seemed to think a few planes and Red Arrows tottling about in the sky was more important than my penultimate run - tsk tsk - no pleasing some people!

[atomic]

Oh my!

That's what I call a distraction - no complaining about a boring or uninspiring route here! Did you run with goggles and a scarf jauntily flapping over one shoulder?

I think you should definitely organise some sort of commemorative flyover for your graduation run... seagulls maybe?

Well done, and all the best for W9R3 - I'll be watching out for your post

[Runon Graduate in reply to atomic]

What a completely mad image you conjure up - I love it

[ju-ju- Graduate]

blimey thats tough...and why on earth would anyone want to watch that ( not you...the bombs and horrible war things)? I hope it clears up for you soon

[Runon Graduate in reply to ju-ju-]

You are so right Juicyju - people have the opportunity to watch my 'one man running display team event' thingy and they would rather watch a lot of things that go boom & bang & olufsen. Humph!

[poppypug Graduate]

Oh Runon, amazing post, ammmaaaaazing

You would've thought they would have asked for your okay before they took over YOUR beach. Tsk and a Pah !

It does sound very exciting though, it looks like a Top Gun / Rambo movie with you in the starring role ha ha Hey, I doff my cap in admiration to you for blagging it with Mr Moustache, fair play to ya .

How are you going to top this for your Run of Runs though ? I think you should parachute in pre-run and then dive off Southport Pier as an encore

Marvellous stuff , big pat on the back , and the post of the day award for you , me thinks xxx

[Runon Graduate in reply to poppypug]

Thank you Poppers - you are very kind - the parachuting should be OK if I can remember which toggle to pull but the diving off the pier - well the sea goes out a very long way and generally the pier fails to meet the water, in short it could be a very hard landing on damp sand But I am really beginning to enjoy running on damp sand or off road or off piste or whatever. The only thing I can say about Messrs Cruise and Stallone is that I am the same height as one of them and gave up acting after my accident in the University Drama Production.

Thank you for my post of the day award - it will go in pride of place with my (hopefully) graduate badge, and the EMMY and OSCARs (I wish!) XXX

[poppypug Graduate]

Ha ha, when is the Run of Runs taking place ? xxx

[Runon Graduate in reply to poppypug]

Could depend on TV Contracts and the speed at which the Council can get the barriers down and the red carpet out - but given a fair wind and without making any commitment but to answer your question as directly as possible within the parameters and guidelines of the 'NHS C25K Running In Exterior Geographical Locations with the UK' document section 23.8, I'd say without a shadow of a doubt, probably MONDAY circa 08.16 hrs. XXX

[poppypug Graduate]

Cant you be a bit more specific ? Bit vague that Runon

Okay I will get my posh frock out of the freezer and the lobster thermador from the dry cleaners .

I trust that the highly acclaimed , award winning newspaper " The Southport Champion " are aware of the Run of Runs ? Oh I bet you will be listed as a main attraction on the " Come to Southport " website ! Fancy that ! xxx

[Runon Graduate in reply to poppypug]

Do not dress for the occasion dear Poppers - a small tiara will do. XXX

[poppypug Graduate in reply to Runon]

Oh okay, I'll just dress mi' lobster , or is it crabs that wear dresses ? xxx

[Runon Graduate in reply to poppypug]

I'm not sure Poppy - t'is been a while since I have watched The Little Mermaid - I'm sure there must be crabs in dresses in that! Besides Fishcakes will do

[Toonlou24 Graduate]

OMG!!! That's a brilliant post!! Well done on completing the run safely!!! Amazing! Love it! And fab photo!!!

[Runon Graduate in reply to Toonlou24]

Thank you TL - I spent most of the remainder of yesterday helping out a friend at the airshow - my special pass did have a price in a way! Well done you on your first 30 mins - It is a tremendous feeling and I simply feel a lot healthier for it. I fear my 'Grand Finale Run of Runs' will be a little anticlimactic, just a small affair - a few Royals or football type persons perhaps!

[Hidden]

What an amazing run! The things we see when we are out running! Good luck for your graduation run, what time shall I turn the telly on?

[Runon Graduate in reply to Hidden]

It will almost certainly be on CNN - they are always onto the important world shattering stories. The BBC only seem interested in football

Seriously though - having a lot of distractions really does help!

[moger Graduate]

thats a great post no need for one of those rat races

[Runon Graduate in reply to moger]

Thanks Moger - definitely no rat races :))

[runningknitter Graduate]

What a fantastic post - I loved it! Good luck for run 3 - you are almost there!

[Runon Graduate in reply to runningknitter]

Thankyou running knitter - Yes just the Run of Runs to do now - Looking forward to my badge - do you make running hats?

[Ejbirdy Graduate]

You are a giggle dear , lovely read. Big mounds of luck for your finale - bring it home son , bring it home

[Runon Graduate in reply to Ejbirdy]

Many thanks EJ - I sure am gonna bring it home here - Hoopla!

[frannyfran Graduate]

Your post certainly made me smile. Retrospective well done as I suspect by now you have graduated!

[Runon Graduate in reply to frannyfran]

Hi Frannyfran - thank you - yes I am currently sitting in the virtual graduate common room with a well earned cup of virtual tea

[frannyfran Graduate in reply to Runon]

Congratulations and welcome to the Graduate club!

[Runon Graduate in reply to frannyfran]

Thank you Frannyfran - do we have a Graduate Club song. Don't tell me it's 'Julie' Argh!

[frannyfran Graduate]

Wouldn't know about that as I have never encountered Julie! I did all my training with a stop watch and a piece of paper telling me how long to run or walk.....

But maybe Chariots of Fire would be more appropriate after your exploits on the beach!

[Runon Graduate in reply to frannyfran]

I do like Vangelis and Chariots of Fire - you are wise to have avoided Julie!