Apologies

[RunBrianRun]

Apologies for not posting my concluding report from the European Masters Champs but life got in the way meaning I failed to write it. I’ve also failed to be around the forum too so will do a quick catch up on posts and reports today as I’m dog sitting for a friend and have lots of free time 😀

Anyway, here’s the headline news summary 😀

I was picked to run the last (glory) leg for the relay team and, despite a very strong Italian quartet, we won convincingly. The Italians had a couple of bad handovers and we were almost perfect. The Spanish team were third.

Truthfully, I don’t think I’ve ever been more happy or proud and even shed a tear at the end. What a fabulous team we were!

I’ve updated my profile picture with a very proud C25K runner on a rostrum with a gold medal while the national anthem is playing. 😊

My plans for next year are to try and avoid injury 🤞 and aim for the World Championships in Gothenburg in August.

For now it’s back to the gym, hills, and track to build strength, speed and resilience with a tough winter schedule ahead.

Well done to all who have had recent races and to all of you out there doing your thing getting fit and healthy. To anyone on the IC, I hope you recover soon, and that your comeback is even stronger than your setback (I got that quote from the back of my Brighton 10k shirt 😄)

Oh and for anyone that has read my other reports, here’s the missing 1 from those numbers. Weird eh?

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

Well that photo is keeper for sure Brian! I’d be balling my eyes out if I was ever (caveat, it’ll be never 😅) be in such a situation. 🏅

You’re excused writing your final race report, but if you do decide to, I have a comfy sofa, popcorn and beverages at the ready. I love your reports.

Happy training for your next endeavour. More medals are surely in your future. 🏅🏅🏅🏅

[RunBrianRun Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Thank you Cheeky. It was a very proud moment. 😊 I’m going to write the report anyway when I get a head of steam up; it’s just not at the moment sadly.

[misswobble Marathon]

as soon as I saw your post I was off in my toes to brew a ☕️. Now set to supping and eager to read 🤓

Great photo! 😍. Fantastico! One for the sideboard that is 🙂. You’re quartet looks the part! 💪🏅

I thought you might be planning some downtime but pleased to read that you’re doing the opposite 😁. I contemplated such nonsense first thing this morning when I couldn’t get out of bed ☺️😬

Gothenburg sounds like a mouthwatering prospect. There should be some food fan numbers there as they do like their track athletics from what I’ve seen on the telly 😀

Running hills in winter is a good way of keeping warm I always think. Free strength training too💪

Here’s to winter running leading to a successful 2024. Bring it on 👍

[RunBrianRun Half Marathon in reply to misswobble]

Thank you MW I’m sorry that my report hasn’t made it to live status yet. It’sa slow work in progress.,

There’s lots happening off the track for me on the winter training front at the moment. I’ve restarted Pilates but this time I’ve gone for a series of instructor led reformer Pilates which I’m sure will really help with stability and core strength. I’m also getting my heels blasted with shock wave therapy to finally try and put my PF problem to bed which is why I’m off track training this past 2 weeks.

I’m back in the gym and really upping my game in there with more focused sessions.

I’m looking forward to the new season with half an eye on Sweden 😀

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

No need for any apologies Brian! What a fabulous memory, one that will stay with you forever.

Brilliant result, wonderful photo, you’ve done us all (and the country!) proud 🇬🇧

And I love that quote!

[RunBrianRun Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Hey thanks IP 😊 It’s a great quote isn’t it.

[SueAppleRun 10 Miles]

No need to apologise 😀 it was worth waiting for. Life gets in the way at times, but that's why it's called life....we have to live it! Huge congratulations to you and the team for doing so well. So looking forward to reading about the road to Gothenburg and sending best wishes for a great journey. What a fabulous photo too

[RunBrianRun Half Marathon in reply to SueAppleRun]

Thanks Sue and I’ll pop in here with updates as I prepare. It’s great to see how your running is coming along. Super proud of you! ☺️

[SueAppleRun 10 Miles in reply to RunBrianRun]

Thanks Brian, while you're popping in places there's still a little hydrangea sitting on my kitchen windowsill, it's safe there till spring and if you decide you don't have time to plant it in amongst your training schedule I'll stick it in my garden 🤣

[RunBrianRun Half Marathon in reply to SueAppleRun]

Blimey!! Yes of course Sue. I’ll message you as I can pop in on my way back to Brighton this week.

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon]

Oh, that’s such great news Brian 🙂 - and definitely a photo to be proud of too! Congratulations!🙂👏🏅

[RunBrianRun Half Marathon in reply to Sandraj39]

That’s really sweet thank you Sandraj39 😊

[Dexy5 10 Miles]

We are so proud of you RunBrianRun , and you should definitely show off that gold medal wherever you can. The special thing about this one is that you were a team, and each one of you had a responsibility as well as a special part to play. Many Congratulations- I’m sure your mum has not stopped talking about it either.

[RunBrianRun Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

Thank you Dexy 😊 We had a great team spirit. Ronnie especially was an amazing guy. His Olympic squad experience really helped us all.

Mum has my medal hanging in her bedroom and she mentions it a LOT 😅

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

I'd love to have been there to cheer you over the line! What a C25Ker you've turned out to be!!! Massive congratulations 👏👏👏

I wonder what honours 2024 has in store for you?

[RunBrianRun Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Thank you Linda, it would have been great if you were there too! You might have laughed at my celebrations when I crossed the line though. 😂

I’m hoping to be even stronger next year. I have my goals and targets and these keep me focused.

[Katnap Marathon]

That's Life! Here's wishing you have more good karma coming your way 🍀

🐱 Katnap 🐱

[RunBrianRun Half Marathon in reply to Katnap]

thanks Katnap 🤞

[lexi6 10 Miles]

That's a great photo Brian congratulations to you and the team. Just awesome! 🥇

[RunBrianRun Half Marathon in reply to lexi6]

Thank you Lexi ☺️

[AlMorr Half Marathon]

A big congratulations to you Brian, great photo too, good luck for your training for next year. ✔️✔️✔️✔️

[RunBrianRun Half Marathon in reply to AlMorr]

Thanks AlMorr Training is well underway. 👍

[over61andstilltrying Half Marathon]

Congratulations to you, the whole team and all the support team too. Coaches, physios, massage people and many I don't know about. I wonder what the celebrations were like, the running journeys of the other members of the team and whether there were heats and semis before the final. I seem to remember that one of the GB sprinters was injured so I wonder whether he recovered or someone else joined the seriously speedy foursome. I perhaps shouldn't be asking questions, no need to reply.

Won convincingly! That must have felt amazing!

Brilliant achievement! And here is to injury free effective training to lead you to the next chapter of your running journey.

🏃🏻‍♂️🏃‍♂️🏃🏻‍♂️🏃‍♂️🥇🍾🥂👏🏻👍🌟 💥⚡️🎉😊

[RunBrianRun Half Marathon in reply to over61andstilltrying]

Thank you over61andstilltrying I love your thoughtful responses 😍 and you do ask some interesting questions which I don’t mind at ask. Any excuse to bore you all!

There are no heats or semis for the relays and yes, poor Stu pulled out of his 200 heat and is still recovering. Nasty tear in his hip flexor. We recruited another 400 specialist and he ran the shorter third leg. He did a good job and we were still just in front at my changeover.

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon]

Congratulations to the awesome foursome! I am reminded of Brendan Foster’s comment when he said something like “ I don’t think that I am even the best distance runner in Gateshead.” C25k has given so many people the opportunity to shine, and you have grasped that opportunity big time!

Great picture of a very special moment. We are really proud of you all; no wonder you went on a mini bender afterwards! Keep it coming Brian, but in your own time.🏆🥇👍

[RunBrianRun Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Thank you Beachcomber66 . That’s a great quote from Brendan. I still can’t quite shake off that imposter syndrome. 🤷‍♂️

I’m very grateful to C25K for getting me off my backside and giving me something to aim for. It’s helped so many of us and, even if we do get to a point where running is tricky or impossible, the mindset it instils is such that we will seek alternative forms of exercise wherever possible. Love it.

[Sandie1961 Half Marathon]

You absolutely deserve to feel proud of your achievements. An awesome finish to an amazing competition and World Championships beckoning. Go you, but enjoy basking in the glory for a little while first

[RunBrianRun Half Marathon in reply to Sandie1961]

Thank you Sandie1961 . ☺️ I will 😅