I ran it three times in the 1990s - and it's well-known, at least in this country, as the 'friendliest' mass sporting event, a title with which I'd concur. It attracts world-class runners every year, nearly always including Olympic medal winners. It's terrific fun - with a feeling of 'oneness' and camaraderie which I certainly haven't experienced in any of the other running events I've participated in, including (just the once) the London (full) Marathon of 1997, a few years after which I started getting trouble with my feet which necessarily ended my regular morning runs.
The most famous name, probably, was (now SIR) Mo Farah, winning in 2015, and bowing out year before last with a very creditable finish of fourth place.
There was one time about 30 years ago I was attending some counselling training group and I happened to mention that I was travelling up to take part in the Run. One of the young ladies in the group who clearly had no notion of what the event was, at the end of our session said to me "Good luck, Ray. I hope you win!" My rather startled response to her friendly wish being "Win? I'll be lucky to finish in the first 15,000!" (I can't remember if I managed it, the number of participants then being something like 35,000, though most likely not - even then I'd probably have been over 50!).
So, as runners in today's event are now reaching the finishing line I'll return to bathing in nostalgic feelings and watch the closing stages with a wish of 'If only....' going round and round in my head. But I really am so happy for them all!😸
It does sound like fun, unlike so many other competitions. Congratulations to you for having run it all those years ago!
ReplyDeleteI miss it profoundly, Mitch, every single year when I watch it on TV live - and running generally too.
DeleteI didn't know you were a runner, and good on you for competing even if you did come in 15,000th!
ReplyDeleteI WAS a runner, Bob - no more, alas. Never mind running. I have to be careful with each step I WALK now. It's coming up to a year since I tripped over while WALKING (returning from the doctors, no less!) and breaking my left arm, fracturing my jaw and taking out several teeth. Heaven knows how many more such accidents I'd have had if I was still running as well. But all that said, I do constantly regret not being as active as once was, though bemoaning the fact is futile. We can't help ageing and sensibly having to put safety over risk - I s'pose it can't be anything less.
DeleteI didn't know you had been a runner either. I can imagine the feeling of nostalgia watching the run gives you. I always watch the London marathon (have done since the first one) even though I have never been a runner. I find it stirring seeing such huge numbers of people coming together and always imagine the atmosphere to be amazing.
ReplyDeleteRay,
ReplyDeleteThe camaraderie is the key. I've never participated in a "run." We have plenty of them here in Sussex County, Delaware. Almost anything is an excuse for a run here. Why don't I participate? I literally can't run. In high school, when I was in eleventh grade, I joined the track team. I ran the mile, high hurdles and cross country. Just about killed me. Athletic I am not. I'm good at camaraderie though. Enjoy!
Ron
I was never a sportsman either, Ron. At school, hated it - ALL sports! Only really started running when I was mid-forties, the motivation being that for health reasons I really MUST do something that exerts and pushes me. Sadly, that too has now gone out the window!
DeleteI never got into the running thing Ray because of all that banging of the joints. I tried it once and knew immediately that couldn't be good. Walking though I understand. Perhaps the best healthy thing to do for your body. Running is for the showoffs.
DeleteYes, I've heard that walking a lot is not only healthy but actually essential, especially for us oldies. I walk everywhere, though only really need to on two or maybe three days a week, otherwise I don't go out at all. However, since my tripping accident a year ago I do daily stretching and balancing exercises (and some TaiChi) on and off right through the day, every day - and do feel better for it.
DeleteI'm hoping to come in the top 20,000 (!!!!) in the Marine Corp Marathon. I can live with top 30,000.
ReplyDeleteAt our ages, B., it really has to be "It's the taking part that counts!" :-)
DeleteIt's very unusual for Ray not to come back and answer comments. I do hope he is okay.
ReplyDeleteRay, I hope you are okay. I am worried about your absence here. If you are able could you let us know that you are okay. x
ReplyDeleteI'm fine thanks, Carol. Just 2 hours ago (Sat) I got this laptop back from our local 'Laptop Repair Shop' where it had been since last MONDAY(!) with my request to upgrade its Windows10 to 11. They told me then that as they were snowed under it'd be several days before they could look at it. So, some days later I was getting really desperate, then at noon today they rang to say they couldn't do it, mine (already second-hand) was too old to take the upgrade, and that I'd need to get a new one, which (financially) is out of the question for the foreseeable future. So I've now got this old one back which, they say, should keep on working for a while yet. Can only hope!
DeleteGrateful thanks for your concern, which touches me deeply - and 'Ta' also for your comment on my (alas, all past) running experiences.
I do hope you are well too, as well as those around you.
Very best wishes,
Ray.
Oh, that is a relief. I am so glad that it was only a lap top problem. Good to have you back. I am fine, thank you, as are those around me, as good as we can be as we are not getting any younger.
ReplyDeletewhat a nice memory this is for you; thank you for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteIt's a poignant reminder which I repeat every single year (no exceptions!) by watching it on TV wth the inevitable lump in my throat and near-tears in my eyes - but I just GOT to do it!
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