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The Blaydon Race Blog

A bit belated I know, but eventually I've got around to blogging about Blaydon.

As people who know me will know, me and Blaydon have never got on - I've done the race 3 times before, but never enjoyed it. 2010 was my first go and I hadn't trained anywhere near enough and I hadn't appreciated how much of a try hard race it was. 2012 was the year that it chucked it doon and Scotswood Road was under watter, which is nee good for gadgees like me with glasses on. 2014 was a bit traumatic too as it had been me Nanna's funeral in the afternoon, so wasn't in the best frame of mind.

Having said that, each year had seen progress time wise from an awful 82 mins (& 3rd last in 2010) to 64 mins in 2014.

This year was a little different though as Wor Bri was also doing Blaydon - now if yer divvent knaa BRI, he's our #gancanny coach and still running into his early 80's. It's fair to say that he's part of my running inspiration, as well as being our coach and all round good guy. I was determined that I was going to enjoy it this time.

The day went very well at work and I felt very confident ahead of the race. We met up in Newcastle and had a couple of photos before we headed onto the start line. Brian was determined to do it on his own and he went in with the club runners whilst I went in with the masses.
Me & Wor Bri at the start in Newcastle

It was a much better event for me this time and I can eventually say that I enjoyed a Blaydon Race. It was very hot heading along Scotswood Road, but the steady down hill incline kept me going. Once you headed ower the watter, there was some shade and the water station to top you up. The final straight alang Chain Bridge Road was very jolly with some great camaraderie amongst the lads and lasses, before we headed into Blaydon Toon and down to the finish.

As usual, the Ellis support team were on hand to cheer me in. Obviously, we stopped back for Wor BRI to come in - God knows where I passed him, but the sun was blazing doon, so it could have been anywhere. It was great to see him & have a little Coach & Student moment at the finish.

It was a great event and I was even more chuffed with my time of 59.59 - cracking the hour barrier, just !

So, I'm delighted to say that I loved the Blaydon Race this year and I'm looking forward to trying to get a place again for the 2016 race - I'll see ya's doon the Big Market on the 9th June :-)
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Heading to the finish at Blaydon

Me & Wor Bri after the finish - credit to Dominic Ellis for some great photo's

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